KU's First Female Drum Major
KU's first female drum major appeared in 1989 with the selection of Erica Neidlinger. Given the nature of the demands on being a "modern" KU drum major, this was considered by many to be quite an accomplishment. Erica became head drum major in 1992.
Dave Cramer has this to say about Erica: "On the topic of Erica, I understand that the woman in 1944 was a drum major, not a twirler, but I'd eat my cleats if she did anything near what the DM's do now. Erica busted a BIG barrier when she made it, make no mistake. (Women were not allowed in the band for a long period after WWII - not sure when- until Mr. Foster - or perhaps slightly before.)
"I come across pretty strong when talking about that "first female drum major" thing. When Erica first made it, the band office made a big deal about it. (Newspaper articles, announcements, articles in the University publications) THEN the news comes out about women in the band during WWII and the female drum major at the time. It really took the air out of Erica's sails... As she was (and is) a friend of mine, it bothered me too. She had to be REALLY good at auditions to get the spot (maybe better than if she had been male). To compare her achievement with her WWII counterpart is a bit like comparing NFL players to their strike replacements. Just my two cents... You can check out her form in person. I honestly believe she was of the (if not the) best drum majors I have ever seen."
