KU's First Drum Majors
The first drum majors for the University of Kansas marching band appeared during the tenure of J.C. McCanles (1906-34). McCanles used to lead the band himself in parades until, after a huge squabble with University administration, he decided to let someone else lead the band so he could retain his position as Director of Bands. However, the band's first experience with a drum major was not desirable to members of the band. McCanles had hired a professional drum major from Ottawa to lead the band. Members first objected because of the tradition the band had built so far with McCanles leading them. Also, the "imported prancer" from Ottawa did not impress the band at all with his leading the band in the wrong directions sometimes. The band decided that if the band needed a "shako" then it needed to be one of their own, and they subsequently elected Dwight Bridges from Norton and Frank Anneberg from Leavenworth as drum majors.