This fall, Ellie Sheehan, a fifth year marketing major, made history for being the first woman ever to serve as drum major of the Penn State Blue Band. In the band’s 125-year history, being a long standing symbol of school spirit and tradition, the Blue Band has never had a female drum major. That is, until now.
Who is Ellie Sheehan?
Originally from Hollidaysburgh, Pennsylvania, Sheehan has always had a passion for music. According to her father, who is also her former high school band director, being drum major for the Blue Band has been Sheehan’s dream since she was 8 years old.
Before this season, Sheehan had spent her last four years in the band building up both her playing and leadership skills. This past season, she served as a leader for the piccolo section, where according to her peers, she led with compassion, integrity and confidence.
The Blue Band Legacy
The Penn State Blue Band is a vital part of the university’s campus culture and game day traditions. Consisting of over 300 student members, it’s one of the largest collegiate bands in the country. Known for their precise formations, energetic performances and famous “floating lion” drill, the band represents Penn State at all of its major events.
Being the band’s drum major is no small feat. The role requires a combination of athleticism, musical expertise and exceptional leadership skills. As the drum major, it is that person’s responsibility to lead the band in their practices, parades and performances, all while serving as the face for Penn State’s school spirit.
Breaking Down Barriers
Sheehan’s appointment marks a groundbreaking moment not only for the Blue Band, but also for everyone who’s ever been told they can’t do it. Although women have long held leadership positions within the band, the drum major position has historically only been held by men.
“The Blue Band represents the highest levels of tradition, excellence and pride, and I am humbled to be a part of its history. I am so excited to support the band, build on the Blue Band legacy and represent Penn State with pride.” – Ellie Sheehan on the Penn State Blue Band’s Official Facebook account
Sheehan’s achievements mark a shift toward greater inclusion and representation in a space that’s steeped in tradition. As she leads the Blue Band in the 2025 football season, Sheehan stands as a role model, not just for musicians, but for all students who strive to make history in their own way.
We here at VALLEY wish Ellie, and the rest of the Blue Band, a great season!
Enjoyed the article? Follow us on Instagram, @ValleyMag, to let us know and stay up to date on all our stories!
I like this website because so much utile material on here : D.
I was just looking for this information for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this kind of informative web sites in top of the list. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.
As I web-site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling magnificent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
With everything which appears to be building within this particular subject material, many of your opinions are generally relatively stimulating. However, I appologize, because I do not subscribe to your entire idea, all be it exhilarating none the less. It would seem to everybody that your commentary are not entirely justified and in fact you are generally your self not thoroughly certain of your point. In any event I did appreciate examining it.
Quality articles is the important to invite the people to pay a visit the site, that’s what this web page is providing.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..
Almost all of whatever you claim happens to be supprisingly precise and it makes me ponder why I had not looked at this in this light before. This particular article really did switch the light on for me as far as this particular topic goes. However there is actually one particular point I am not too cozy with and while I try to reconcile that with the central theme of the point, allow me see what all the rest of your visitors have to say.Well done.
I got good info from your blog
Wohh exactly what I was searching for, appreciate it for posting.