Drum Major is the leader of a marching band , drum and bugles corps , or pipe band. The Drum Major is usually positioned at the head of the Band or Corps and is the figure who stands out in the public eye.

The Drum Major is responsible for providing commands either verbally , through hand gestures , or with a mace in the military or with whistle commands or a baton in the US civilian bands to the ensemble regarding where to march , what to play , and what time to keep. They are often dressed in more ornate clothing than the rest of the Band or Corps.