Blue Band Makes Historic Selection for New Drum Major

The Penn State Blue Band’s drum major for 2025-26 is making history.

Ellie Sheehan, a fifth-year student from Hollidaysburg, is the first woman to hold the prominent leadership role in the marching band’s 126-year history. The band announced her selection as drum major on Thursday.

“I’m incredibly honored to serve as the Drum Major of the Penn State Blue Band for this upcoming season,” Sheehan said in a statement on the band’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. “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.”

Sheehan, a marketing major with a minor in digital media trends and analytics, has “served as a respected leader in the piccolo section through her dedication and passion for the Blue Band,” according to the post.

She succeeds Carson Pedaci, who served as drum major for the last two seasons.

Sheehan will lead the Blue Band and take her first front flip on the field at Beaver Stadium to kick off the 2025 football season on Aug. 30 when the Nittany Lions host Nevada at 3:30 p.m.