When the Howard University Bison open their football season against FAMU at the Invesco QQQ Orange Blossom Classic, one of the most closely watched matchups won’t transpire during the game itself. It will instead unfold at halftime, when two historic HBCU bands take the field, both led by female drum majors. Howard’s Showtime Marching Band will be led by senior drum major Alana Howard, a health sciences major and human development minor from Detroit, Mich. FAMU’s famed Marching 100 will be led by Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede, who recently became the program’s first-ever female head drum major. The moment is tailor-made for Alana, whose calling card is simple: lead by example. “My responsibility is to lead the band, keep morale high, and model what it means to be a Showtime musician. You need the structure of a good leader to have a good band,” Alana said. Heading into the game, Alana’s assured demeanor is indicative of her vibe as drum major: bring the energy, do the work before th...