The Drum Major Society

THIS is

Your

Journey.

ABOUT US

Founded in 2007 after the tragic passing of Julie Ann Benken, former Drum Major and
Staff member volunteering with the University of Cincinnati. With a collaborative effort
between the Department of Bands and the Benken family, it was decided a venue be
created to preserve the legacy of Julie’s spirit as well as a formal recognition Society
for members of the band who served in this capacity. Drum Major Nick DelleCave
founded the Society and created a few official leadership positions within the
organization to work to seek out Alumni Drum Majors and host a reunion celebration to
recognize all those who served as Drum Majors.

Awareness

Community

Creating a sense of
community builds
excellence among our
students.

Sharing our passion for
the Conducting Arts
means sharing with
others and bring visibility
to educational
opportunities.

We provide ongoing

Training Education to

students interested in

growing in the Marching

& Conducting Arts.

Service

The Drum Major Society’s
workshop series on learning the
art of athletic conducting.

Whether you have never
conducted before, you’ve
recently been selected as a
Drum Major or are a seasoned
veteran looking for great
cleaning and leadership
development, the conduct.
Training Program has a path for
you!

1 | WHAT IS IT?

Our offerings are primarily available in
person in the Cincinnati, OH regional
area. In person classes are available on
the campus of the University of
Cincinnati.

For students abroad, we encourage you
to attend one of our Virtual Education
offerings. Both classes are offered at
similar times during the course of the
year.

2 | IN PERSON &
VIRTUAL

conduct. | Training Program

conduct.

All students and/or graduate
members who successfully
complete the conduct. Workshop
Series in person or virtual, receive
Society Certification. The certifies
you as having completed our series
and prepared to either audition for
the role with formal training or
prepares already selected Drum
Majors as being “Fall Ready” for
Marching Band.

3 | Did you say
certification?

In 2025, from the first session, students will be able to participate in either our Red or Black Team sessions. A small activity will be held to assess where students are so we can curate the proper path for them during the sessions.

1 | Choose Your Pace

Several workshops will have a combined
session time where students will enjoy
special guest speakers and additional guest
instruction suitable for both session groups.
This is intended to ensure continuity for all
skill sets.

2 | combined session

Report times (after the first session) will be
staggered based on where you are placed.
Our Staff worked tirelessly to identify times
that would be most suitable to students.
This ensures dedicated time on growth &
development for respective groups.

3 | Report Times

2025 | conduct. Training Program

Sign Ups for 2025 conduct. are CLOSED.

All students will report to the first session on Friday January 17th from 6-
8pm at the Rockwern Band Center on UC’s main campus for Information,
Introduction and Placement.

Virtual Sessions are also available!

2025 | What’s New

conduct.

Weeks	Black Group (5-6:30pm)	Combined (6:30-7pm)	Red Group (7-8:30pm)
Jan 17th	Intro & Finding Groups	---	Intro & Finding Groups
Jan 24th	Strong Foundation	Pep Tunes	DM Responsibilities
Jan 31st	Pregame	Leadership	Advanced Conducting
Feb 7th	Refining & Building	Intro to Score Analysis	Advanced Score Analysis
Feb 14th	Mid-Season Review	Pregame Review	Mid-Season Review
Feb 21st	Review + Individual Assignments	Auditions/ Leadership	Visual Review + Gameday
Feb 28th	OFF	OFF	OFF
Mar 7th	Field Day* + Assignments	Football/ Basketball 101	Field Day*
Mar 14th	Overall Review + Field Day*	DM Day in the Life	Overall Review + Field Day*
Mar 21st	OFF	OFF	OFF
Mar 28th	Final Pass & Review	Mandatory Event	Final Pass & Review

PAY NOW

After our first combined session, students will move into
two groups focusing on unique skill requirements
necessary to advance their education.

2025 | conduct.

2025 | conduct. Fees

$50

conduct. SCHEDULE

WAIVER

conduct. STAFF

$500+

The Society Club

Our top Giving Level is
the “inner-circle” of the
Drum Major Society. At
this level assist with
organizational goals and
purchases. These
gracious individuals are
afforded unique
opportunities to be
involved in the Society.
Here, members join an
“elite” club which includes
options not available to
other supporters.

Donate

$250-$499

Gold Baton Level

Upon issuance of our
highest award, The Gold
Baton, those donors will
be recognized for their
contribution within that
calendar year
understanding that the
award need not be given
every year.

$100-$249

Gold Whistle Level

Donors at this level
sponsor the graduating
Senior Gold Whistle
purchases for Drum
Majors which are
announced and the Fall
Gala Banquet or a local
Concert depending on
when each is given.

$50-$99

SILVER Whistle Level

At this level of giving you
sponsor the silver
whistles both practice
and performance used on
field by our Drum Majors
throughout the year. Meet
and greet opportunities
can be made available.

GIVING

Julie marched during her Sophomore year with band playing clarinet, before she was
able to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a college drum major in her Junior year at
the University of Cincinnati. Julie was one of her college drum majors for 3 years. She
was extremely proud to be one of the band’s drum majors. She was full of energy
and enthusiasm in her work with the bands, and even after graduation she continued
to work with the bands as a staff member. She always made friends, with active,
alumni members of the band, and high schools throughout the area.

Julie believed in education. She continued to complete her studies to earn a Master’s
Degree in Human Resources from Xavier University. It was a humorous story around
the house that she always said no matter what “I will never bleed blue!…. it will only
be red and black!!”

Just days before her 34th birthday, she lost her battle to cancer. The last 15 years of
her life we shared her with her second family, her college band.

She had Moxie, especially during her last 3 years of life. She continued to work full
time, attending band rehearsals, going to football and basketball games, and all of
her college band concerts.

JULIE ANN BENKEN

Member of the Year

Robert E. Muench MVP
Award

The Gold Baton Award

The Member of the Year is the highest
annually awarded service recognition
bestowed upon a member of the Society.
The winner is awarded the coveted Purple
Lanyard signifying the wearer as the best of
the best and our top service recognition.
This award may only be given to one
person and to that person only one time.
This award need not be awarded each year
based on the merit of the membership.
Individuals are selected for this honor by
previous recipients of the award. Only upon
unanimous support of the prior winners
may anyone be given such honor.

Renamed in 2013 after the passing of Honorary
Member Robert E. Muench, The MVP Award is
given to those Society Members who during the
fall season have proven themselves to have gone
above and beyond the call of duty. Additionally,
Mr. Muench was always the MVP for every home
and away game he attended during his long
tenure as a volunteer in Cincinnati. His legacy
demands high adherence to this level of support
and volunteerism. This award is given to that
member who has demonstrated superior
attainment of the ideals of the organization. The
Executive Director accepts nominations from
others in the Society and determines the
awardee based on that feedback.

The Gold Baton is the highest Award
bestowed upon a supporter of the Society
and its purposes. Possession of this item
signifies superior attainment of excellence
in one’s endeavors in support of the
Society, beyond outstanding contributions,
and an exuberant display of the spirit
necessary to merit such honor. This award
need not be awarded each year thus
elevating its esteem. Individuals are
selected for this honor by unanimous
acclamation ONLY. Only upon unanimous
support of the Society membership may
anyone be given such honor.

AWARDS | DRUM MAJOR SOCIETY

AWARDS

Rockwern Band Center

University of Cincinnati Campus

147 Corry Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45219

Contact Online