2024 Drum Major Halle McFarlane during the Tulane pregame performance. Photo curtesy of Kerry Page Photography.

OU recently announced Halle McFarlane as the 2025 drum major for the Pride of Oklahoma, following her successful season as the 2024 drum major.

McFarlane grew up a Sooners fan and has been attending OU football games her whole life.

She attended her first OU-Texas game during her freshman year of high school, where she witnessed the first woman lead the Pride onto the field, a moment that inspired her to pursue her own dream of becoming drum major.

That dream has now become a reality as McFarlane leads the pride into another season. 

OU has made significant strides in promoting diverse leadership across university organizations, specifically for women in previously male dominated roles. 

Julie Siberts made history as the Pride’s first female drum major in 2017. Since then, three women, including McFarlane, have followed in her footsteps. 

“She opened doors for so many women and I want to continue to advocate for that and show other girls you can do it too,” said McFarlane.

McFarlane said she feels she has a responsibility to continue to inspire women to chase after this role.

“A lot of the drum majors have all been male dominated and then getting to see more representation from women coming in is really cool,” said senior mellophone Chloe Harbuck.

According to OU band history, the Pride originally started as a pep band and grew into what we now know as the Pride of Oklahoma.

Last year McFarlane led the Pride into their 120th year celebration as the band’s 70th drum major and the second woman in the band’s history to serve in the position for two consecutive years.

McFarlane’s responsibilities as drum major go beyond leading the Pride on the field. Off the field, her positivity shapes the culture and spirit of the band.

“She is a great leader. She leads with positivity and kindness and that’s just her as a person,” said Pride Feature Twirler, Samantha Rizzo. “I think her being able to bring that into her job for the pride is really wonderful because it just makes all the more difference in everyone.” 

The Pride of Oklahoma strives for excellence in “musicianship, academics, school spirit, and commitment” to the community, qualities that must also be present in its leadership.

McFarlane views her role as one of service, emphasizing that leadership goes beyond a title.

“To me I represent the band. I represent all 350 of these amazing musicians and people,” said McFarlane. “It’s not about being the leader or having the title, it’s about representing the university.”

The Pride of Oklahoma logo features the drum major performing the iconic pregame strut. The image not only represents the band, but OU tradition as well.

“The drum major is the most iconic part of the pride,” said drumline section leader Preston Smith. “The drum major is the logo we put on everything that says ‘The Pride’.”

Having already earned the respect of Sooners fans, her return to the position marks a continuation of success.

“The Pride has had a tremendous impact on my life, my character and overall growth as a person,” said McFarlane. “It’s not just the four years you’re in this organization, it’s a lifelong family.”

McFarlane said she is looking forward to another opportunity to lead the Pride on and off the field, and continue to build on the organization’s tradition of excellence.