Mike Burke

History of The HBCU Drumline

By most accounts, the first-ever black college football game, played in Salisbury, N.C, in December 1892, had a festive, picnic-like atmosphere not much different from the mood of the games today. But something was missing.

What was missing? The staple of today’s black college football halftime—the drum major opening the show by high-kicking his way to midfield then doing his trademark back bend until his head touches the ground; the marching band struttin’ onto the field with superb instrumentation and intricate formations; the dance squad displaying dazzling style and steps.

During middays WIN tickets with NaySimone to see DrumlineLIVE at the Kravis Center or buy tickets at

https://go.kravis.org/live/tickets.php?event=2023DRUMLI01