Florida A&M Names First Female Marching 100 Leader
Industrial engineering student Ri'Qyra Cauthen now leads the percussion section of the university's historic band.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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Florida A&M University has appointed Ri'Qyra Cauthen as the first female percussion section leader in the history of the Marching 100. The industrial engineering student currently oversees a section consisting of more than 40 drummers.
Why it matters
This appointment marks a significant milestone for the 80-year-old band program at Florida A&M University. Cauthen's leadership role highlights a shift in the traditional structure of the renowned university ensemble.
The percussion section led by Cauthen includes more than 40 drummers. The Marching 100 program itself has maintained an 80-year history in Tallahassee.
The players
Ri'Qyra Cauthen
She is an industrial engineering student and a graduate of Stephenson High School who currently leads the Marching 100 percussion section.
Florida A&M University
Based in Tallahassee, this public historically black university is well-known for its prestigious marching band program.
Tau Beta Sigma
This national honorary band sorority promotes the advancement of women in the collegiate band profession.
The details
Ri'Qyra Cauthen leads the section by teaching marching fundamentals and the Junkanoo cadence while performing on the snare drum. As section leader, she is responsible for holding every member to a unified standard of execution and accountability.
Timeline
Fall 2023: Cauthen joined the Florida A&M University band program.
Spring 2026: Cauthen was initiated into the Beta Phi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.
2026 season: Cauthen serves as the percussion section leader.
Market Landscape
This leadership change reflects a broader movement toward inclusive representation within prestigious collegiate band programs. It signals a shift in the traditional management structures that have defined the Marching 100 for decades.
Students and band enthusiasts can observe new leadership dynamics during the 2026 season performances. The appointment may influence how local student leadership positions are filled in the future.
The takeaway
Cauthen exemplifies how disciplined leadership can break barriers in long-standing institutional traditions. Aspiring leaders should focus on mastering technical fundamentals while maintaining high standards for the entire team.
Further reading
Learn more about the figures shaping the community at the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Westside Gazette.
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