Four drum majors will lead the Razorback Marching Band through Early Week, regular rehearsals and the first game of the season. Juan Ramos from Rogers, Matthew Senetho from Fort Smith, José Rodriguez from Springdale and Abby Skelly of Fenton, Missouri, were selected after a competitive audition process in the spring. Senetho, Rodriguez, and Skelly are first-year drum majors. Ramos is returning for his third year and will serve as head drum major. 

Members of the Razorback Marching Band who have completed at least one year are invited to try out for a spot as drum major. After an initial written submission, applicants are interviewed by the U of A Bands faculty, fielding questions on their qualifications and leadership abilities. From there, select applicants offer examples of their conducting, showcase their version of the famous drum major strut and demonstrate how they would teach marching fundamentals. 

"In addition to helping teach throughout our rehearsals, our student leadership is essential in building the culture of our program," said Chase Jones, director of the Razorback Marching Band. "They affect not only the product on the field but our sense of community as well. We are looking forward to Juan, Matthew, José and Abby adding to the long legacy of talented and dedicated Razorback drum majors." 

Each year drum majors are awarded the Preston and Kathryn Woodruff Drum Major Scholarship. These awards were created by Tyler Thompson, a Fulbright College alumnus and former drum major, to honor the Woodruffs for their long and faithful service to the members of the Razorback Band. 

FALL 2025 RAZORBACK MARCHING BAND DRUM MAJORS 

Juan Ramos is a fifth-year music education major, a member of both the clarinet and violin studios in the Department of Music and will serve as this year's head drum major.

"As we turn the page from celebrating 150 years of bands on our campus, I have the honor and privilege of returning as a drum major for the program's 151st year. The tradition, passion and excellence that surround the RMB are what make it so special to so many. Getting to share this experience with such a talented and dedicated group is a joy I'm grateful to live out one more time. I can't wait to continue honoring the legacy of those who came before us as we lay the foundation for the next 150 years. WPS." 

Junior Matthew Senetho is a trombone player who is double majoring in computer engineering and computer science. 

"I am forever honored and grateful to have been selected as a drum major for the 2025-26 season. This program has helped me become a more outgoing person and be more comfortable being myself. My closest relationships have been through this program, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The Razorback Marching Band has given me so much since I joined, and now I get to finally repay it and help others strive for their highest. I hope that I can help others feel the same way and express the same love and passion as I do. WPS." 

José Rodriguez plays saxophone and is a junior music education major from Springdale. 

"It is an honor to be able to serve as drum major for the Razorback Marching Band. It is the talented and dedicated members of this organization that have shaped me as a person, and I am forever thankful. The privilege that it is to be part of the RMB is one I shall never take for granted, and I am incredibly excited to go on this journey and to uphold our tradition of excellence. May we continue to be The Best in Sight and Sound. WPS."

Abby Skelly will be a senior this fall, majoring in public health. She plays trombone and is from Fenton, Missouri. 

"I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a drum major for my final season with the Razorback Marching Band. The RMB has been my home away from home, and I cannot wait to give back to the organization that has meant so much to me. I look forward to working with this incredible team to foster a sense of spirit and excellence throughout the ensemble and keep sharing the band's rich tradition with our new members. There is no group on campus quite like the RMB, and I am excited to share our talents and passion with the community! WPS." 

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About the University of Arkansas Bands: The University of Arkansas Bands Program, inside the Department of Music in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, began in 1874 and is one of the oldest band programs in the country. The program has six ensembles including the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band, and four concert bands with over 400 student members representing every college at the university.