Senior biology major Maggie Boyd is one of three drum majors in USC’s marching band. The competition for the position is fierce, but the clarinetist from Matthews, North Carolina, has won the spot two years in a row and has cherished every opportunity to lead her bandmates, whether during halftime at Williams-Brice Stadium or marching down 6th Avenue in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What led you to USC and the Mighty Sound of the Southeast?
It was originally a tossup in between (UNC) Chapel Hill and USC, but I was unsure if I was going to continue band into college. Then my senior year, Covid happened, and I didn't get a senior season. In the absence of that, I realized how important it was to me and how big of a part of my identity it was. I also knew if I wanted to do band, I wanted to do it here. Even in North Carolina, we knew that this is the Carolina Band.
There’s some stiff competition to be named drum major. What does it mean to you to represent the band in that capacity?
It's an honor and a privilege. I get to represent a diverse and multifaceted group of people. I feel so connected with the university and the community when I’m out there. As someone who didn't grow up here, it means a lot. I feel like I get to represent a place that is my found family and my home.
Becoming a drum major meant forsaking your instrument. Do you miss clarinet?
I miss the clarinet family. Coming into the band, having a section, is like finding a family immediately. The girls that I met on my very first day are now the best friends I've ever had. I lived with them for three years. It's the sort of bond that happens immediately and never lets up. As a drum major, I'm separate from them and doing other things, but that’s still my home, and I know I can come back whenever I need to.
How did it feel to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
It was incredibly daunting, but also it was the coolest challenge I've ever had. Going out there, we were representing not only the people in this band but the 100 years of history before us. Every single person that's ever been in this band was also being represented at the Macy's parade. It was palpable. You could feel the electricity.
This was your last fall with the marching band. It must be hard to say goodbye.
It's crazy to think that this is not what I'm doing for my career, this is just something I'm really passionate about and love a lot, but if something has to end, I couldn't ask for a better way to go out.