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Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Established in 1919, the Marching Golden Flashes is the largest student organization on campus and works under the direction of Darin Olson, Ph.D. The Marching Golden Flashes can be seen at ����ֱ�� State sporting events, homecoming events and university kickoff events.  

The role of drum major is to help conduct the band, keeping the group on tempo. The drum major process begins in the early spring semester with applications and auditions showcasing their skills.  

Meet Merilee, Bailey, Brittany and Julia, the four students serving as the ����ֱ�� State Marching Band drum majors for 2025.

From Willard, Ohio, Merilee Behrendsen, a junior business management major, applies the same drive to both the field and the classroom.  

A passionate leader who enjoys motivating others, Behrendsen has long aspired to become a drum major.  

“Ever since middle school, I wanted to be a drum major,” Behrendsen told ����ֱ�� State Today. “Being one at ����ֱ�� State is an experience like no other; it’s an honor to be at the forefront of our band to represent our determination and the power of what our sound can create.”

Off the field, Behrendsen serves as president of Tau Beta Sigma, an honorary service sorority that empowers women in band leadership and service, plays piccolo for the Flasher Brass Pep Band and collects handmade mugs from flea markets and art shows.  

Bailey Bowles

Bailey Bowles, a junior visual communication design major with minors in user experience design and media advocacy from Cleveland, Ohio, also plays piccolo and serves as a drum major.

"What brings me the most joy from being a drum major is being a leader. I think it’s important to be approachable and foster a fun and positive environment for the people you’re leading,” Bowles said. “I remember how nervous I was as a freshman, so I want to help new students feel comfortable.”

Bowles has served as a copy editor for and loves exploring nature through local parks and seeing the wildlife, especially birds. She's currently a campus tour guide and has served as a Peer Success Mentor. Bowles hopes to use her degree for advocacy and expression for others.

Brittany Brackett

From Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Brittany Brackett is a senior instrumental music education major, who, like her fellow drum majors, has built her college experience around community, leadership and the power of music.  

“I chose music education because music has played a massive role in my life and teaching feels like home,” Brackett said. “The benefits of music stem further from just playing; it helps people learn vital life skills, emotionally and socially.”

Brackett describes being a drum major as “inspiring, exciting and most certainly fulfilling," citing the role for strengthening her ability to lead under pressure and connect with others.

Brackett is active in the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association, clarinet choir, wind ensemble and the Marching Golden Flashes, crediting clarinet associate professor Amitai Vardi as a key mentor.

“He has seen me at my worst and my best and always believed in me,” Brackett said. “He will always be part of the reason I am a quality leader, educator and person.”  

Julia Fedor

Julia Fedor, a senior music major with a concentration in bassoon performance from Ravenna, Ohio, is serving as a drum major for her third year.

Originally, Fedor came to ����ֱ�� State as a music education major. After an opportunity to play in the ����ֱ�� State University Orchestra and wind ensemble her freshman year, she decided to pursue a career in performance, taking pride in her growth and the band’s evolution.

“The growth in the ensemble and my personal growth as a leader over the past couple of years have been astounding, and I can't wait to watch it continue to flourish,” Fedor said.

Fedor's hobbies include reading, knitting and crocheting, and she is also vice president of membership for Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary band fraternity. She currently works in the ����ֱ�� State Band office. 

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.