Ri’Qyra Cauthen is the first woman to lead Florida A&M’s Marching 100 percussion section, guiding more than 40 drummers while pursuing industrial engineering.
By Justin Banks
Ri’Qyra Cauthen is the first woman to lead Florida A&M’s Marching 100 percussion section, guiding more than 40 drummers while pursuing industrial engineering.Justin Banks.
The position of section leader in the Marching 100 is no small feat and comes with major responsibility. As the first woman to hold the position for percussion, Cauthen spends countless hours leading, navigating, and strengthening a section of more than 40 percussionists. From teaching marching fundamentals to their Junkanoo cadence, Cauthen leads her section on the snare drum while carrying the expectations that comes with being the first woman to hold the role. But Cauthen’s life as a musician extends beyond the practice field. Hailing from Atlanta as an alumna of Stephenson High School, Cauthen studies industrial engineering while being a member of the Phi Delta chapter of Theta Tau and a spring 2026 initiate of the Beta Phi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc.
Cauthen’s connection to percussion began with her natural attraction to rhythm. Instead of being drawn to the lyrics of songs, she found herself listening closely to the beat.
“The first thing that inspired me to pick up percussion was simply music itself,” Cauthen said. “It was always easier for me to hear the beat of a song than the lyrics, so I naturally gravitated towards the drums.” Her parents also served a major role in supporting her musical endeavors, making sure to attend her performances and providing her with the necessary equipment to further develop her musicianship.
“My mom and dad encouraged me throughout my journey by supporting me no matter what,” Cauthen said. “They always found a way to be at my performances, and even when they had more important things to worry about, they made sure I had the equipment I needed to grow and succeed.”
Despite her accomplishment of becoming section leader, leadership was not her initial goal upon her arrival to the band program in the fall of 2023. Her focus was to become the best musician she could be. However, as she progressed, she realized that leading a section meant working with percussionists who came from different musical backgrounds. “I had to adapt and move from silently working on myself to becoming more verbal, offering advice and critiques so others could grow as well,” Cauthen said.
For other members of the percussion section, her intensity and attention to detail are among the qualities that define Cauthen’s leadership. Sitanshu Patil, a quints player in the percussion section, stated that her passion for drumline and percussion is evident in the way she leads.
“She has a very strong intensity to her, and you can tell the passion that she has for drumline and percussion as a whole,” Patil said. “She also has a very keen eye and a strict attention to detail, which really makes sure that the section is always on 10 and always pushing ourselves to be our best”.
Patil said Cauthen’s leadership has also influenced the section’s overall drive and raised its expectations for the marching season.
“I feel like the section as a whole has a lot more intensity and a lot more drive,” Patil said. “We’re pushing to be one of the best drumlines in the SWAC.”
Cauthen’s approach to leadership is rooted in consistency and accountability. She said she holds every member of the section to the same standard, regardless of who they are.
“I approach leadership by holding everyone to the exact same standard,” Cauthen said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you will execute what needs to be executed.”
When Cauthen found out that she was selected as section leader, her focus then shifted toward the upcoming season.
“When I found out I was selected as Section Leader, I immediately got excited for the season,” Cauthen said. “I already know I’m going to make sure this drumline both looks and sounds like structure.” However, the significance of becoming the first woman to lead the percussion section does not change the expectations she has for herself or her members.
“We will be the best we can be regardless of whether I hold the title of the first female section leader or not,” Cauthen said.
Jeff Sylvain, assistant section leader, said Cauthen’s appointment represents a milestone for the Marching 100 and demonstrates what can be accomplished through dedication.
“I think that Ri’Qyra being the first female section leader within the section, it just goes to show that everything is possible, no matter how much hard work and dedication you’ve put in,” Sylvain said. He stated that seeing a woman reach the position after decades of the band’s history makes the achievement even more significant.
“The band has been around for 80 years now, and to see that it’s just now getting its first female section leader within the percussion section, that’s a large milestone,” Sylvain said.
For Cauthen, the historic aspect of her position also cultivates the opportunity to encourage other younger women who aspire to join the Marching 100. “I want all women to know that there is nothing you can’t do,” Cauthen said. “Consistency is key. Work hard for what you want, and you will achieve it.”
As she continues her time as section leader, Cauthen hopes her legacy will extend beyond being the first woman to hold the position. She wants members of the section to continue improving, learning from their mistakes, and holding themselves accountable.
“I hope people remember to never take their foot off the gas,” Cauthen said. “There is always room to become a better person, both mentally and physically.”