For more than two decades, the Liberty Belles Majorette and Drum Corps of Howard County, Maryland, introduced hundreds of young people to baton twirling, marching, music and performance. The organization became a familiar sight at parades, community celebrations and competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic, earning a reputation for disciplined marching, patriotic pageantry and competitive excellence. Former members remember the Liberty Belles not simply as a majorette corps, but as a second family that instilled confidence, teamwork and lifelong friendships.
Directed by Marlene Leyh, with Jim Leyh serving as coordinator and David Krauss leading the drum corps, the organization offered instruction in baton twirling, drum line, color guard and rifle line. Members traveled extensively to regional and national competitions while representing Howard County in parades and civic events. Like many independent majorette and drum corps organizations of the era, the Liberty Belles relied on parents and volunteers whose countless hours of fundraising and support made the program possible.
Revolutionary War-inspired Uniforms
The corps was known for its distinctive Revolutionary War-inspired uniforms, featuring navy blue and red jackets with white ruffled jabots, blue and white tricorne hats, white gloves and tall white boots. The patriotic appearance reflected the Liberty Belles’ name and made the corps instantly recognizable on parade routes throughout Maryland.
Although the organization is no longer active, its legacy lives on through former members who continue to preserve photographs, newspaper clippings and memories of their time with the corps. Today, the Liberty Belles remain an important part of Maryland’s marching arts history and a reminder of the community-based majorette organizations that introduced generations of young people to the performing arts before baton twirling evolved into the modern competitive sport.
