Norma Robosson Manges

Norma Robosson Manges, 1932 -

In the late 1940's Cumberland was paid a visit by the Mooseheart (childcare facility operated by the Loyal Order of Moose) Band, from Mooseheart, Illinois. The band had a female drum major. This impressed Mr. Phillip Kester, Fort Hill High School's Band Director.

As a result, Norma Robosson was selected and is believed to have been the first Drum Major in Allegany County, taking that position in the fall of 1948 and continuing through the 1949-1950 school year. Norma had attended East Side Elementary and graduated from Fort Hill in 1950. She also notes that, to the best of her knowledge, she was the first Drum Major in this area to use a lighted baton.