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Marching season is in full swing, and Episode 66 of The Drum Lounge Podcast is packed with HBCU band and drumline talk! 🥁 Jeremie and Bryon break down Savannah State vs. Fort Valley State, giving their thoughts on both lines, what worked, what needs improvement, and who took the battle. Then we head to Jackson State’s Homecoming, where FAMU and Jackson State went back and forth with some serious power, musicianship, and song selection. We also tap into Norfolk State’s legendary MD Thursday, and talk about DC Young Fly jumping on the drums at Mississippi Valley State. 💬 Who had the best drumline performance this week? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #TheDrumLoungePodcast #HBCUBands #Drumline #HBCUDrumline #MarchingBand #MarchingPercussion #DrumlineBattle 00:18 – Welcome to Episode 66 03:25 – Savannah State vs. Fort Valley State 22:38 – Breaking Down the Battle 30:20 – FAMU vs. Jackson State Homecoming 44:45 – Grambling vs. Prairie View Talk 45:55 – Norfolk State MD Thursday 57:17 – DC Young Fly at Mississippi Valley State 1:02:45 – Lounge & Chop 1:17:49 – Missy Elliott Battle of the Bands Talk 1:19:55 – Lounge 5th Quarter: FAMU 1:28:57 – Florida Classic Battle of the Bands Discussion 1:32:31 – Closing Thoughts 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP For this week's Lounge & Chop, Jeremie teaches a new two-measure snare lick featuring backsticking, 16th-note patterns, diddles, accents, and plenty of finesse. Try it out! 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie's Pick: FAMU Marching Band 'Marching 100' — "On & On" x Erykah Badu (2026) Bryon's Pick: FAMU Marching Band 'Marching 100' — "On Time God"  (2021) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

🔥 EPISODE 65 IS HERE! The drumline battles are HEATING UP! 🔥🥁 On Episode 65 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down some of the hottest battles across the HBCU and high school marching band scenes! Bryon recaps his experience at the Florida Mass Band Battle of the Bands, including intense matchups featuring Northeast, Deerfield Beach, and more! We also dive into Forest Hill vs. Terry, where impressive performances and an unexpected display of sportsmanship steal the spotlight. On the college side, Virginia State returns to the scene against Lincoln University (PA), while Alcorn State and Arkansas Baptist go head-to-head in a battle that sparks a debate about cleanliness, creativity, and musical difficulty. 💬 Who had the best drumline performance this week? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #TheDrumLoungePodcast #HBCUBands #Drumline #HBCUDrumline #MarchingBand #MarchingPercussion #DrumlineBattle 02:02 Florida Mass Band Battle of the Bands 04:49 Event Logistics and Challenges 06:42 Band Participation and Community Spirit 09:01 Acknowledging Support and Networking 10:49 Upcoming Events and Future Engagements 11:41 Drumline Battles and Performance Dynamics 18:49 Drumline Dynamics and Performance Insights 20:46 Upcoming Competitions and Band Interactions 21:48 Highlighting Top Percussion Sections 23:59 Analyzing Performance Techniques and Styles 26:43 Cadence Composition and Creative Process 29:33 The Evolution of Cadence and Style 34:01 Time Signatures and Rhythmic Complexity 36:45 Cadence and Originality in Performance 38:42 The Florida Mass Band Experience 40:40 Event Structure and Audience Engagement 42:29 Rising Stars in High School Drumlines 44:07 Respect and Sportsmanship in Competition 55:13 Celebrating the Director and College Spirit 55:55 The Importance of Cadence Length in Battles 57:29 Analyzing High School Band Performances 58:48 Virginia State's Comeback and Expectations 01:00:00 Lincoln vs. Virginia State: A Media Perspective 01:02:57 Alcorn's Performance and Improvements 01:05:24 Future Prospects for College Bands 01:13:51 The Proud Family Theme and Musical Comparisons 01:15:08 Risk-Taking in Music Performance 01:17:29 Alcorn vs. Arkansas Baptist: A Battle of Styles 01:19:55 🥁 Lounge & Chop 01:30:33 🏈 Fifth Quarter Segment 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP For this week's Lounge & Chop, Bryon teaches a new two-measure snare lick featuring double-stops, 16th-note patterns, diddles, accents, and plenty of finesse. Try it out! 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie's Pick: NCAT Marching Band 'BGMM' — "Pokemon Theme Song" (2016) Bryon's Pick: Tennessee State Marching Band 'Aristocrat of Bands' —"Proud Family Theme Song" (2011) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

🔥 EPISODE 64 IS HERE! Did we get Drumline of the Week WRONG?! After naming North Carolina A&T Cold Steel our Drumline of the Week following their highly anticipated battle against Talladega College, the comments, messages, and debates started IMMEDIATELY. 😂 So on this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down the entire N.C. A&T vs. Talladega drumline battle and explain exactly why Cold Steel earned our weekly pick — even though we believe Talladega won the battle. We go cadence-for-cadence and talk about everything that separates these two completely different styles of HBCU drumlines: cleanliness, chops, musicality, visuals, aggression, formations, tonal sections, showmanship, crowd impact, and overall presentation. Talladega was ridiculously clean, but Cold Steel brought the versatility, movement, energy, and battle mentality that made their performance stand out. So how SHOULD a drumline battle like this actually be judged? And how much should personal preference play into comparing different HBCU percussion styles? The battles don't stop there. We also check out Howard University vs. Hampton University, react to Howard's developing style and Hampton's deep groove, and give Elizabeth City State University some well-deserved shine after their appearance at the Battle of the Carolinas. There was plenty of good HBCU percussion to talk about this week. 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie: NCAT Drumline 'Coldsteel — NCAT vs Norfolk battle (2015) Bryon: TC Drumline 'Renegade Rebels' —TC vs TSU battle (2026) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

Episode 63 starts with some HUGE news — The Drum Lounge Podcast officially won TWO Black Podcast Awards: Best Arts Podcast and Best Outro Podcast! After celebrating the milestone (and Bryon finding out live on the show 😂), we get straight into another packed weekend of HBCU band and drumline action. First up, we break down the legendary Boombox Classic between Jackson State and Southern University, including what makes this rivalry one of the biggest experiences in HBCU band culture. From the fifth quarter to Southern’s sound, Jackson State’s musicality, and the atmosphere surrounding both bands, there was plenty to talk about. Then we get into the DRUMS. We check out the three-way battle featuring Stillman College, LeMoyne-Owen College, and Arkansas Baptist College, breaking down everything from cleanliness and musicality to tuning, writing, execution, and what each program can build on going forward. Our alma mater gets some love too as Bethune-Cookman’s Sudden Impact finally gets a chance to exchange some cadences with South Carolina State, leading us down memory lane with some classic Cookman drumline stories from our own years in the section. Then comes one of the biggest discussions of the episode: Texas Southern vs. Alcorn State. This battle gave us a perfect example of clean execution versus more complex material. We break down stick heights, uniformity, dynamics, transitions, balance, cadence construction, tuning, and why sometimes playing MORE isn't always the same as playing BETTER. And after everything we heard, Texas Southern earns our Drumline of the Week! 🥁🔥 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP For this week's Lounge & Chop, Bryon teaches a new two-measure snare lick featuring 16th-note patterns, diddles, accents, a Shirley Murphy, dynamics, and plenty of finesse. Think you have the hands? Try taking it up to 150 BPM and tag us with your attempt! 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie: Bethune-Cookman University — “Kiss Kiss” x Chris Brown & T-Pain (2026) Bryon: Jackson State University — “Man Down" x Rihanna (2026) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

Homecoming season is HERE, and this episode is packed with HBCU band and drumline talk! Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off celebrating some HUGE news — The Drum Lounge Podcast has officially been nominated for Best Arts Podcast AND Best Podcast Outro at the Black Podcasting Awards! 🙌🏾 From there, Bryon gives the full rundown from Bethune-Cookman University Homecoming, including the concerts, parade, high school drumlines, Battle of the Bands, and everything happening around Daytona. We also take a closer look at Sudden Impact, reacting to their new warm-up, sound, execution, tuning, and what the line could bring when Bethune-Cookman meets South Carolina State. Then we get into everything happening around HBCU band culture. Tuskegee came ready for Jackson State, and we break down how much that program has grown, their fifth-quarter battle with JSU, and why everybody needs to be paying attention to what Tuskegee is building. We also talk Livingstone vs. Winston-Salem State, the resurgence of Johnson C. Smith, what Fayetteville State is cooking up, Virginia State, Norfolk State, and plenty more from around the HBCU band world. We even check back in on Xymox, their never-ending clearance sale, shipping updates, and some of the practice pads still available. 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP Jeremie brings an original two-measure lick to the Lounge and breaks it down note-for-note, including cheeses, flams, sextuplets, crushed buzzes, and a personal rudiment he's been playing for years. Grab the sticks, slow it down with a metronome, learn it, and add something new to your vocabulary. 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie: Bethune-Cookman University — “Rain” x SWV (2026) Bryon: Jackson State University — “Ball & Parlay" (2017) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

It’s Homecoming Week at Bethune-Cookman University, and Episode 61 of The Drum Lounge Podcast is loaded with drumline battles, HBCU band talk, reactions, and plenty of CHOPS! 🥁🔥 Jeremie and Bryon kick things off showing love to their alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University, as B-CU prepares for Homecoming. We check out Cookman’s first home game of the season, react to the Marching Wildcats and the drumline, and talk about some of the changes we’ve noticed in the percussion book over the years. Jeremie also gets to hear one of the warm-ups he wrote back in 2016 still being played by the current B-CU drumline! Then it’s time for the battles. We break down the massive Langston University vs. Lincoln University drumline battle and talk about the importance of dynamics, clarity, balance, cleanliness, uniformity, and knowing when every section DOESN’T need to play at full volume. Langston brought the numbers and aggression, while Lincoln showed some strong moments of musical balance — but who actually won the battle? We also react to the wild North Carolina Central vs. North Carolina A&T situation that turned into more than just a battle of the bands 👀 — along with the battle over who has the best version of “Raise Up.” On the high school side, Whitehaven and Forest Hill gave us one of the BEST drumline battles we’ve reacted to this season. Both lines came with serious material, but Forest Hill’s combination of clarity, dynamics, cadence structure, chops, and creativity had us locked in. Then we bring it back home to Atlanta as Langston Hughes and Morrow battle it out while keeping the traditional ATL drumline sound alive. High-tension snares, leg tenors, gushes, chops and that classic Atlanta approach — we love to see it. 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP Bryon teaches the Episode 61 Lounge & Chop featuring diddles, flams, flam drags, paradiddles, paradiddle-diddles and accent patterns designed to challenge your control as the tempo increases. Learn it. Practice it. Post it. And tag us so we can see you get it off! 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie: Alcorn State University — “Ghetto Love Story” (2026) Bryon: Alabama A&M University — “You & I" (2026) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

Episode 60 is here, and HBCU band season is officially HEATING UP! 🥁🔥 This week on The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down one of the busiest weekends of the early HBCU band season. We start with the drumline battle between North Carolina Central’s DOA and Elizabeth City State’s Poison — and ECSU may have officially put everybody on notice. From the growth of their line to the cleanliness, sound, material, and aggression, Poison is quickly becoming one of the drumlines to watch this season. Then we head to the massive Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands featuring Bethune-Cookman, Jackson State, Southern, Grambling, Alcorn State, Talladega, Langston, Tuskegee, UAPB and more. Of course, as proud B-CU alumni, we had to take a closer look at the Marching Wildcats’ first major field-show appearance of the season, their new percussion setup, arrangements, dance routine, stand tunes and overall sound. We also check out South Carolina State’s percussion feature from the Orange Blossom Classic, FAMU’s fifth-quarter performance, Prairie View’s drumline, Langston’s warm-up approach, Talladega’s massive sound and some of the wildest viral moments from around the HBCU band world. 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP Jeremie teaches a brand-new two-measure lick packed with 32nd notes, flam fives, paradiddles, backsticks, buzzes, inverted flam taps, same-hand flam drags and more. Start slow, build it up and see how fast you can get it CLEAN. 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie: FAMU — “Human Nature” (2026) Bryon: B-CU — “In The Stone" (Long Version, 2012) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

HBCU football season is officially BACK — and that means the bands are back too! 🥁🔥 On Episode 59 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down some of the biggest HBCU band moments from opening weekend. We react to Albany State vs. FAMU, Alabama State vs. Southern, Jackson State vs. Tennessee State, Texas Southern, Norfolk State, South Carolina State, Hampton and more. We also talk about why Alabama State may be one of the bands to watch this season, the power coming from HBCU tuba sections this year, Norfolk State’s incredible identity and tradition, the importance of band and drumline media teams, and what we want to see from some of these programs as the season continues. 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP Bryon teaches a new 12/8 spree-inspired lick featuring flam accents, cheese drags, flam fives and more. Grab your sticks and learn it with us! 🔥 FIFTH QUARTER PICKS Jeremie: Jackson State — “Distant Lover” (2026) Bryon: Alabama State — “Diamonds Never Die” (2026) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

What happens when a Southern University snare drummer puts the sticks down for 20 years… then comes back and builds one of the most unique drum pad companies in the percussion world? On Episode 58 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with Nissan Ballard, founder and owner of Rudimental Control, to hear the story behind the man, the drummer, and the brand. Nissan takes us back to growing up in the rich musical culture of New Orleans, learning the Louisiana style of drumming, and eventually becoming a two-year section leader at Southern University during the 1990s. He breaks down the origins of Louisiana’s signature playing style, the influence of traditional drum-and-fife drumming, his experiences inside the Human Jukebox, and some unforgettable Southern University band memories. But Nissan’s story didn’t stop with marching band. After putting the sticks down for nearly 20 years, a move to Texas during the COVID era led him back to drumming—and eventually to an idea that would become Rudimental Control. We dive into how Nissan developed his signature real-head, real-hoop practice pad, why articulation and realistic feel were so important to the design, how long it takes to build each pad, custom drum pads, his signature sticks, future improvements to the product line, and his vision of getting Rudimental Control pads into drumlines across the country. Nissan also drops some incredible gems for entrepreneurs about building a business organically, listening to criticism, protecting your brand, staying focused when you have a million ideas, choosing the right people to join your team, and why sometimes you have to put the idea out there before it feels perfect. We also discuss the importance of Black entrepreneurship within the percussion community and what it means for young drummers to see someone who looks like them building a successful brand in the industry. 🥁 IN THIS EPISODE: -Nissan Ballard’s journey from New Orleans to Southern University -Becoming a Southern University snare section leader -The history behind the Louisiana drumming style -Southern University band culture in the 1990s -Putting the sticks down for nearly 20 years -The creation of Rudimental Control -Why the real-head, real-hoop design matters -Building and improving drum pads by hand -Rudimental Control signature drumsticks -Custom pads and memorial drum pads -Customer service and building trust with drummers -Black entrepreneurship in the percussion industry -Lessons for aspiring business owners -Taking constructive criticism and using it to improve -Nissan’s vision for the future of Rudimental Control -Why your practice pad might be exposing your dirty playing 👀 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick:  Southern University – “Controlla” (2016) Bryon’s Pick:  Southern University – “Who Can I Run To” (1995) Nissan’s Pick:  Southern University – “In the Stone” (1993) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

Band camp fever is officially HERE! On this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie and Bryon break down the start of the 2026 HBCU marching band season, beginning with Jackson State’s highly anticipated Merge. We react to the freshman and upperclassmen coming together, the size and sound of the Sonic Boom, Jackson State’s drumline, their new-look Stingray drums, and whether the line is bringing the same energy we’ve seen in previous years. We also check in on North Carolina A&T’s band camp, the Blue & Gold Marching Machine’s preparation for the season, and the importance of the physical side of surviving band camp. Of course, we couldn’t talk band camp without checking in on our alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University, and remembering exactly what it feels like when Dr. Wells yells “PERCUSSION!” 😂 Then we head to South Carolina State, where their drumline is already putting out some ridiculous new material. We break down SCSU's percussion instructor Marc’s writing style, why SCSU’s cadences sound unlike just about anything else in HBCU percussion, and whether complex writing still needs to be easy on the ears. Later, we get nerdy with the music writers! Jeremie breaks down why he still uses Finale + Virtual Drumline, while Bryon makes his case for MuseScore. That conversation leads to a challenge: Finale vs. MuseScore in a 15-minute cadence-writing battle! Both of us will have the same amount of time to write something from scratch, and YOU will decide who came with the better cadence. 🔥 TOPICS COVERED -Jackson State’s 2026 Merge -JSU freshman vs. upperclassmen drumline -Jackson State’s Stingray drums -North Carolina A&T band camp -Bethune-Cookman freshman band camp -Why academics still come before marching band -How long it takes to reach “college-level” snare ability -Adjusting to different HBCU drumline styles -South Carolina State’s new drumline material -Marc’s “mad scientist” approach to writing -Finale + Virtual Drumline vs. MuseScore -Our upcoming 15-minute cadence-writing battle -Our FIRST Twitch livestream! 🥁 LOUNGE & CHOP For Lounge & Chop #57, Jeremie teaches a two-measure lick featuring buzzes, blurtas, 32nd-note passages, accented “grandmas,” a nine-stroke roll, paradiddle-diddles, a crossover, backsticks, flams, and double stops. Grab your sticks, slow it down, and add this one to the repertoire! 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie's Pick: Jackson State University – “Gin and Juice” | 2026 Merge Bryon's Pick:  South Carolina State University – “Raise Up” | 2025 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

The Drum Lounge is expanding! In this episode, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell announce that the podcast is officially heading to Twitch, where viewers will be able to join the conversation live, submit drumline clips for reactions, receive help with music, and watch the unedited behind-the-scenes experience of recording the podcast. The guys also share another major announcement: The Drum Lounge Podcast has been submitted for three Black Podcast Awards—Best Arts Podcast, Best Hosting Duo, and Best Podcast Outro! This week’s flashback episode takes us to North Carolina for a complete recap of the Rep Your City Drumline Competition. Bryon shares his experience attending the competition with Face Place and explains why the event felt like the “red carpet” of drumline competitions. The guys react to standout performances from: • Faith's Place • Ice Cold Experience • Brooklyn United • T.W. Andrews High School • R.J. Reynolds High School • Grimsley High School They also discuss the growing importance of themes, storytelling, entertainment, and crowd engagement in modern drumline competitions. Playing clean is no longer enough—the best groups are creating complete productions that audiences can understand and enjoy. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Bethune-Cookman University's Sudden Impact — "Spirit Groove" (2017) Bryon’s Pick: North Carolina A&T's Coldsteel Drumline— cadence from battle vs. NCCU (2023) 🟣 JOIN US LIVE ON TWITCH Follow @TheDrumLoungePod on Twitch and join us live on Sundays for: • Podcast behind-the-scenes content • Drumline and band reactions • Live percussion discussions • Drum lessons and music assistance • Competition watch parties • Unfiltered conversations with Jeremie and Bryon 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrum... 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram and Twitch (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

Band camp season is here! In Episode 55 of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell share everything they learned from experiencing HBCU band camp as freshmen, returning upperclassmen, and section leaders at Bethune-Cookman University. For incoming freshmen, we break down how to prepare physically and mentally before arriving on campus—from staying hydrated, eating before those early-morning sessions, improving your conditioning, and practicing with a metronome to researching your school’s sound, music, traditions, and technique. We also explain why earning a band scholarship does not automatically guarantee your preferred instrument, what to expect during drumline auditions, why adaptability matters, and why every percussionist should have a secondary instrument in mind. We also speak directly to returning upperclassmen about avoiding complacency and continuing to improve every year. Your experience should make you one of the strongest examples in the band—not someone who returns out of shape, unprepared, or unwilling to follow the standard. For the section leaders, we discuss the responsibility that comes with carrying the culture of your program. That means eliminating laziness, maintaining your own playing ability, setting the example at every rehearsal, developing the next generation, bringing new ideas to the section, enforcing expectations consistently, and removing favoritism or politics from your leadership. Beyond the music, we also explain why students must stay on top of financial aid, housing, registration, and academics. You cannot fully enjoy the college band experience if your enrollment or eligibility is constantly in jeopardy. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Bethune-Cookman University's Marching Wildcats — "Outstanding" (2012) Bryon’s Pick: Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South — “King’s Affirmation” (2025) 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

The official Pre-2026 Marching Season HBCU Drumline Tier List is here, and no school is safe! In this loaded episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell evaluate HBCU drumlines based on everything they witnessed throughout the Fall 2025 marching season and Spring 2026 battle season. Each line is judged using four major categories: ensemble sound, visual appeal, level of complexity, and overall energy. South Carolina State, Florida Memorial, Virginia State, and Norfolk State continue to prove why they belong among the elite—but several programs made major moves. Jackson State and Fort Valley State earn their way into Tier One, Hampton finds itself right on the edge of joining them, and FAMU makes one of the biggest jumps on the entire list. Jeremie and Bryon also have to make a painful, unbiased decision regarding their alma mater, Bethune-Cookman University. They discuss Sudden Impact’s talent, lack of exposure, missed performance opportunities, and the consistency issues that ultimately affected their ranking. From established powerhouses to emerging programs finally putting themselves on the map, this episode breaks down where the HBCU drumline world currently stands—and what every line must do to move up during the 2026 season. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Alabama A&M University Drumline — 2025 Fan Day Performance Bryon’s Pick: South Carolina State University Drumline — Classic Vic Firth Performance 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

We're back! After a two-month hiatus, The Drum Lounge Podcast returns with plenty to catch up on. Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off by announcing their exciting partnership with Rudimental Control, sharing why they believed in the brand long before joining the team and what viewers can expect from the collaboration moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the surprising news surrounding Xymox Percussion, as the guys reflect on the company's apparent closure, discuss its impact on the percussion community, and share personal stories about how Xymox influenced their drumming journeys. With marching season right around the corner, the Drum Lounge Tier List is making its return! Jeremie and Bryon break down the four major categories they'll be using to evaluate HBCU drumlines this season, explain what they look for in a great drumline, and invite current members and alumni to submit their best videos before next week's rankings. The episode wraps up with reactions to several summer band battles, including GAMB vs. the New Orleans All-Star Band, a look at the latest A1 Media footage, and discussions on what has them most excited heading into another HBCU marching band season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a comment, and let us know which drumline you're looking forward to seeing this season! 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie's Pick: Georgia Mass Band playing 'Janice STFU' (2026) Bryon's Pick: Space City All-Star Band (2026) 🛒 Support The Drum Lounge Podcast Check out my Amazon Storefront for the drum gear, recording equipment, and tech I use: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thedrumloungepod Grab official Drum Lounge Podcast merch: https://the-drum-lounge-podcast.myspreadshop.com/ 🎙️ Stay Connected 📺 YouTube: @TheDrumLoungePodcast 📸 Instagram: @TheDrumLoungePod Don't forget to Like, Comment, Subscribe, and share this episode with another drummer, band member, or HBCU marching band fan. #DrumLoungePodcast #HBCUDrumline #MarchingBand #Drumline #RudimentalControl #Xymox #Percussion #HBCUBands #SummerBand #MarchingPercussion Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down the Dollar Watson Classic, featuring intense battles between Palm Beach Lakes, Jonesboro, and South Cobb. The conversation dives into musicality, power, and the growing influence of Florida drumlines in Georgia. They also react to the Red Smooth Classic drumline battle, highlighting the importance of technique, uniformity, and overall presentation. On the college side, the guys discuss the Hampton vs Norfolk drumline battle, Hampton’s rise, and what it takes for a program to build a true identity. Plus, major updates on band leadership changes at Alabama State and Alabama A&M and what that means for the culture moving forward. If you’re into drumlines, HBCU bands, and competition breakdowns—this one is for you. 🥁 5th Quarter Picks Jeremie’s Pick: Alabama State University – “Neck” (2008 Hall of Fame Battle of the Bands) Bryon’s Pick: Jersey Surf vs Crossmen – DCI Drumline Battle 🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal Level up your drumming! Grab a pair of Woodies Drumsticks and use promo code THEDRUMLOUNGEPOD for 10% off your order: https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod 🎙️ Stay Connected -Subscribe to The Drum Lounge Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms -Follow us on Instagram (@TheDrumLoungePod) for clips, highlights, and HBCU drumline content -Like, comment, and share this episode to support the culture Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-drum-lounge-podcast--3683925/support. The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥