In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with special guest Dontavius Seaborn for a deep dive into the art, culture, and evolution of the modern drumline. The trio breaks down the significance of the Florida Classic, the pressures of preparing new material, and the creativity required to craft unforgettable percussion features.

 They explore the importance of musical interpretation, leadership within a drumline, and why a strong foundation in music theory and reading is essential for today’s percussionists. Throughout the conversation, Jeremie, Bryon, and Dontavius reflect on their own experiences, discuss how Georgia musicians have influenced Cookman’s sound, and set the stage for sky-high expectations heading into Classic Week. This is a must-listen for anyone who loves drumline culture, musical innovation, and the grind behind great performances.

5th Quarter Picks
🎵 Jeremie’s Pick: 2017 Sudden Impact Florida Classic Percussion Feature (Band Room Footage)
🎵 Bryon’s Pick: 2024 Sudden Impact Florida Classic Percussion Feature (Performed at PBL HS)
🎵 Dontavius’ Pick: 2022 Sudden Impact Florida Classic Percussion Feature

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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell reflect on their homecoming experiences, diving into the evolution of band traditions, the importance of alumni participation, and the camaraderie that makes HBCU band culture so special. They share hilarious memories, compare homecoming events across different schools, and highlight unforgettable performances that capture the essence of the season. The conversation also explores musical transitions, band battles, and the growing impact of quality media representation in the drumline community. To top it off, Jeremie and Bryon celebrate community achievements, announce the 10K Drum Pad Giveaway Winner, and invite listeners to join upcoming Lounge & Chop—all while keeping the spirit of homecoming alive.

5th Quarter Picks
🎵 Jeremie’s Pick: Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats – “Smile”

🎵 Bryon’s Pick: Jackson State University – “If I Ever Fall In Love”

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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell celebrate reaching 10,000 followers on Instagram and dive deep into the ever-evolving world of HBCU band culture. The conversation unpacks the controversy surrounding Alabama State’s Honeybees dance line, the role and etiquette of band announcers, and the power of community engagement within band programs.

The hosts also tackle heavier topics like hazing and culture reform in college bands, along with fresh updates from the ESPN Battle of the Bands. They explore performance rivalries between legendary programs such as Cookman, Alabama A&M, Norfolk State, and Hampton, analyzing how tradition, music arrangement, and institutional identity shape each performance.

Rounding out the discussion, Jeremie and Bryon highlight innovative snare techniques, the influence of homecoming traditions, and the importance of alumni participation in sustaining the art of HBCU drumming.

🎶 Fifth Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: SCSU Drumline “BBI” playing a Block from 2005
Bryon’s Pick: Hampton University Drumline “Sticky Situation” playing a cadence (2025)


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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell take listeners deep into the world of HBCU bands and drumlines. From Southern University’s legacy to the energy of recent band battles, they break down performances, sound quality, and the unique styles that set each school apart—including Bethune-Cookman, South Carolina State, and North Carolina Central.

The conversation highlights the importance of preparation, practice, and visuals in creating unforgettable performances, while also exploring new trends in drumline equipment and the evolving culture of HBCU music. Along the way, Jeremie and Bryon share personal stories from their own college band experiences, react to the latest fifth quarter moments, and celebrate community milestones—including social media growth and exciting giveaways.

🎶 Fifth Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: Southern University playing "Under Pressure" (2025)
Bryon’s Pick: Jackson State University playing "Ball & Parlay/The Show Mix" (2025)

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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell celebrate six years of the show with an in-depth look at the evolving world of band culture. They explore the role of identity in performances, the impact of bias in competitions, and break down recent clashes, including Clark Atlanta vs. Florida Memorial and Florida’s high school drumline battles. The discussion also highlights the  traditions and techniques that continue to shape HBCU band culture.

Jeremie and Bryon dive into the heart of drumline dynamics—examining cadences, tuba breaks, and the distinct styles of different programs. They review the recent Lane College vs. Lincoln University battle, discuss expectations for Norfolk State, and celebrate the accomplishments of Virginia State. Throughout, they emphasize preparation, respect, and the importance of pushing the culture forward while encouraging listeners to stay active in the community and keep sharpening their craft.

🎶 Fifth Quarter Picks

Jeremie’s Pick: BCU's Sudden Impact playing "Intro to Impact" (2013)
Bryon’s Pick: Alabama State playing "2AM" by BigXthaPlug

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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell welcome listeners into an engaging discussion on HBCU marching bands and drumlines. They take a closer look at recent performances by Bethune-Cookman University,  Southern University and Alabama State, highlighting each band’s unique style, energy, and song selections. The conversation continues with the Lounge and Chop segment, where Jeremie and Bryon share their own drum compositions and encourage listeners to learn and share their renditions. The episode also features the popular Fifth Quarter segment, showcasing Southern University’s rendition of “Kills Me” and Alabama State’s performance of “Shine.” To wrap things up, Jeremie and Bryon encourage community participation through challenges and giveaways, helping grow the Drum Lounge family.


🎶 Fifth Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: Southern University – “Kills Me”
Bryon’s Pick: Alabama State – “Shine”

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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell dive deep into the current state of HBCU drumlines, exploring preseason predictions, the influence of social media, and updated tier rankings. They break down performances from Fort Valley, Jackson State, and Alcorn, discussing community reactions, the importance of visibility in recruitment, and how evolving drumline culture is shaping the next generation of talent.

The conversation takes a closer look at the intricacies of HBCU drumline performance — from techniques and competition dynamics to the evolution of cadences and the critical role audience engagement plays. With candid insights, personal experiences, and a shared passion for the craft, Jeremie and Bryon deliver an engaging analysis that will resonate with both seasoned bandheads and new fans alike.

5th Quarter Segment Picks:

• Jeremie’s Pick: Benedict College Drumline “LOD” playing Teaser (2018)
• Bryon’s Pick: Boston Crusaders Drum Break (2025)

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Get ready for a drumline deep dive! In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell reflect on their favorite band camp memories, break down their 2025 HBCU Drumline Tier list, and bring personal stories and hot takes to the mic. From reminiscing on summer band vibes to unpacking the latest shifts in the South Florida percussion scene, this episode blends nostalgia, expertise, and raw drumline energy. Whether you’re an alum, active marcher, or just love the culture—this one’s for you!

No 5th Quarter Segment this week.

🛒 Check out Jeremie's Amazon Storefront for essential percussion gear:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/jeremiefoster


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🕊️ This episode is dedicated to our dear friend and fellow drummer, Nicholas Jackson.
We received the heartbreaking news of Nick’s passing while recording this episode. Despite the shock and sadness, we did our best to push through and finish the conversation in his honor.
Rest in peace, Nick — your spirit, rhythm, and friendship will forever be a part of this community.

   In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with percussionist and innovator TJ Stevens, creator of the Bolt mallet — a custom tenor drumstick designed specifically for HBCU drummers. TJ shares his journey from student to instructor, breaking down the challenges of designing an instrument that reflects the power, precision, and personality of the HBCU percussion experience.
   The conversation dives into the Bolt’s design process, its impact on the drumline community, and the importance of identity, detail, and community support in both performance and instruction. The trio also explore teaching philosophies, the evolution of cadences, stick control, and the balance between tradition and innovation in marching percussion.

🎯 TJ’s Bolt mallet is available now at americandrum.com

🙌 Special congratulations to our Drum Pad Giveaway winner — Jiomar Hernandez! Thank you to everyone who entered and continues to support The Drum Lounge Podcast.

5th Quarter Picks:
🎵 Jeremie’s Pick: BCU Band — Shake Your Pants (2014)
🎵 Bryon’s Pick: BCU Band — Fedz Watchin’ (2014)
🎵 TJ’s Pick: BCU Drumline — ‘08 (2008)

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In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell kick things off with a hilarious recap of their struggle to find time to record—real drummer problems! They dive into the hype around summer band season, the incredible comeback of the Georgia Mass Band, and their memories from high school band camps and Honda Battle of the Bands.

  Things heat up during the fan-favorite "Lounge and Chop" segment, where Jeremie breaks down a crisp snare lick and Bryon follows up with one of his own. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned drummer, you’ll want to grab your sticks and chop along!

  The episode wraps with the 5th Quarter segment, and a special announcement: 🎉 The Drum Lounge Podcast is giving away a brand-new Xymox drum pad to one lucky follower! Tune in to find out how to enter and get in on the action.
This episode is all about community, culture, and pushing your skills to the next level—don’t miss it!

🎵 5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie: Miles College – “End of the Road” (2008)
Bryon: GAMB – “Still” by Moneybagg Yo (2023)


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