In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell sit down with Pedro Orey, a cornerstone of HBCU percussion culture and longtime leader at Bethune-Cookman University's Percussion section, 'Sudden Impact'.
    The conversation traces Mr. Orey’s journey from a string player to a nationally respected percussion educator, unpacking his role in shaping drumline sound, teaching music philosophy, and the evolution of HBCU percussion over the decades. He shares insight into the importance of versatility, sound quality, and fundamentals, along with what he looks for during auditions and how young percussionists can prepare for the next level.
    The episode also dives into drumline culture—exploring the impact of competition, the Florida Classic, and how creativity, individuality, and tradition coexist within HBCU bands. Throughout the discussion, the hosts reflect on community, performance preparation, and the responsibility of passing knowledge forward, highlighting the balance between unity and personal expression that defines great drumlines.
    This is a thoughtful, culture-rich conversation that blends history, education, and real-world experience from one of the architects behind the sound.

5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: BCU's Sudden Impact Percussion - 8's Warmup (2017 Florida Classic)
Bryon’s Pick: BCU'S Sudden Impact Percussion - 2015 Feature (2016 Honda Banquet Performance)

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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 dive deep into marching band culture, competition energy, and the moments that shape drumline history. The duo recaps the South Florida Bands Jamboree, breaks down standout performances, and reflects on audition experiences and the lasting impact of strong leadership—especially the influence of Dr. Wells, Director of Bands at Bethune-Cookman University.

The conversation expands into the evolution of modern marching bands, the role alumni play in pushing programs forward, and why innovation is no longer optional in today’s band culture. Jeremie and Bryon also spotlight the growing buzz around Tuskegee University, react to the return of the legendary C.R.E.A.M. percussion, and tap into the camaraderie, rivalry, and pride that define the drumline community.

From competition talk to culture celebration, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and appreciation for the artistry that keeps HBCU bands and drumlines moving forward.

5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: C.R.E.A.M. Percussion performance @ Dekalb County Jamboree (2012)
Bryon’s Pick: C.R.E.A.M. Percussion performance @ Stick Control Drumline Competition (2019)

🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal
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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell dive into the culture of HBCU drumlines and marching bands. They react to standout performances, compare FAMU’s visual artistry with Southern’s precision, and share insights from the National Battle of the Bands. The duo also discusses the importance of community support, innovative drumline approaches like Cold Steel, and how drumline features are shaping modern shows. Along the way, they sprinkle in personal updates, light-hearted band stories, and a few product reviews to keep things fun and informative.

5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: BYOS video to J. Cole’s “Rich N***”
Bryon’s Pick: Sudden Impact warm-up (2025 marching season)

🔥 Woodies Drumsticks Deal
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https://woodiesdrumsticks.com/TheDrumLoungePod

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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell tap into everything happening across the drumline scene as competition season ramps up. From the importance of consistency in content creation to personal drumstick preferences and favorite practice gear, the guys blend real-life percussion talk with culture and community.

They break down A&T’s new cadence "PHUN", explore the unique atmosphere and format of the Rumble in the Jungle competition, and highlight the value of networking within the marching and music industry. The conversation also touches on sound projectors, tradition versus innovation in modern drumlines, and the cultural impact HBCU bands continue to have on performers and audiences alike.

Jeremie and Bryon also spotlight current storylines in the band world, including challenges facing certain programs, while keeping the focus on growth, opportunity, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming slate of competitions. The episode closes with the always-anticipated 5th Quarter segment, celebrating standout performances from across the drumline community.

🥁 5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick:
Virginia Union University Marching Band — “Neck” (2025)

Bryon’s Pick:
Norfolk State University Drumline “MDF$” — Drum block vs. VSU (2025)

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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell break down their recent HBCU Drumline Tier List rankings, the reactions it sparked across social media, and the real-world experience that shapes their opinions in the percussion space.

They dive into the nuances behind their rankings, shout out schools that may have been overlooked, and talk about what really matters when evaluating drumlines — including the importance of quality video footage and performance consistency. The guys also look ahead to the upcoming spring season and competitions, sharing their excitement for the drumlines ready to make noise this year.

The episode then transitions into a Lounge & Chop segment, where Jeremie and Bryon each teach a short snare solo, breaking down stickings, timing, and musical concepts for viewers to learn and practice. It’s a hands-on moment that reflects their passion for education, growth, and giving back to the drum community while still keeping the competitive edge of HBCU band culture alive.

The show wraps up with the always-hyped 5th Quarter segment, where Jeremie and Bryon react to band clips and celebrate the creativity, competitiveness, and brotherhood within band culture.

🥁 5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick:
Jackson State University — “Flicka Da Wrist” (2025)

Bryon’s Pick:
Southern University — Percussion Feature from their halftime show at the Band of the Year event

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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

In this episode of The Drum Lounge Podcast, hosts Jeremie Foster and Bryon Russell officially return from hiatus and kick off the new year with a deep dive into the state of the HBCU drumline and marching band scene. The guys reflect on the previous marching season, highlighting standout performances, community reactions, and the evolving conversation around judging standards within band culture.

  The discussion covers major moments from the season, including First Take’s visit to Bethune-Cookman, and transitions into a detailed tier-list breakdown of drumlines across the country. Jeremie and Bryon analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact of programs such as Florida Memorial, South Carolina State, Bethune-Cookman, Alabama State, North Carolina A&T, Texas Southern, Prairie View A&M, and North Carolina Central.

  Throughout the episode, the hosts debate rankings, dissect head-to-head battles, and talk about the importance of musical diversity, identity, and innovation in modern band writing. As always, the conversation balances serious analysis with humor, viral moments, and candid commentary that reflects the culture and passion of the HBCU band world. The episode closes with reflections on the future of band programs and a reminder of the importance of exposure, competition, and continuous growth for young percussionists.


🥁 5th Quarter Picks
Jeremie’s Pick: Bethune-Cookman Drumline – “Spirit Groove” (2017)
Bryon’s Pick: Southern University Human Jukebox – “Folded” by Kehlani

🎙️ Stay Connected
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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥


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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

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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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

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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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

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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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥

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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The Drum Lounge Podcast — where HBCU band culture lives, breathes, and evolves. 🥁🔥