Mission Statement
The mission of the Clemson Drumline is to exhibit the core values that define CUD, to demonstrate excellence in everything we do, and to improve from rehearsal to rehearsal, game to game, year to year.
The mission of the Clemson Drumline is to exhibit the core values that define CUD, to demonstrate excellence in everything we do, and to improve from rehearsal to rehearsal, game to game, year to year.
The Clemson Drumline is sponsored by Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, DrumTagz Drum Wraps, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and Yamaha Marching Percussion. We greatly value the relationships we have with all of our sponsors.
CUD is the premier marching percussion ensemble at Clemson University and is a section of the Clemson University Tiger Band - The Band That Shakes The Southland. Being a part of the drumline at Clemson not only teaches students how to have confidence and perform to an audience, it also teaches students the value of teamwork, provides character development, and builds leadership skills. Rich tradition, high standards, and performance excellence are trademarks of both the Clemson University Drumline and Tiger Band.
Dr. Paul Buyer is Director of Percussion, Director of Music, and Professor of Music at Clemson University. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees from the University of Arizona and his Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University.
Featured in SUCCESS Magazine’s Achiever’s Series, Dr. Buyer is a sought-after keynote speaker, clinician, and the author of Drumline Gold: Innovative Systems for Marching Percussion Excellence (Meredith Music Publications), Working Toward Excellence: 8 Values for Achieving Uncommon Success in Work and Life (Morgan James Publishing), Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best (Meredith Music Publications), and co-author of The Art of Vibraphone Playing: An Essential Method for Study and Performance (Meredith Music Publications).
He is a contributing author to the second edition of Teaching Percussion by Gary Cook, and his articles have appeared in American Music Teacher, Teaching Music, Jazz Education Network, Percussive Notes, and The PAS Educators’ Companion. He has been interviewed for the Rudimental Mindset podcast, The Marching Roundtable podcast, Pete's Percussion podcast, The Washington Tattoo podcast, Sabian Insights, Neil Grover's Discussions in Percussion, and Deomenico Zarro's blog, The Percussion Student among others.
Dr. Buyer is a former member of the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps and placed 2nd in DCI Keyboard Individuals in 1990. In 1992, he was a percussion staff member with the Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corps. Dr. Buyer serves as a clinician/endorser for Yamaha Percussion, Vic-Firth Drumsticks, Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, Grover Pro Percussion, and is an Educational Artist for Balter Mallets. He was the recipient of the 2019 PAS Outstanding Service Award, served as PAS Second Vice President from 2015-2018, and currently serves as Co-Editorial Director for Percussive Notes, the official PAS journal.
J.T. Hill, from Tampa, Florida, is a Clemson University Drumline (CUD) section leader for the 2023 Tiger Band season. He joined the marching band in high school and played cymbals and quads. While at Clemson, J.T. has performed in Steel Band, Guitar Ensembles, and has been a member of CUD since he was a freshman. Some of his favorite memories from Tiger Band include the trip down to Miami for the Orange Bowl and College Football Gameday against NC State.
He is currently a junior pursuing a degree in Construction Science and Management. In his free time, he enjoys playing spikeball, watching hockey, and hanging out with friends and family. Some of J.T.’s favorite movies include Star Wars and Step Brothers, featuring his favorite comedian, Will Ferrell.
Mr. Lance Curry is the instructor for the Clemson University Drumline. He has been working with the drumline in different capacities since 2010.
Lance received his B.A. in Secondary Education - Mathematics from Clemson University and a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from the University of Georgia. After graduating from Clemson he taught at nearby Easley High School for eight years. He is now employed by the Greenville County School District as an Instructional Technology Facilitator.
While at Clemson Lance was a member of the Clemson University Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and Clemson University Drumline. He was also a member of the inaugral Clemson University Gigging Steel Band, playing lead and contributing to their first CD, Steelin' the Spotlight. Lance's marching experience also includes the Tampa Bay Thunder Drum and Bugle Corps, Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, and Epiphany Independent Indoor.
As an educator, Lance has taught percussion at various middle and high schools around South Carolina including D.W. Daniel High School, Summerville High School, Easley High School, Gettys Middle School, and T.L. Hanna High School. He was also on the staff of Carolina Force Indoor Percussion Ensemble and directed Trifecta Independent.
Luke Manolescu, from West Grove, PA, is a Clemson University Drumline (CUD) section leader for the 2023 Tiger Band season. He joined marching band as well as indoor percussion in high school and has played both bass and snare drum. While at Clemson, Luke has been a member of CUD since he was a freshman and has enjoyed an historical run for Clemson Football. Some of his favorite memories from CUD and Tiger Band are traveling to Boston College, experiencing the 2022 ACC Championship, and performing the first ever Drumline 3rd Quarter show in front of the student section.
He is currently a senior pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures. In his free time, he enjoys going to concerts, listening to records, and watching movies. Luke’s favorite band to listen to is the Red Hot Chili Peppers since their drummer is his favorite comedian/actor/musician, Will Ferrell.