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, Innovative Percussion, 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.
Paul Buyer is Director of Percussion and Professor of Music at Clemson University where he also served as Acting Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs for the College of Arts and Humanities. 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.
Dr. Buyer is a sought-after keynote speaker, clinician, and the author of World Music, Drumline Gold, Working Toward Excellence, Marching Bands and Drumlines, and co-author of The Art of Vibraphone Playing. His articles have appeared in American Music Teacher, Teaching Music, Yamaha Educator Suite, Jazz Education Network, Percussive Notes, Rhythm! Scene, and The PAS Educators’ Companion.
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, Innovative Percussion, Remo, Sabian, and Grover. 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.
Jonathan Byers, from Westminster, South Carolina, is a Clemson University Drumline (CUD) section leader for the 2024 Tiger Band season. He joined marching band and indoor percussion in high school and has played both bass and snare drum. While at Clemson, Jonathan has been a member of CUD since he was a freshman and has performed in Steel Band. Some of his favorite memories from Tiger Band include the 2022 Orange Bowl trip to Miami, Florida, and CUD’s first ever performance at the Clemson v.s. USC hockey game.
He is currently a junior pursuing a Business Management degree. In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball, teaching percussion, and going to the gym. Jonathan enjoys watching SNL every weekend in hopes that his favorite actor/comedian/musician, Will Ferrell, will be hosting.
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.