Industry News — August 2025

Pearl Corporation
Thom Hannum Named Director of Education at Pearl Corporation
 Pearl Corporation is excited to announce the addition of legendary marching percussion educator, Thom Hannum, as Director of Education. As one of the most respected voices in the world of marching percussion, Thom brings decades of experience, innovation, and leadership to this new role. Known for his work with The Crossmen, The Cadets, Star of Indiana, Blast!, Carolina Crown, and UMass, Hannum is a DCI and World Drum Corps Hall of Fame inductee and PAS Hall of Fame Inductee. As Director of Education, Hannum will spearhead initiatives that foster musical growth, community engagement, and brand alignment through educational outreach and programming.

Since Pearl’s inception in 1946, music education has been at the forefront of the company, when founder Katsumi Yanagisawa began producing music stands for the local Japanese market. Today, Pearl marching and concert products are staples in schools and universities around the world. As a leading manufacturer of musical instruments, Pearl values the development of musicians at all levels—from students and educators to professionals—and the Director of Education is central to this mission.

“To be named Director of Education at Pearl is a major milestone in my professional career – reflective of a 43-year association with Pearl as an artist and clinician. It is both flattering and humbling. Let’s get started!”

“With over four decades of partnership, Thom’s transition into the role of Director of Education marks not only a continuation—but an evolution—of our long-standing relationship. His legendary knowledge and experience in school music education have shaped the industry, and his guidance will be instrumental in steering Pearl’s Band & Orchestra initiatives into the future,” said Glen Caruba, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Pearl Corporation.

“Without music education, there’s simply no music industry,” said Adam Jones, Director of Marketing at Pearl Corporation. “This role is about more than our products – it’s about people, progress, and providing educators with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of performers.”

---

Porter & Davies
Drummer Jay Weinberg Takes Porter & Davies On Tour
Jay Weinberg, the multi award winning drummer of Suicidal Tendencies, is the newest member of the ever growing Porter & Davies artist family. The company’s tactile monitors allow every punch of the kick drum to pulse through a drummer’s body, adding another dimension to the playing experience.

Weinberg, the son of long-term Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg, and Slipknot drummer from 2013 to 2024, is currently the drummer of Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves. He has received many accolades in the drumming world, more recently voted Best Metal Drummer 2022 by Music Radar / Rhythm magazine, 2022 Metal Drummer of the Year by Drumeo and 2023 Best Metal Drummer / #1 Rock Drummer in Modern Drummer Readers poll.

Suicidal Tendencies are currently special guests on the Metallica M72 World Tour. They released their first original song in nine years, Adrenaline Addict, to coincide with the band opening for Metallica.  Infectious Grooves, the funk offshoot of Suicidal Tendencies, have two show dates in California in August. As a solo art-ist, Weinberg has been working on an album where he plays all the instruments, collaborated with different vocalists and even did his own artwork.

Weinberg has been using his BC2 on tour and this is what he says: ‘The Porter & Davies BC2 has revolution-ized the way I feel the impact of my drums, in the best way possible. As someone who loves to feel the rumble of a strong subwoofer on a tight rock club stage, I’ve often found it difficult to replicate that physical sensation on larger stages, without boosting my in-ear monitor volumes to compensate for the lack of impact. The BC2 tactile monitoring system gives me the low-end response I love to feel — no matter the stage conditions — allowing me to listen to my in-ears at safer volumes. Thank you P&D for this amazing device that allows me to feel more connected to my instrument than ever before!’

Porter & Davies are the world leaders in tactile monitoring. Their high-quality products are used by hundreds of top artists.  To find out more about making music feel better go to porteranddavies.co.uk/.

---

TRX Cymbals and Drumming News Network
TRX Cymbals and Drumming News Network Launch “Beat X Beat” Video Contest
Showcase Your Skills, Win Incredible Prizes and Take Your Drumming To The Next Stage!
TRX Cymbals and Drumming News Network are thrilled to announce the launch of the “Beat X Beat” Video Contest — a celebration of talent, innovation and musical creativity. This contest is set to provide drummers of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels with a unique opportunity to showcase their drumming on a worldwide platform, win exclusive prizes and connect with a vibrant community of percussion enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a passionate hobbyist or a rising star just beginning your rhythmic journey, the “Beat X Beat” Contest invites you to record and submit a video that highlights your unique style, drumming skills and love for the drums. 

The contest is open to drummers from the United States, Canada and Mexico with the entry period from September 1^st to September 14^th, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

To enter, download the official “Beat X Beat” track from the TRX Cymbals website and record a a playthrough video. Post the video on your Instagram, Facebook or Tiktok page and tag @trxcymbals and @drummingnewsnetwork. Then, register your submission on the DNN BXB landing page.

Videos will be judged on creativity, technique, musicality and overall presentation by a panel of TRX cymbal artists, esteemed drummers, educators and music industry professionals, including Charles Streeter, Jessica Goodwin, Brandon Godette, Ilse Santana, Luke Caro, Ricardo “Oso” Cortez, Brandon Khoo and others.

1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners will receive handcrafted, custom-made TRX cymbals and endorsement offers as well as feature articles and interviews on Drumming News Network’s website, social media and newsletter. All entries will have the chance to be seen by thousands of drumming fans around the globe and all will receive exclusive discounts on TRX cymbals and merch. 

First Prize: Choice of a 5-piece TRX Cymbal set and T-Shirt, a feature article on Drumming News Network and judges’ feedback.
Second Prize: Choice of 18” TRX Lightning or Thunder Crash Cymbal and T-Shirt, a featured DNN news mention and judges’ feedback.
Third Prize: Choice of 14” TRX DRK-BRT or DRK-X Hi-hats and T-shirt, shoutout on DNN and judges’ feedback.

For further information visit www.trxcymbals.com or www.drummingnewsnetwork.com.