Todd Ohme graduated with a bachelor’s in manufacturing engineering and a master’s in manufacturing management from MSU. He is the corporate director of marketing for Colson Group and is the director of the Detroit Lions Drumline, Honolulu Boom.
As a Michigan State University alumnus and former member of the Spartan Marching Band, I’ve carried the lessons and experiences I gained in East Lansing into every facet of my life, including my role as the director of the Detroit Lions Drumline. It has been an incredible journey, and this season with the Lions has been nothing short of extraordinary — both on the field and within the organization.
My path in professional sports drumlines began in 2005, and I was invited onboard with the Lions in 2018 by the Director of Entertainment, Rebecca Smoker. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how the powerful intersection of culture, leadership and teamwork can elevate a group’s performance — whether it’s a drumline, a corporate team or a professional football franchise.
Much of what I’ve brought to the Lions Drumline stems from my time at MSU. The Spartan Marching Band instilled in me a deep appreciation for discipline, precision and the importance of collective effort. When you’re on the field as part of a 300-piece ensemble, you learn quickly that success doesn’t come from individual talent alone — it’s the result of everyone moving, playing and working together in harmony.
Those principles have carried over into my professional endeavors, both as a musician and in my corporate career. In my role with the Lions Drumline, I strive to foster a culture of positivity, and shared purpose.
There’s a palpable energy in Detroit right now, and it’s fueled not just by the team’s success on the field, but by the meaningful work happening within the Lions organization behind the scenes. We’re not just performers; we’re ambassadors for the team and the city, bringing passion and pride to every beat. The draft week in Detroit was an unforgettable experience, with record-setting crowds showcasing their pride for the Lions.
For the drumline, it was eye-opening to see fans not only cheering us on but calling us by name, “Honolulu Boom.” Hearing that validated the hard work we’ve put into our performances. The energy from the crowd was electric, and their connection to us truly put into perspective the broad impact of what we do. It inspired us to continue elevating our craft, knowing that we’re not just entertainment but a celebrated part of the Lions’ culture and fan experience.
Looking back, I credit my time at MSU for giving me the foundation to succeed in roles like this. The Spartan Marching Band taught me the importance of preparation, adaptability and leadership — qualities I draw on daily. Being part of such a storied tradition instilled in me a sense of pride and responsibility, which I now bring to my work with the Lions.
As the Lions Drumline continues to contribute to the game-day experience, I’m reminded of how far-reaching the impact of culture and leadership can be. Whether it’s on the football field, in the drumline or in life, the rhythms of success are built on a strong foundation of teamwork and trust — values I’ll always cherish as a Spartan!
