News & Update 11/12/2009 INDEX: Fall Gig 2009 (11/12/09) Don't throw those old carriers away!!! (07/28/09) Got Pics? (7/28/09) Website Activity Update, Over 1 Million Hits! (07/01/09) Wayne Perry, Home After Heart Surgery (07/01/09) JSU's President Joins The Grey Drummers (07/01/09) New Reviews Page (06/25/09) Summer  Gig RECAP (06/26/09) Grey Drummers Forum The People of  (05/24/09) 2009 Summer Gig! (05/24/09) Wedding Announcement (03/10/09) Summer Gig 2009 (02/19/09) The Fall Gig  (10/27/08) Tenor Sectional  (8/16/08) 2008 Summer Gig! 10/31/09 Fall Gig 2009 "Whup 'at Thang!" The 2009 Fall Gig is approaching and The Grey Drummers will be shoulder to shoulder once again.   The Brotherhood will begin the Drumline's reunion with rehearsal on Thursday, Nov 19th.   The Grey Echelon Reunion commences at 6pm on Friday.  Lots of cool drum'n, Fellowship, and Socializ'n promise to make this Gig one you don't want to miss. Download your copy of the event schedule and the Whoall's Acome'n list to get all the details. FG2009 Event Schedule v3.5 FG2009 Whoall's Acome'n v5.1 (Updated 11-12-09) 07/28/09 Don't throw those old carriers away!!! We are considering going to vest carriers for the new snare battery.  We also will need carriers for multi-tenor and tonal bass batteries as well. So if you're upgrading your high school or college battery with new gear, PLEASE don't throw that old gear away or pile it into a closet where it will only collect dust and rust. Let us put that old stuff to good use. We have 14 prototype snare drums in the works and we'd also like to add 7 sets of tenors, and 5-9 Bass drums. That's a lot of carriers!  And a lot of drums! So if you've got old drums/carriers, etc., don't toss that stuff in the dumpster. Just drop us an email at: greygear@JSUgreyDrummers.com or call:  404-822-9962 And we'll arrange to pick it up and give your old gear new life in "The Long Grey Line"! Even if you're not a Band Director, touch base with the directors in your local area for possible hand-me-downs.  They'd probably love to get that old equipment closet cleaned out and they are our best source for the gear we need to help us grow. So Please help us "Do Someth'n That Counts." And Thank you for your support! 07/28/09 Got Pics? If you've got Drumline pics (from your years or any year), or pics from the Gigs, email'em to us at: photos@JSUgreyDrummers.com And we'll get'em up on the Photo Gallery! We want all pics but we especially need photos from the mid 70's and up. 07/01/09 Website Activity Update  1 Million + Hits! JSUgreyDrummers.com continues to receive a lot of activity.  Here's a snapshot of the last 12 months showing monthly totals (as of 6/30/09). In addition to the very cool "One Million Hits" milestone, JSUgreyDrummers.com also produced some other impressive stats such as: Big Daily Average Jump! June's daily average hits number at 5,100 + is an increase over the next highest month in this report (Jul 08) of over 25%. A Single Day Record! And on June 26th, the website received over 12,000 Hits in a single day. Cool, huh? Month Monthly Totals Daily Avg Sites KBytes Visits Pages Files Hits Hits Jun-09 746 3,071,291 1,894 65,083 117,786 154,453 5,148 May-09  501 1,141,522 1,598 57,608 61,983 84,696 2,732 Apr-09 502 1,076,056 1,369 47,576 48,675 66,245 2,208 Mar-09 481 1,399,950 1,517 54,674 68,363 90,596 2,922 Feb-09 450 1,001,270 1,737 44,359 56,723 76,357 2,727 Jan-09 558 861,401 1,370 46,795 51,746 63,669 2,053 Dec-08 557 1,045,778 1,464 40,511 55,189 66,197 2,135 Nov-08 695 2,978,529 1,562 26,499 54,980 71,167 2,372 Oct-08 554 1,593,080 1,835 26,465 67,934 84,401 2,722 Sep-08 425 1,135,075 2,048 22,604 57,956 76,343 2,544 Aug-08 514 1,985,284 1,517 20,962 63,430 91,425 2,949 Jul-08 534 2,511,676 1,649 44,227 90,920 127,409 4,109 Totals   17,435,642 18,367 458,820 714,009 1,052,958     In addition to Grey Drummers and local folks all across the country, we're continuing to get visits from drummers in Europe (Germany and Denmark).  So if you're from "Out of Town", we'd love to have you register on the "Visitors" Page. Here's the link to the Grey Drummers Visitors Page:  http://www.jsugreydrummers.com/form1.html 7/01/09 Wayne Perry Returns Home After Heart Surgery Wayne Perry (Timbales 69-71, Section Leader 70-71) unexpectedly underwent open heart surgery early last Thursday after a routine stress test revealed a large circulatory blockage.  Wayne returned home today.  Wayne says he's doing great, expects to make a full recovery, and loves hearing from all his Drumline Brothers.  All Brothers wishing to contact Wayne with well wishes may email him at: wperry39@bellsouth.net Wayne had a great time with us at the Summer Gig last week.  Wayne still drums Timbales in the Latin Section and has been with The Grey Drummers since we began. We wish a speedy recovery, Brother! "Next time, we won't make you run laps."  07/01/09 JSU's Presdent Joins The Grey Drummers Dr. Bill Meehan, President of Jacksonville State University, and the home of The Marching Southerners, was inducted as the 1st "Official" Honorary Drummer of the Grey Echelon.  The Ceremonies took place during the Grey Drummers recent 2009 Summer Gig.   See the complete article in the SG2009 Recap.  The event was also published in the JSUNews.com website. Here's the link:  JSUnews.com 06/25/09 New "Reviews" Page added to the website   Following one of our Gigs, I always get a lot of emails from guys reflecting on the event and the great time they had.  They comment on things that were particularly special to them, what it means to “gather in” with their buds, drum shoulder to shoulder once again, and to experience the revival of the Drumline Brotherhood. So I’ve created a new page on www.jsugreydrummers.com simply titled, “Reviews”.  I encourage everyone to contribute their review.  You're also welcome to include photos. If you had a great time at the Gig, let everyone know about it.  Just email your review to:   gig_review@jsugreydrummers.com   and I’ll post them on the Reviews page so your message gets out to all. 06/26/09 Summer Gig RECAP   To get your copy of the Recap for Summer Gig "There it Is" 2009, Just Download the Recap here: Summer Gig 2009 RECAP   or email us at: gig_review@JSUgreyDrummers.com   The "Whoall Came to It" letter is also available: "Whoall Came To It" SG2009 The Grey Drummers Forum     Don't forget to sign-up on The Grey Drummers Forum. Lots of activity and information. You get help reconnecting with past drumming buds and meet Drumline Brothers both young and old.  You'll also get in on past/current issues and upcoming event discussions, get access to downloading music, and first look at "before the press" news. Please note: This is a private forum for Grey Drummers only.  Before you sign-up for the forum: Please complete The Grey Drummer Master Registration form  (Just click the "Register" button on the website's main menu).  Here's the link:  http://www.jsugreydrummers.com/form.html  You must complete this form BEFORE your forum account can be approved.  05/24/09 The People of The Grey Drummers    The 4th Installment in "The People of The Grey Drummers" is now complete with the latest article featuring Jack Cox (Jack was The Southerners' first Percussion Section Leader... Cool, huh?).  This Installment comes to us courtesy of Dr. Hoyt LeCroy, Grey Drummers Senior Advisor for Historical Research. Enjoy! 05/24/09 2009 Summer Gig !     The Grey Drummers 2009 Summer Reunion Gig is just around the corner.  The Brotherhood comes together on June 18th and the Gig runs through Saturday, June 20th. So clear your calendar and start warm'n up for this 3-day event filled with sharing great memories, lots of cool drumming, and the revival of the Drumline Brotherhood. The first information email has already been sent.  If you didn't get yours, drop us an email at:  info@jsuGreyDrummers.com   The "Whoall's Acome'n" list is building fast. Let all the guys know you're "Acome'n".  Just email us at: imacomen@jsuGreyDrummers.com See Ya There! Oogla! Wedding Announcement 03/10/09 One of our young Grey Drummer Brothers is getting married!  Aaron Savage and Elizabeth Ryan, both former Southerners, will be exchanging vows on April 18th, 2009 in the beautiful setting of Sunset Beach, North Carolina.   Aaron marched in the Snare Lines of 02,03,04 and Liz marched Flute/Piccolo in the Southerners' 98 - 02 seasons. The Grey Drummers extend our congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple.   Summer Gig 2009!  02/19/09 Clear your calendar and start warm'n up! We're in the planning stage for the 2009 Summer Gig.  The Gig dates are set for June 18th, 19th and 20th.  This year's 3-day event is tentatively scheduled to start on Thursday at 1:00PM Central time and finish up on Saturday at 5:30PM on Saturday.  This reunion of the Drumline Brotherhood is going to be the best ever and you won't want to miss it.  So clear your calendar and get ready for some cool drumming and great fellowship! As always, your ideas and suggestions are most welcome.  You can share your ideas with us on the Grey Drummers Forum or drop us a line at:  oogla@jsugreydrummers.com The Fall Gig! 10/27/08 The Grey Echelon Reunion Gig was a BLAST! The Brotherhood was together again and this season's Southerners Drumline was Smmmmoke'n! We couldn't be more proud of this years Drumline.  They are a teriffic bunch of guys and gals loaded with talent.  And it was easy to see that their love for the Drumline's tradition of excellence is the same as ours. It was a perfect weekend for drumming and we made the most of it.  Great Brotherhood, perfect weather and lots of cool drumming.  The Southerners were fabulous hosts and The Grey Drummers thank you for a day we won't forget! Tenor Sectional: 8/16/08     The Tenors sectional was a lot of fun.  Gene Inglis, Carl Worthington, Larry Hice were able to refine a lot the sticking details that were in question at the Summer Gig.  The Southerners Tenor Line was famous for this type of visual effect.  And to watch these guys pick apart the physics and methodology of this unique concept was really amazing.  They also ironed out some of the music that, over the years, the line had changed from the original scores.  This was something that only the guys who were there would remember and stuff you just can't get by looking at photos.  Cool, huh?  We had a relaxed venue and had plenty of time to visit between playing.  Thanks to Sandy Lynch, we were accomodated in the Round House (air conditioned...  Nice!). All in all, it was well worth the trip.  We got a lot accomplished and the fellowship was great.   The 2008 Summer Gig was a BLAST!: The Grey Drummers 2008 Summer Reunion was great gig! Grey Drummers were in attendance representing Southerners Drumlines from the get-go to the present (1956 to 2007). The Brotherhood was alive and well.  And the event was filled with surprises. 8 Snares, 8 Tenors, 5 Bass, with Latins and Cymbals.  It was a great ensemble. Jack Cox was there in the flesh! We were privileged to hear his stories, first-hand, of how the JSU percussion section began.  Jack was the Drumline’s first Section Leader.  WOW! It was truly an historic event. You can view pics from the event on the Photo Gallery and you can download the soundtrack from the historical presentation on the AUDIO page. It was, all in all, another great revival of the Drumline Brotherhood filled with old friends, new friends, cool drumming, and heart reviving fellowship. If you would like to have your comments on the event posted on the website, send them to: ugla@jsugreydrummers.com   P.S.  Start get'n ready for the "Fall Gig 2008".   Info coming soon!   WHO’ALL CAME TO Whup ‘at Thang! 2008  JUNE 13th & 14th V2.5 THE GOLD MEDALION DRUMMER The Drumline's First Section Leader JACK COX   THE 62-64 CORNER STONE LINE "The" DR. Rev. Dali Lama Hoyt F. LeCroy Tom Camp, Al Berry, Larry Culpepper, Larry Beck, John Armstrong, Charles Tucker and Troy Crumpton   FOUNDATION DRUMMERS Sir Jerry Mitchell and Sir Dennis Henson    SPECIAL GUEST STARS DR. David L. Walters (Uncle Dave) DR. Bo McIntosh (Music Dept Head) SIR Gene Inglis (Grey Echelon Pres.)    SNARE LINE Sweet & Clean!  Jerry Mitchell, Rick Savage, Mike Morris, Tim Walters, Dwyane Lewis, Mike “Fireball” Camp, Larry Culpepper and yours truly   A TENOR LINE of EIGHT, BABY!!! A SOUND PRECEDENT !!! Larry Hice, Carl Worthington, Gene Inglis, Kent Brooks, Terry Barkley, Dennis Henson, Larry Beck and Dewey Anderson            BASS LINE Lots-O-Low! Joe Serviss, Dave Burnett, John Sudduth, Bob Haon, Troy Crumpton and “Bruno” Brewer   CYMBAL LINE     Perfect Crash and Choke! Graham Lewis, Lee’Air Luster, and Keller Matthews     LATIN DRUMS ESSENTIAL SPICE! Wayne Perry (Timbales), “Bongo Man” Kemp Walters, John “More Cowbell” Armstrong, Dennis Henson (Congas)   CREDITS Donna Perry (Grey Drummers Official Videographer) Tim Walters (Grey Drummers Head Sound Engineer) Kemp Walters (Special Assistant Engineer)  Dr Rev Hoyt LeCroy (The Dali Lama of Classic Era Historical Research) Bob Haon (Drum Shop Assistant and Certified POS Resurrection Specialist)  Julie White  (Blood Hound (Track'n down Grey Drummers))   Special Thanks to Ken Bodiford, Director of Bands, JSU Sandy Lynch Secretary to the Director and Grey Drummers' Girl Friday Joe Serviss, VP, JSU Nancy Turner, JSU Alumni Dept Mike Hathcock, JSU TV  (I’m sure I’m forgetting someone) Whup ‘at Thang!