News & Update 06/07/2010 INDEX:     NEW LINK NEW LINK SG2010 Website Activity Update, Current Stats! (06/07/10) Dave Burnett (04/21/10) Fall Gig 2009 (11/12/09) Don't throw those old carriers away!!! (07/28/09) Got Pics? (7/28/09) 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! 06/07/10 SG2010 The 2010 Summer Gig is just around the corner, Ya'll!     Get ready for Cool Drum'n, Great Fellowship, and The Best BBQ on the Planet. The Brotherhood will gather in at the David L. Walters Music Dept Preformance Center beginning Thursday, June 24th and runs through Saturday June 26th.     This year's 3-day Gig promises to be the best ever.  Socializ'n will again be in full supply and Big Dawg is back to bring us another Smmmoke'n Cookout!  The 2nd edition of our Concept, Technique and Technology Series will examine equipment modifications, bass line techniques and modern tenor line methods as well as full battery integrations. In our Historical Series IV presentations we'll take an in-depth look into some of the Drumline's unique "Rudimental Swing" interpretations and their origins.  We'll also discuss the development of the Classic Era tenor line's hallmark style with the members who perfected it.  And we'll take our first historical look beyond the Southerners Classic Era as we examine  the drumline's transition into the 2nd Era.  You won't want to miss this Gig, Ya'll.  So clear your calendar and start warm'n up for SG2010! You can download the SG2010 Event Schedule here: SG2010 Schedule of Events 06/07/10 Website Activity Update  Stats! JSUgreyDrummers.com continues to receive a lot of activity.  Here's the current Stats snapshot of the last 12 months showing monthly totals (as of 5/31/10). Cool, huh? Month Monthly Totals Daily Avg Sites KBytes Visits Pages Files Hits Hits May-10 773 88,524 2,834 68,660 70,839 103,795 3,348   Apr-10 875 102,449 2,586 69,843 84,286 119,825 3,994   Mar-10 731 371,638 2,983 56,142 65,838 90,829 2,929   Feb-10 823 1,839,153 2,822 59,035 70,256 91,338 3,262   Jan-10 792 1,635,543 2,791 86,203 82,542 120,602 3,890   Dec-09 554 1,527,107 2,263 67,886 85,760 128,965 4,160   Nov-09 3,582 2,136,397 6,496 71,696 96,575 132,191 4,406   Oct-09 661 1,855,673 1,931 52,253 65,195 89,463 2,885   Sep-09 791 1,463,271 2,420 64,611 68,970 87,895 2,929   Aug-09 691 1,899,756 1,944 71,129 75,038 101,567 3,276   Jul-09 677 2,724,340 1,710 90,853 114,174 155,821 5,026   Jun-09 746 3,071,291 1,894 65,083 117,786 154,453 5,148 Totals 11,696 18,715,142 32,674 823,394 997,259 1,376,744 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 4/21/10 David J. Burnett    28 Aug 1954 - 19 Apr 2010 (Bass 1972-1973) Brother Dave Burnett passed away on Monday April 19th after battling cancer since early 2009.  Dave was a regular at Southerners Reunions and he never missed a Grey Drummers Gig, even while battling his cancer.  Dave marched Bass in the Southerners 72-73 seasons contributing to the climax years of the Drumline's Classic Era.  Brother Dave was a shining light in the Drumline Brotherhood and his memory will forever live in our hearts.  Services for Dave took place yesterday, April 21st, concluding at the Fisher Cemetery on top of the mountain in Fort Payne, AL. I am very proud to report that The Drummers of The Grey Echelon came together on literally a moment's notice to honor Dave's final request of a Grey Drummer's send-off. I think Dave would be pleased with the fine drumline ensemble of 2 Snares, 4 Tenors, 3 Bass, Latins and Cymbals.  Dr. Hoyt LeCroy provided the Grey Drummers introduction. I'm not sure exactly "what" Dave wanted in requesting the Drumline assemble at his service... Whether he wanted a farewell send-off from his Brothers for this next step he takes, or perhaps a last opportunity to share with his friends and family something he so dearly loved ...  But I understand "Why".  The Southerners Drumline experience is an inextinguishable brilliant spark in our lives that we cherish and carry in our souls always. Many thanks to all the Brothers who responded so quickly. Once again, I am proud to be a part of this unique Band of Brothers and humbled to count myself as one among you. Invictus, Imperium, Ave! dan Grey Drummers in Attendance: Wayne and Donna Perry John and Beth Sudduth Tim Walters Bob Haon Hoyt LeCroy Larry Beck Mike Camp Joe Serviss Shirley Smith Larry Hice Kent Brooks Gene Inglis Dave Burnett and Carl Blair at the 1973 Rat Run. 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. 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!