More than 125 former members of the Grambling State University “World Famed” Tiger Marching Band will reunite for homecoming 2010 to honor the legacy of the late legendary bandmaster Professor Conrad “Hutch” Hutchinson, Jr. Alumni will be traveling from as far as Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston,
Miami and Detroit. The group, called “GSU Alumni Band 100 Horses for 2010” includes members that marched in the internationally renowned band in the 1960’s – 2000’s. The reunion comes at a historical time in the life of Grambling as 2010 marks the realization of the Conrad Hutchinson Jr Performing Arts Center, the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and the naming of the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
Hutchinson, along with Robinson, Hobdy, President Ralph W.E. “Prez” Jones and Sports Information Director Collie J. Nicolson introduced Grambling to the world. Under Hutchinson’s leadership the band starred in Coca Cola’s 1981 award winning “Coke is it” commercial, performed in the first Super Bowl, at the inauguration of Liberian President William R. Tolbert, Tokyo’s first Pioneer and Mirage Bowls and in every major U.S. stadium
during his tenure.
The members will also pay tribute to former assistant directors William Wiley, Dr. Joseph Miller and Charles Turner. The members want to express through music and awareness the profound effect that Hutch and the others had on their lives on and off the field. “Mr. Hutchinson saw something in me that I never thought possible – a true leader. He nurtured that in me and now I am a college professor shaping and leading our youth into their destiny. I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate a legend.” says former drill sergeant Terry E. Allen-Davis, PhD.,1979-1983… “…Not only did Mr. Hutchinson build a phenomenal organization, he built a family of musicians that have bonded for life” says Jeanne Gaddis, a 1984 GSU graduate and clarinet player from 1980-1983.
“My Senior year in High School, (Chicago Vocational High School) Dr Miller told me he was going to change my Life…… He did.” proclaims Jesse Richardson who played electric bass in the sideline combo from 1981-1984. “…This is starting a new tradition. Mr. Hutchinson always told us that we were not the average band.
We were the best and the greatest band and the people were there to see us. I felt every stadium was my home stadium because I knew we were that good.” says Larry Moore, Alto Sax 1974 – 1977.
The group will perform for halftime at the Grambling vs. Concordia football game on November 6, 2010.
For more interviews and information please contact:Lisa Wise-Eady – jesus123@att.net