PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & ACHIEVMENTS
• 1998-2004 Ponderosa HS Percussion Staff
• Sony Recording/Touring Artist (1999-2000)
• Innovative Percussion Inc., endorsement (2001 to present)
• RMPA (Rocky Mountain Percussion Association) Board of Directors, Vice President (2003)
• Po Boy Drum Company endorsement (2006-2009)
• 2006-2007 Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corp Winter Percussion Staff
Jeff Gust, a native to the Northwest, began studying percussion at the age of five. He studied mallet percussion and basic techniques under Randall Larson, the principal percussionist for the Eugene Performing Arts Symphony/Orchestra in Eugene, Oregon. At age twelve, Jeff furthered his studies in rudimental snare drumming and drumset with University of Oregon’s Percussion Director, Alan Keown. Studying privately and performing in various competitions at an early age helped earn him the 1st chair percussionist spot as a South Eugene High School sophomore in Symphonic Band. Jeff was also the drummer for the regionally acclaimed SEHS Jazz Lab 1, under the direction of Greg Hall, and section leader for the drum line (Marching Band), from his sophomore year until graduation.
One of Jeff’s most outstanding achievements in his high school career was his appointment as session drummer and rhythm section leader for nationally recognized SEHS vocal jazz group, the Dorians, under the direction of Jim Steinberger. Through the 1986-1989 seasons, the Dorians won numerous awards at festivals both in the U.S. as well as Canada.
In the late 80’s, the Drum & Bugle Corps activity became a focus of Jeff’s interests as he toured for 3 years and studied under such names as Scott Ruesser, Alan Kristensen, Sheryl Miles, Mike Wells and Ralph Hardimon.
In 1991, Jeff moved from the west coast to pursue studies in Colorado. It was there that he decided to return to his “grassroots” and pursue his passion for the art of drum set. Jeff attended the University of Northern Colorado from 1994-96, majoring in Business Psychology, while continuing to study drum set privately. It was during this time, he was able to explore the “session player” realm and solicit his name and services to regional studios such as Time Capsule Studios, Kerr Macy, Colorado Sound, Community Sound and Metro-Pacific Studios. As a studio drummer, Jeff recorded commercial spots, jingles and ”music beds” as well as various recordings and performances with such artists as John Wyatt, Peter Case, Sherri Jackson, Nina Storey, Kristina Ingham, Psychodelic Zombiez, Carolyn’s Mother, Blister66, ION, Bow Shock, Cold, Vanilla Ice, Phunk Junkeez, Evanescence, Disturbed, Taproot, Sevendust, Kottonmouth Kings, Our Lady Peace, Kid Rock, Staind and Sugar Ray.
From 1998 through 2004, Jeff assisted Steve Yates with the nationally recognized; two-time WGI Silver Medallists Ponderosa HS Percussion Ensemble. He was also on the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corp Winter Percussion Staff 2006-2007, whose ensemble received the bronze medal at WGI Championships in 2007. In 2000, Jeff released an instructional book,” Roots: Chapter 1”, published by NuView Productions, which focuses on rudimental basics, technique, and understanding approaches and applications in Marching Percussion. Jeff has been a member and active participant in the Rocky Mountain Percussion Association since 1997. In 2003, Jeff became Vice President on the Board of Directors for RMPA.
From 2004 through 2006 Jeff was a touring/ recording artist with the band ION, winners of the 2004 Westword Music Awards. Most recently, Jeff has been recording/touring with the ambient-progressive/rock project, LOCUS. For more information, please visit:
www.planetlocus.com
