Drumming News :
Congratulations to each of the deserving winners of the 2025 Percussive Arts Society Awards. These recipients show the breadth and depth of our percussion community, and embody the ideals of service, education, and preserving our history.
“Without leaders like these, we would not have such a great history to celebrate at PASIC50 this year,” said Joshua Simonds, PAS Executive Director. “They give us all an ideal to aspire to.”
Learn more about each of this year’s winners below.
PAS Supporter Award – David and Colette Wood
David and Colette Wood, honored as the 2025 PAS Supporters of the Year, exemplify outstanding advocacy for percussion through their generous contributions, including the Billy Gladstone Exhibit, financial support for PAS initiatives, and dedicated committee service. Their leadership and passion for education and outreach reflect a deep commitment to elevating percussion within the wider arts community.
PAS President’s Industry Award – Jerry Goldenson, KHS America
Jerry Goldenson, recipient of the 2025 PAS President’s Industry Award, has built a remarkable career blending his love of music with sharp business acumen. From gigging at age 12 to leading major brands like Sonor, Mapex, Pearl, and ultimately serving as president of KHS America, Jerry’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to making music accessible, empowering others, and shaping the industry with vision, integrity, and heart.
PAS Service Award – Dr. Elizabeth DeLamater
Dr. Elizabeth DeLamater, a dynamic percussionist, steelpan performer, educator, and scholar, has built an international career spanning performances, teaching, and research across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. As Chair of the PAS Diversity Alliance Committee and a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, she exemplifies a deep commitment to inclusion, education, and the global reach of percussion.
PAS Chapter Award – Tennessee
We congratulate the PAS Tennessee Chapter in winning the PAS Chapter award. Tennessee’s chapter officers are: Dave England, President; Cassidy Lester, Vice President; Bill Shaltis, Secretary; and George Barrett, Treasurer.
Lifetime Achievement in Education Award – Thomas L. Davis
Thomas L. Davis, a pioneering percussionist, composer, and educator, left an indelible mark on the field through his 38-year tenure as the University of Iowa’s first Professor of Percussion. A founding member of Dick Schory’s Percussion Pops Orchestra and prolific composer, Davis helped establish some of the earliest university percussion ensembles, expanded jazz and marching programs, and mentored generations of influential musicians—all while infusing his work with a signature sense of humor and creativity.
Lifetime Achievement in Education Award – Rich Holly
Rich Holly, a 2024 Yamaha Legacy Award recipient, is a globally recognized percussionist, composer, producer, and arts leader whose career spans decades of performance, education, and arts advocacy. With leadership roles at NC State and Northern Illinois University, over 400 clinic and performance appearances worldwide, and extensive work in arts consulting and production, Holly continues to shape the music world through his creative vision and enduring commitment to the arts.
Lifetime Achievement in Education Award – Douglas J. Wolf
Professor Douglas Wolf, Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah, devoted over four decades to elevating percussion education through visionary teaching, performance, and advocacy. Under his leadership, the University of Utah Percussion Ensemble achieved international acclaim, commissioned landmark works, and inspired generations of percussionists—cementing his legacy as a transformative educator, ensemble director, and longtime Percussive Arts Society leader.
