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Percussionist Tom Float died on Monday October 3rd after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 69. Friend and former student Dan Wahl confirmed his passing on behalf of Float’s wife, Catherine.
There has been such a outpour of remembrances by the people that knew him best. We have posted a few of them below.
REMO:
The Remo family mourns the passing of drum corps and marching legend Tom Float.
Inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in 2004, Tom was a legendary teacher to countless drummers from the mid-1970s to the present. His tenures include the Anaheim Kingsmen, Sacramento Freelancers, Oakland Crusaders, Velvet Knights, Spirit of Atlanta, and The Blue Devils, where he won four consecutive high percussion awards from 1983-86.
He also wrote for and led drumming groups at Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. He was a highly dedicated marching consultant to Remo, Inc., and spent the last fifteen years of his life developing and marketing Tama’s renowned line of marching percussion. It’s safe to say that if you have marched in the past 40 years, the design and performance of your drums, sticks, cymbals, and drumheads have been influenced by Tom Float. Tom changed the game for every drummer, educational event, organization, and drum manufacturer whose path he crossed. His expertise, sincerity, and one-of-a-kind sense of humor will be missed by all. We extended our deepest sympathy to Tom’s wife, Catherine.
PAS:
Thomas Earl “Tom” Float, legendary marching percussion performer and instructor, passed away at the age of 69 on October 3, 2022 after a six-year battle with cancer. Best known for his tenure with the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps (Concord, California), he also taught Spirit of Atlanta (Georgia) and Oakland Crusaders (Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada), and was inducted into the Drum Corps International (DCI) Hall of Fame in 2004. He met and married the love of his life and musical partner, Catherine, during his time with Spirit of Atlanta in the ‘70s. With too many contributions to name in a social post, this quote from Bob Morrison helps:
“Tom’s contribution to the marching arts is immense, and his impact has been passed down the percussion tree lineage he started. It lives in all those he taught who have gone on to teach others…and will live further as the branches of the Tom Float tree continue to grow.”
Vic Firth:
Vic Firth posted: On Monday, October 3rd, the world lost a true legend in the percussion community with the passing of Tom Float. Float’s legendary accomplishments in the Drum Corps activity include standard setting percussion sections at the Blue Devils, as well as Spirit of Atlanta and The Velvet Knights. A pioneer in his craft, Float modernized the approach to marching percussion that the world enjoys to this day.
Float continued his work in film, television, and theme park entertainment. His work can be seen on display to this day at theme parks around the world, including Disney and Universal Studios.
Tom’s true gift was caring for others. He created opportunity for musicians all over the world, working hard to make sure those around his were well cared-for. His sense of humor and knack for storytelling will be remembered fondly by those who encountered him, but his heart for others is what truly set him apart. He will be sorely missed.
Rest in Peace, Float. Your legacy will set standards, much like you did.
