Drumming News :
The percussion community is mourning the unexpected loss of Catherine Float, a pioneering percussionist, composer, and educator whose impact reshaped the marching arts—especially the front ensemble. Known for her lifelong partnership with her late husband, Tom Float, Catherine’s influence spanned decades, organizations, and generations of performers.
The Percussive Arts Society shared the heartbreak felt across the activity: “Best known for her marching arts partnership and husband with Tom Float, Catherine Float passed away unexpectedly in October 2025… this was a heartbreaking loss for the percussion community.”
Julie Davila, Immediate Past President of PAS, reflected on Catherine’s unmatched contributions:
“Catherine Float was a trendsetter in the Marching Arts… She paved a path for many women to enter and contribute to this activity. We see ourselves here because she was such a force.”
For many, Catherine was both hero and inspiration. Staci Stokes Waites, educator and co-owner of Marimba Warehouse, shared:
“To me, Catherine Float was truly iconic… Watching her groups warm up felt like getting a front-row seat to a masterclass in precision, performance, and pure swagger. Her players commanded every moment… and she was the master behind it all.”
Catherine’s journey began as Catherine Gibson, a member of the Spirit of Atlanta front ensemble from 1979–81, where she met Tom. Together, they went on to shape the legendary sound of the Blue Devils throughout the 1980s, leading the corps to multiple championships and four consecutive High Drum titles. In a tribute, the Blue Devils wrote:
“We’re heartbroken… Catherine reimagined what a front ensemble could be… Her influence continues to resonate today with the Blue Devils and throughout the marching arts community.”
The Floats later continued their work in Southern California with the Velvet Knights, local school programs, and eventually Tama Drums, where they helped launch a full line of marching percussion products. Their presence at events like DCI, PASIC, and TMEA made them beloved figures throughout the activity.
Tributes poured in from former students, friends, and colleagues:
• Dan Wahl wrote, “Catherine was a ball of energy that we all needed… The world is quiet without her.”
• Key Poulan shared, “I’m glad that Catherine will be reunited with Tom as their love for each other was genuine.”
• Don Sanderson added, “Her teaching changed everything for me… and I will always be grateful.”
• Jay Voorhees wrote, “Their legacy will be reflected by the thousands of people they touched… I cannot think of a more amazing team in music education.”
Both Tom and Catherine were recently elected to the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame, with their induction scheduled for December 2025. Davila noted the significance of the upcoming PASIC convention:
“We will be sure to recognize Tom with great respect, and additionally recognize and celebrate Catherine’s support, love and excitement… with reverence to both of them.”
Waites captured Catherine’s spirit best:
“She didn’t fit into anyone’s mold… She was beautiful, brilliant, bold… The world lost an icon, and I lost a dear friend.”
It is fitting to close with Catherine’s own words about Tom—words that now echo back to her as well:
“Tom was many things to many people… To me, he was my light, my love, my everything.”
Rest in peace, Catherine… and Tom.
