LARRY MCCORMICK
2023 AD LEGACY AWARD WINNER

Nomination Letter:
Larry McCormick is a Cavaliers alumnus, having marched snare in 1955 and 1956. He was instrumental in recruiting numerous others to join the corps during his time as a member. Following graduate school, Larry returned to lead the drum line to unprecedented success as the primary instructor from 1962 through 1971, also becoming creative director. His gentleman’s demeanor, coupled with creativity and competitiveness, helped elevate the drum line to the pinnacle of competitive success throughout the glorious “championship era” of the 1960s.

He developed drummers with not only talent, but with leadership skills, keeping in close touch with many of them decades after he retired in order to oversee his very successful percussion company, McCormick Enterprises. He later went on to create and nurture Bands of America and is a member of the Music For All/Bands of America and the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame.

A devout Christian, Larry’s kindness and caring meant as much to many as his business and teaching success. Tremendous loyalty to his friends is often the first thing that others say to describe him. He produced the iconic “When Drums Corps was Drum Corps” video feature and chronicled the history of the Cavaliers and rudimental drumming for all to share.

Larry became a nationally regarded clinician and taught many, many other drum lines. He is a champion in every sense of the word and the Cavaliers are champions because of him.