ERIK JOHNSON
2025 AD LEGACY AWARD WINNER

Nomination Letter: written by Bret Kuhn
Please accept my nomination for Erik Johnson. I have had the pleasure of knowing Erik for 40 years—as a student, teacher, and designer. Whether it was having Erik play in the 1984-85 Cavaliers snare line or arranging together for The Cavaliers from 1998- 2005, we became the best of friends and truly loved collaborating as part of a fantastic design team.

In 1984, Erik auditioned for and earned a spot in the snare line. He was always a committed and hard-working member, striving to grow throughout each season. He marched snare for The Cavaliers in both 1984 and 1985 and was part of the first Cavaliers show to feature music from The Planets.

With his growing success in the Division II arena, Erik quickly gained a reputation as a great teacher and arranger. In 1995, Jim Campbell and I were eager to bring Erik back to The Cavaliers, where he became a vital part of the front ensemble educational team from 1995-2005. During this time, Erik innovated new arranging techniques and developed the signature Cavaliers pit setup that many other groups would later emulate. His ability to project high-quality concert sounds to the upper decks of stadiums was revolutionary.

In 1998, Erik joined the design team as front ensemble arranger. We arranged together until 2005, during which time The Cavaliers earned 5 Drum Corps International World Championships and 4 High Percussion awards.

Erik returned again from 2008-2010, with the 2008 season featuring groundbreaking taiko drumming techniques in the Samurai show—a fan favorite. Beyond The Cavaliers, Erik has consulted with the Bluecoats, Spirit of Atlanta, and Carolina Crown, always seeking to elevate the art form.

He is an incredible educator, mentor, and innovator—an icon in the activity whose influence can be heard across the activity today. In addition to his extensive contributions as a designed and educator, Erik has been a long-time strategic partner supporting us via the company he founded, Innovative Percussion.