If you've played on any of Tama's percussion equipment within the last forty years, chances are you've played something that was influenced by Tom Float.

Inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in 2004, Tom Float has a legacy spanning back to DCI's very beginning. He began his storied career marching and teaching DCI's first champions, the Anaheim Kingsmen, from 1972-1974. After hitting the ground running Tom moved to the Freelancers, becoming the assistant to Don Silva for the next 14 years.

While with the Freelancers for most of his career, he also worked and performed with such groups as the Spirit of Atlanta, Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band, the "Trash Can Trio" at Disneyland, the Velvet Knights, and The Blue Devils, among many, many others.

During his tenure with the Blue Devils from 1982 to 1990, he was responsible for the "4-peat" of High Percussion Awards for the Blue's percussion.

Outside of the Drum Corps Community, it was never uncommon to find Tom working with drumlines for universities and groups around the country. Besides appearing in many commercials and television programs, Tom also taught high school and college drumlines, including Alhambra High School (California) Long Beach State, East LA College, University of North Texas, and UNLV. 

It was never uncommon to find Tom teaching or coaching a group, or in his later years, working with a percussion manufacturer on how to make their products better. Serving as a Marketing and Product Manager for Tama percussion, Float also worked as a consultant to Remo, Inc. and was an endorsed artist and sought-out clinician with Vic Firth. 

Reflecting on his former co-worker and friend's life, David Gibbs, a longtime Blue Devils staff member, and current Senior Executive Advisor, says, "The Blue Devils owe so much to Tom. I owe so much to Tom. We owe so much to Tom. There will never be anyone like him again." 

Thank you, Tom.