by Lauren Vogel Weiss

Best known for her marching arts partnership with Tom Float, Catherine Float passed away unexpectedly in October 2025. She was planning to attend PASIC 2025 for the induction of her late husband into the PAS Hall of Fame, just three years after his death, so this was a heartbreaking loss for the percussion community.

“Catherine Float was a trendsetter in the Marching Arts,” states Julie Davila, Immediate Past President of PAS. “She was a part of the formative years of writing, innovation, precision, and musicality of what we enjoy in today’s landscape of marching percussion. Not only does she stand on her own merits of musicianship and excellence, but she also paved a path for many women to enter and contribute to this activity. We see ourselves here because she was such a force. I owe much gratitude to Catherine for her kind encouraging spirit, excellence, and fortitude.”

Staci Stokes Waites, an elementary school teacher and co-owner of Marimba Warehouse, adds, “To me, Catherine Float was truly iconic. As a young member of a drum corps front ensemble in the late ’80s and ’90s, one of my biggest dreams was to be in her section, wherever she was teaching. Catherine was a trailblazer, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining what was possible for percussionists on the sidelines. She was also a fierce advocate for the voice and artistry of the front ensemble, ensuring their contributions were seen, heard, and valued. 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 every note… and she was the master behind it all.”

Catherine Gibson was a member of the marching keyboard section of the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps from 1979-81. It was there that she met Tom Float, who started teaching Spirit’s drum line in 1978.

In 1982, the Floats moved to California and began working with the Blue Devils, based in Concord – Tom was the percussion caption head and Catherine worked with the burgeoning front ensemble. During their nine-year career with the Blue Devils, the corps won two Drum Corps International (DCI) world championships (1982 and 1986) and four consecutive “High Drum” titles (1983-86).

In an online post, the Blue Devils wrote, “We’re heartbroken to learn of the passing of Catherine Float, an innovator, educator, and composer whose influence helped shape the sound and spirit of the Blue Devils. Catherine reimagined what a front ensemble could be, expanding its sound, its size, and its expressive power. Her music carried emotion, innovation, and an unmistakable spirit that continues to inspire performers and educators today. Together with her husband, the late Tom Float, Catherine built a legacy rooted in excellence, imagination, and care for her students. Her influence continues to resonate today with the Blue Devils and throughout the marching arts community. Our thoughts are with the Float family and all who were touched by her music and mentorship.”

In the early ‘90s, Catherine and Tom moved to southern California, which remained their home. They worked with the Velvet Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, based in Anaheim, from 1992-94, as well as numerous local school programs. In 2011, the Floats became involved with Tama Drums and were instrumental in its launch of a line of marching percussion products. Catherine and Tom were often seen in the Tama exhibit booth at multiple trade shows, including DCI, PASIC and TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association).

“I first got to know Catherine when I worked as the Director of Education for Pro-Mark,” Waites shares, “and from the very beginning, we just clicked. We became fast friends, and every visit with her was a joy – whether it was hanging out in a hotel room, taking a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas with our husbands, or spending hours on the phone, sipping wine and laughing until our sides hurt.”

Tom and Catherine Float were recently elected to the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame and are scheduled to be inducted during a December 2025 celebration.

Dan Wahl, owner of California Drums and a bass tech at Riverside Community College (RCC), posted on Facebook: “I am incredibly heartbroken to have lost such great friend and legend. Catherine was a ball of energy that we all needed in our lives. The world is quiet without her, but I can truly say that I am happy that she and Tom are together again.”

Key Poulan, a well-known composer and arranger, and a member of the 1983 Blue Devils, wrote online, “I’m glad that Catherine will be reunited with Tom as their love for each other was genuine.” That sentiment was echoed across social media by many former students.

Don Sanderson, also a member of the 1983 Blue Devils, posted: “Catherine taught me one-on-one, determined to turn me into a mallet player worthy of a corps that was rumored to have the best percussion section in the world. Thanks to her patience, skill, and encouragement, I went from barely knowing my scales to playing four-mallet parts in a drum corps that went on to win the DCI High Percussion Award. Catherine’s teaching changed everything for me… and I will always be grateful for her guidance and kindness.”

Another BD alumni, Jay Voorhees, posted: “Tom and Catherine both changed my life forever and I will be eternally grateful. Their legacy will be reflected by the thousands of people they touched with their kindness and grace. I cannot think of a more amazing team in music education. Period.”

Julie Davila spoke about the upcoming percussion convention in November. “I was so excited to share Tom’s induction into the PAS Hall of Fame with Catherine. We will be sure to recognize him with great respect, and additionally recognize and celebrate Catherine’s support, love and excitement for Tom’s induction with reverence to both of them.”

Staci Stokes Waites summarized the life of her friend. “Catherine was one of a kind. She didn’t fit into anyone’s mold, and that’s exactly what made her so extraordinary. She was beautiful, brilliant, bold, and stubborn in all the best ways – one of the most talented and inspiring people I’ve ever known. We will all miss her deeply: her energy, her laughter, her unapologetic spirit. The world lost an icon, and I lost a dear friend.”

We will close with Catherine’s own words: “Tom was many things to many people. I saw him as not just the inspiring percussionist, but the man he was. To me, he was my light, my love, my everything.” Rest in peace, Catherine…. and Tom.