Larry Weston McCormick, of Crystal Lake, Illinois, passed away on July 16, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that forever changed the worlds of music education, marching music, and drum corps.
Larry was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Lawrence and Ona Leone McCormick (Gartner), the fourth of four sons.
Larry’s life was defined by three unwavering passions: his love for the Lord, his deep devotion to his family, and his lifelong commitment to music education. His faith guided him, his family grounded him, and his work in music education inspired countless students, performers, colleagues, and friends over the years.
Larry devoted his life to inspiring young musicians and creating opportunities for students to grow through excellence, discipline, and performance. After earning a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois and serving as a graduate teaching assistant while completing his master’s degree at the University of Arkansas, he began his career as a public school music educator. He went on to become a nationally respected percussion instructor, author, entrepreneur, and visionary. His influence reached countless students, educators, and performers across North America.
As the founder of McCormick Enterprises (originally Percussion Enterprises), Larry built one of the nation’s leading companies serving the marching arts with innovative products, educational materials, and instructional resources. By his side every step of the way was his beloved wife, Joy, who was his rock and constant support as he built McCormick Enterprises and brought his vision for Marching Bands of America to life. Through his entrepreneurial spirit, he helped shape the future of music education while equipping generations of band directors and performers with the tools to succeed. Larry possessed a remarkable ability to envision what could be and inspire others to bring that vision to life.
In 1975, Larry founded Marching Bands of America, which later became Bands of America and is now part of Music for All. His vision was revolutionary: to establish a national educational organization that would elevate high school marching bands while emphasizing musical excellence, character, leadership, and personal growth. Today, Music for All continues that mission, impacting hundreds of thousands of students each year and standing as one of Larry’s most enduring accomplishments. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2003.
Larry’s influence extended deeply into the drum corps community. A proud alumnus of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, he marched in the mid-1950s before returning as percussion instructor and creative director from 1962 through 1971. Under his leadership, The Cavaliers became known for innovation in marching percussion, helping establish new standards of musicality and performance that continue to influence the activity today. In recognition of his pioneering contributions, Larry was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in 2000, honored with the Cavaliers’ Adolph DeGrauwe Legacy Award in 2023, and recently named a 2026 inductee into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame.
Larry was also among the first educators to recognize the power of video as a teaching tool. Through Sharper Video Productions, he created instructional films and educational resources that reached thousands of music educators and students, extending his classroom far beyond any single rehearsal hall.
Above all, Larry lived out his Christian faith in both word and action. He carried himself with humility, kindness, generosity, and a servant’s heart. He believed deeply in the God-given potential of every young person and saw music as a vehicle not only for excellence, but for building character, confidence, and purpose. His life was a reflection of his faith in Jesus Christ, evident in the way he loved his family, mentored others, and gave tirelessly to the communities he served. He viewed every conversation as an opportunity to encourage, mentor, and share the hope he had found in Christ. Whether meeting with lifelong friends, supporting young leaders, leading Bible studies with his wife Joy, or simply offering a listening ear, Larry delighted in helping others discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Larry’s legacy lives on through McCormick Enterprises, Bands of America, Music for All, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, Drum Corps International, and the countless educators, performers, and leaders whose lives he touched. His influence can still be heard on football fields, in concert halls, and in drum corps performances throughout the world. Yet perhaps his greatest legacy lives on in the faith he shared, the family he cherished, and the many lives he encouraged to follow Christ with courage, conviction, and joy.
He will be remembered with deep gratitude, admiration, and affection by his family, friends, colleagues, former students, and the entire marching arts community.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joy McCormick; his sons, Scott McCormick and Kevin McCormick; his daughters-in-law, Kris McCormick and Kari McCormick; and his grandchildren, Keaton McCormick, Kody McCormick (and spouse Lisa), Kyler McCormick, and Shaelin McCormick.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 15 in the Indianapolis area, with details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to the Larry McCormick Family Legacy Fund for Music Education, established to continue his lifelong mission of inspiring young musicians and supporting excellence in music education. Contributions may be made at cicf.org/larry-mccormick.
Continuing a legacy of excellence in music education, the fund will inspire young musicians to lead and serve through music—just as Larry did throughout his life.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23
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Very sorry to hear of Larry passing on. I know he will meet the Lord in heaven. I always enjoyed the fellowship with Larry in our Home Group.