Larry Aldrich is retired to Palm Springs from a 50-year career in marketing. He was an officer with the oldest ad agency, N.W. Ayer; the largest P.R. firm, Hill & Knowlton; and his own, Los Angeles-based PR firm, Aldrich & Associates, Inc.

Larry’s involvement with drum corps began in the early 1960s as a marching member with two New Jersey-based drum corps, interrupted by three years in GTMO Cuba, four years in the Air Force and four years leading to a bachelor’s degree from Cal State.

Starting in the 70s, he and his wife, Benita, revived the dormant parent organization for the Velvet Knights. Larry then moved to DCI, where he was a board and executive committee member. Highlights of his time there include the founding of DCI’s Marketing Committee, the start of DCI’s digital presence, and serving as the principal point person for DCI’s partnership with Walt Disney.

After his DCI years, Larry spent several years with the board of the Blue Devils. The Aldrichs have one son and two grandchildren.