Each year, the American Bandmasters Association recognizes an individual for their service in the interest of bands and band music. The award is the ABA/Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation.

The list of past recipients reads like a who's who in the band world from Meredith Willson to John Phillips Sousa, to President Clinton to last year's recipient John Williams.

The citation honoring Daehn read, "Although Larry Daehn achieved resounding success as a band director, it was his music publishing company and subsequent compositions and arrangements that have become international in scope that warrant this award. His music ranges from the most elementary in difficulty to the more challenging and can be found on virtually every contest list in America. Numerous renowned conductors of honors bands have programmed his music over the decades because the works embody all that is expressive and honest in the art. To quote one of his supporters, "we all realize that being a music educator is a full-time job that will take up every minute that you're willing to devote to it. On top of these responsibilities, Larry also found the time to be a prolific composer and arranger, as well as a publisher – this is simply amazing to me. With these efforts, he has truly made his mark on our profession." Always unassuming and sincere, Larry Daehn represents the best of teacher-entrepreneur-musician, and his contributions to our profession are substantial, enduring and most worthy of the ABA Goldman Memorial Citation.

Edwin Franko Goldman (1878-1956), founder and conductor of the Goldman Band of New York City, was also the founder (1929), first President (1930-1932), and second Honorary Life President of The American Bandmasters Association (1933-1956).

Shortly after Goldman's death, the ABA sought ways to honor the memory of the man who was such an integral part of its beginnings.

In addition to honoring Goldman's memory, the purpose of the award is to provide recognition to those outside the membership of The American Bandmasters Association (ABA) who have rendered conspicuous service in the interest of bands and band music in America.

The first Citation was presented to Harry Guggenheim, sponsor of the Goldman Band concerts, at a concert on the Mall in the Guggenheim Memorial Band Shell, New York, on July 20, 1963.

The Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation has become one of the most important continuing projects of The American Bandmasters Association.

Larry will be presented with the award on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at the Chalet Landhaus in New Glarus.