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On Wednesday, April 14, 2021, former New Glarus High School Band Director Larry Daehn was presented with the American Bandmasters Association Edwin Franko Goldman Citation at a ceremony at the Chalet Landhaus in New Glarus. Although Daehn had said he did not really want a ceremony, the standing room only group at the Landhaus was anxious to congratulate him.

Jan Swenson, who, along with Mark Fonder and John Thomson, presented the award and told of stopping by the band room of the New Glarus High School and noticing that the band room had a capacity of 36. When the students began to enter, they just kept com- ing, Swenson commented. At that time, there were approximately 100 students in band and a school population of around 150.

After the speakers finished, Daehn humbly accepted the Citation. The floor was opened to visitors and many hands went up. Former students, colleagues, and friends congratulated Daehn and told stories of their relationships. Mark Fonder noted on Daehn's Facebook page that, "It was a fit- ting tribute to an outstanding teacher, composer, arranger, publisher, and human being." The afternoon was full of congratulations to a man who means so much to the village and its people. There were standing ovations, laughter, applause and even some tears, as attendees thanked Daehn for all that he has done. At the presentation and later, people spoke of what an influence that he has had on their lives.

Daehn is the 71st recipient of the Edwin Franko Goldman Citation. Included in the group of recipients was composer John Williams, who received the award in 2020. Williams may be best known for scoring the music for "Jaws" and the "Star Wars" films, as well as having composed music for more than 100 other movies and television shows.

Following the ceremony, social media lit up with con gratulatory comments and well wishes.

The citation honoring Daehn read, "Although Larry Daehn achieved resounding success as a band director, it was his music publishing company and subsequent composition sand 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.