Larry Patterson started as 1st clarinet in Sanborn Music's (St. Pete) parochial school area band. His clarinet talent grew greatly under the tutelage of an Army Band member (Ft. Meyer Old Guard, Washington D.C.). Returning to Florida when his father retired from the Army, Larry became Drum Major at Northeast High in St. Petersburg from 1972-74. At 16, he scored phenomenally when tested for entrance to the Army band. Larry became a member of the Pinellas County Youth Symphony and played under guest conductor Arthur Fiedler. His first march was composed and played for his last high school concert.
His early career was in Pediatric Infectious Disease (Shands, Gainesville). Thereafter, he worked in cellular plastics at Jim Walter Research; and in medical device microbiology, quality assurance, sterilization, biocompatibility, and regulatory affairs for companies including Johnson & Johnson, AMSCO, Teleflex Medical, and now ConMed/Linvatec. He was also appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush to the Department of Children and Families Health and Human Services Board, District V.
A band member in 1994, Larry has participated from 1997 to present, playing bass and contrabass clarinets. The band has played a few of his compositions. In 2001, he joined the Tampa Bay Symphony on bass and harmony clarinets. From December of 2003 to June of 2007, Larry directed the Masonic Band of St. Petersburg. Larry is grateful for the band members' acceptance, and especially to Rob for bestowing his confidence in passing the baton for a wonderful 2004-05 season. It was a rewarding experience, and he wishes Rob continuing success in conducting, arranging and composition.