About the Authors. Mr. Tom Blair Mr. Tom Blair started working on the broadcast in 1985. Back in 1980, while still marching in the Cavaliers, he worked at the DCI office and developed a relationship with Don and Mary Pesceone. In 1983, a year after finishing college at the University of Michigan, Blair moved to Illinois, and went to work for Larry McCormick, directing the TV coverage of the Bands of America Championships. He also taught the Cavaliers percussion section, and was thus fairly involved in DCI activities. By 1985, Don was becoming disenchanted with the lack of growth in the telecast and agreed that Tom would do some editing on the completed recordings in 1985, and perhaps take a more active role in 1986. Originally appointed director, Blair organized and directed the PBS telecast from 1987 through 1994.