Vincent R. DiNino, Director of Bands Emeritus, dies at 95Â
The Showband of the Southwest’s first full-time director passed away late Tuesday. DiNino, known to many as “Mr. D”, arrived at the university in 1955. He was Director of the Longhorn Band from 1955-1975 and Director of University Bands from 1969 until his retirement in 1985. During his time as director, he took the an all-male, all-white band and fully integrated the band, opening it to all students. Â
Big Bertha, the “Sweetheart of the Longhorn Band,” arrived during his first year at UT. DiNino is known for March Grandioso, a trademark fight song that was introduced in 1955, and later for Wabash Cannonball. Originally introduced in 1970, Wabash Cannonball was Coach Darrel K Royal’s favorite tune, and so DiNino had the band play it between the third and fourth quarters of every football game as a salute to Coach Royal who had just won his third national championship. Mr. D also chose the band’s famous cowboy-style uniforms.
“We’ve lost a University of Texas legend, a dear friend to many, and a mentor to generations of Longhorn Band alumni.  Vince DiNino built an athletic band program worthy of the University’s accomplishments on the playing fields.” – Douglas Dempster, dean, College of Fine Arts
“Vincent R. DiNino is to the Longhorn Band what Darrell K Royal is to UT Football!” – Robert Carnochan, director, Longhorn Band
Visit our Storify page for tributes — http://ow.ly/Blu9r  [Images top, middle left credit Jerry Hayes]
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