AUSTIN, Texas — The man who made The University of Texas at Austin’s Longhorn Band the renowned program that it is today will now be permanently honored on the Forty Acres. The University has unveiled a new statue celebrating the legacy of Vincent R. DiNino, who directed the Showband of the Southwest with visionary leadership for three decades.
“For 125 years, the Longhorn Band has united generations of Longhorns through traditions and spirit,” said UT President Jim Davis. “Today, we honored Vincent DiNino, ‘Mr. D’ as he was affectionately known to so many, whose vision shaped the band’s remarkable legacy that continues to inspire all of Longhorn Nation today and will for decades to come.”
The statue was unveiled in a dedication ceremony that included band alumni in attendance, remarks from University leadership and, of course, a parade performance by the Longhorn Band. The bronze piece with DiNino’s likeness on the top rung of a band-directing ladder is located at 23rd Street and San Jacinto Boulevard.
Additionally, in recognition of the Longhorn Band’s cultural and civic contributions to Austin, City Councilman Ryan Alter presented a City of Austin proclamation designating Sept. 12, 2025, as Longhorn Band Day.
DiNino was the first full-time director of the Longhorn Band from 1955-1975 and the University’s director of bands from 1975-1985. When he arrived on the Forty Acres, the Longhorn Band was run entirely by students and led by a part-time conductor. Over the next 30 years, DiNino transformed the band from 70 students to nearly 400, acquired its iconic Western-style uniforms, obtained Big Bertha (the world’s largest bass drum) and formed the Longhorn Alumni Band.
“Mr. D elevated the role of the marching band, making it a central part of the Texas game day experience,” said Longhorn Band Director Cliff Croomes. “He had such a profound impact on the Longhorn Band, and I am proud to have known him and to be carrying on his vision today.”
Funding for the statue was given by Longhorn Band alumni, and Longhorn Band alumna Cindy Burleson, BFA 1971, sculpted the statue.
For nearly 30 more years after his retirement, in 1985, DiNino remained a fixture at Texas football and basketball games, concerts, rehearsals, workshops and weekly band staff meetings. DiNino died in 2014 at 96 years old.
And his contributions to UT will continue to march on. Jane and Vincent DiNino served on the board of directors of the Longhorn Alumni Band, which created the Jane and Vincent R. DiNino Honorary Scholarship and the Jane Dahlgren DiNino Scholarship for Longhorn Band members. In 2000, the couple donated $500,000 — half the funds for establishing the Vincent R. and Jane DiNino Chair in Music — to benefit students of the Longhorn Band. Throughout his lifetime, DiNino established 14 charitable gift annuities to fund endowed student scholarships and support the university’s bands.
During his UT job interview, DiNino reportedly said, “I will build you the best damn college band in the country.” Well, he did just that, and now his legacy is a permanent fixture on campus, serving as a reminder of the spirit, dedication and hard work that Longhorns embody every day.
