Band Leader Plays On

Nothing ignites students, alumni, and friends of The University of Texas at Austin quite like the Longhorn Band playing "The Eyes of Texas." What people may not realize, though, is that one man, Vincent R. DiNino, is responsible for much of what we experience when we watch The Showband of the Southwest take the field.

Under Vincent's 30-year leadership, the band grew 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.

However, his greatest legacy was the culture of student support and philanthropy that he instilled in the program. And Vincent led by example. Throughout his lifetime, Vincent established 14 charitable gift annuities (CGAs). The CGAs allowed Vincent to create endowed student scholarships and support the university's bands while receiving fixed income payments throughout his life.

"What I appreciate the most," Longhorn Band Director Scott Hanna shared, "is that with every passing year, the endowments created by Vincent's CGAs increase and give us more latitude to be supportive of students, to think beyond the status quo, and to decide what is next."

By setting up his CGAs, Vincent was able to ensure a bright future for the program and students who meant so much to him.

"Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me," said Jessica Martinez, senior and Longhorn drum major, "because I am able to represent and share the spirit and love that Mr. DiNino brought to the Longhorn Band."