New Statue Honors Legendary Longhorn Band Director Vincent DiNino

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 23^rd 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.