October 2, 2014
To the Longhorn Alumni Band:
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you at the 51st year of the birth of the Longhorn Alumni Band. What an accomplishment!
The fact that the Alumni Band has grown into the organization that it is today was a source of great pride to Vince. It was his dream that you would function as you do—as a chance for the “old” Longhorn banders to reunite to see old friends, meet new friends, and play music together once again. Each year, Vince so looked forward to being with all his “children.” It was through his efforts and love for all of you that we will all gather together once again.
In 1955, I saw those less than 100 men take the field and actually march in a straight line and sort of play in tune. Over the next years, I saw the birth of the Showband of the Southwest and watched it grow into the great band that is fielded today. You LHAB folks, as former members of the LHB, helped accomplish that. You are the history of the LHB. You and the LHB have worked together to see the band of today march out on that field at every football game and look like and play like the band Vince dreamed would someday become reality.
Over the years that Vince and I have been together, it has been so much fun to meet and get to know so many of you. It will be an honor to be with you, and to hand each scholarship student the scholarship award that Vince established and was earned by the recipient. I know that the show you have planned and all that you are doing in memory of my wonderful and beloved husband will be an incredible show and I thank you from my heart of hearts.
Congratulations to each and everyone of you for a job well done. I look forward to seeing you and to being with you at the places and with the people Vince loved so much.
Warmest greetings to all of you,
Timothy Sloan DiNino