Honorary and Memorial Scholarships

The General D. Harold Byrd Memorial Scholarship
General D. Harold Byrd was born in 1900 and died in 1986. He was an entrepreneur, civic leader, and philanthropist. A successful pioneer in Texas oil, he shared his wealth with The University of Texas and the Longhorn Band for over 50 years. He was honorary president of Longhorn Band, honorary lifetime member of the Longhorn Alumni Band and a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas. He is fondly remembered for his giving spirit and loyalty to The University and the band he loved. The Alumni Band feels that the current members of the Longhorn Band can best select the recipient of the Byrd scholarship. The members of Longhorn Band have chosen a fellow member who demonstrates these same qualities of spirit and loyalty to both The University of Texas and the Longhorn Band.

The James Johnson Memorial Scholarship
James Johnson was born February 1st, 1962 and died January 7th, 1987. He graduated in 1980 from McCallum High School in Austin and earned his BS degree in Radio-Television and Film from UT. James was a 5-year member of the Longhorn Band, played French Horn and was member of KKY. The criteria for this special scholarship include academic excellence, involvement in Longhorn Band, and a demonstrated need for financial assistance.

The Jane and Vincent R. DiNino Honorary Scholarship
Vincent R. DiNino came to the University of Texas in 1955 as Director of Longhorn Bands. Affectionately known as "Mr. D", his dynamic leadership influenced Longhorn Band members for his 20 years as director. A firm advocate of instrumental music education for all age levels, his mark on UT and the Longhorn Band exists today, as many of the sights and sounds that identify the Longhorn Band were his creations. The Longhorn Alumni Band and its scholarship program were ideas conceived by Mr. and Mrs. DiNino, together with four ex-LHB couples. Recently inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor, Mr. D -- and Mrs. D -- remain steadfast and loyal fans of the Longhorn Band. The scholarship in their honor goes to a Longhorn Band member with demonstrated leadership capabilities, enthusiasm for the Longhorn Band and a sound academic career.

The Moton H. Crockett Jr. Honorary Scholarship
Moton Crockett graduated from Austin High School, entered the University of Texas, and joined the Longhorn Band in 1941. He was a classmate in high school and college of Curtis Popham, whose ring is worn by the Longhorn Band president. Mr. Crockett was Drum Major of the Longhorn Band and its Director from 1950-1955. In 1954, Mr. Crockett purchased Big Bertha from C.G. Conn for one dollar and brought her from Elkhart, Indiana to Austin, where he personally refurbished the big drum and presented her to the new Director, Vincent R. DiNino, in 1955. He initiated the current LHAB scholarship contribution recognition program during his term as President of the Longhorn Alumni Band, and was instrumental in establishing the LHAB Charitable Fund, serving as the first President of its Board of Trustees. Mr. Crockett continues to be an active member of the Alumni Band, and served as designated director from 1983-1994. He willingly shares his time, energy, skills and finances, most recently underwriting the restoration of Big Bertha. Mr. Crockett was one of four inaugural inductees into the Longhorn Band Hall of Honor in 1997.

The James Sims Honorary Scholarship
Dr. Jim Sims was a member of the Longhorn Band from 1963 to 1967. Dr. Sims was a member of the Clarinet and Flags sections, in addition to being a Section Leader and member of Kappa Kappa Psi. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical School in 1971, and has been an ardent supporter of the Longhorn Band. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Longhorn Alumni Band Charitable Fund.

The H.B. Dunagan, Jr. and Lucille J. Dunagan Scholarship
H.B. Dunagan was President of LHAB 1966-67.  He was the person that mentioned LHAB scholarships and passed his hat at a LHAB luncheon meeting, thus the program began.  He was a cornet (trumpet) player in the band in the 20's, wrote for The Daily Texan, promoted the band at all times.  He designed the first LHAB stationery paying for many, many things in the early years of our existence out of his pocket.  He was an insurance agent in Austin and a active member of the Shrine Band. His wife, Lucy, was a supporter of anything H.B. did, a hostess, cook, with many meetings held at their home.  The scholarship is based on financial need, a business, communications, or education major.

The Todd and Belinda Linstrum Scholarship
Todd E. Linstrum, M.D. was a member of the Flag Section from 1974-80.  He suffered a fatal heart attack October 18, 2006.  He  was in internal medicine private practice and as a hospitalist in Cleburne.  Todd and his wife, Belinda, also a Flag Section member, contributed much to the scholarship fund and participated in LHAB activities, especially Band Alumni Day where Todd and his many flag section members ran through the paces of routines, reciting the drills for those that had forgotten.  The scholarship is based on financial need, good LHB and UT standing, a Chemistry, Biology, Pre-Med or Teaching major.

The Colonel George E. Hurt Memorial Scholarship
Colonel George E. Hurt was born in Liverpool, England in 1897. He was an accomplished violinist, having presented many recitals in Europe, and in 1911 he played for the coronation of King George V.  Hurt graduated from the Royal Naval School of Music and passed the Royal Academy examination in 1914.  He served in the British Army in World War I, attaining the rank of major. Upon coming to the United States in 1920 he began teaching in the Dallas Public Schools before coming to Austin in 1935. Colonel Hurt was director of the Longhorn Band from 1936-1949. In addition to his band directing duties, he was an instructor for the ROTC program, where he attained the rank of Colonel. The scholarship, awarded in his memory, is awarded to an LHB member demonstrating excellence in musicianship and in need of financial assistance.