The historically Black college and university band community is mourning the death of Dr. Richard Beckford, a longtime band director and educator.
Beckford’s death was announced by Florida Memorial University Dec. 26, though the date of his death remains undisclosed. Director of Bands for Florida Memorial University, he succumbed to complications from a longstanding illness. In 2024, a GoFundMe was started by Dr. Beckford’s daughter, Angie, to assist Beckford as he recovered from a lung transplant. According to the May 2024 campaign, Beckford’s surgery was successful, and he was on the road to recovery.
Beckford served as director of bands at Florida Memorial University, where he pioneered the program. Additionally, he led the ROAR Marching Band and oversaw concert ensembles and music education initiatives…