by Kandiss Edwards
December 28, 2025
His loss of life prompted an outpouring of tributes from music packages across the nation.
The traditionally Black school and college band neighborhood is mourning the loss of life of Dr. Richard Beckford, a longtime band director and educator.
Beckford’s loss of life was introduced by Florida Memorial College Dec. 26, although the date of his loss of life stays undisclosed. Director of Bands for Florida Memorial College, he succumbed to problems from a longstanding sickness. In 2024, a GoFundMe was began by Dr. Beckford’s daughter, Angie, to help Beckford as he recovered from a lung transplant. In keeping with the Could 2024 marketing campaign, Beckford’s surgical procedure was profitable, and he was on the street to restoration.
Beckford served as director of bands at Florida Memorial College, the place he pioneered this system. Moreover, he led the ROAR Marching Band and oversaw live performance ensembles and music schooling initiatives.
His tenure was marked by an emphasis on musical precision, present design, and scholar growth, with performances that drew consideration throughout the aggressive HBCU band circuit.
Florida Memorial College acknowledged Beckford as a pacesetter whose dedication to excellence prolonged past performances to tutorial and private mentorship. The college acknowledged that Beckford performed a pivotal position in enhancing the visibility of the ROAR Marching Band and in making ready college students for careers in music and schooling.
His loss of life prompted an outpouring of tributes from music packages across the nation. On Instagram, Florida Memorial College ROAR marching band posted a tribute to the person who gave a lot of himself to its establishment.
“We honor and rejoice the life and legacy of Dr. Richard Beckford, whose ardour for music, unwavering management, and dedication to excellence formed generations of scholar musicians. His affect will endlessly echo by means of the halls of Florida Memorial College and reside on in each life he touched. Although he has departed from this earth, his legacy stays everlasting. Could his soul relaxation in excellent peace.”
Alabama A&M College Marching Maroon and White Band despatched “consolation” to these effected by Beckford’s passing and the college neighborhood as a complete.
Winston Salem State College’s Pink Sea Of Sound marching band paid tribute to Dr. Beckford extending its sympathy to all these affected.
Southern College’s Human Jukebox praised “his ardour for music, dedication to college students, and impression on band tradition.”
Greater than band packages are expressing their heartfelt sympathies. People within the HBCU band world are recollections of Beckford’s instructing fashion and management method.
Beckford’s loss of life comes as HBCU marching bands proceed to achieve nationwide consideration for his or her musical innovation and cultural affect, from televised performances to high-profile competitions. Educators mentioned his legacy is mirrored within the continued prominence of these packages and within the careers of scholars he mentored.
Particulars concerning funeral preparations or memorial providers had not been publicly introduced on the time of publication. Nor, has Beckford’s GoFundMe been up to date. College officers and band organizations mentioned further data could be shared because it turns into out there.
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