(Source: Miami Times Editorial Team editorial@MiamiTimesOnline.com)
Dr. Richard Beckford, the pioneering Director of Bands at Florida Memorial University who established the institution’s ROAR Marching Band, has died following complications from a longstanding illness. The university announced his passing Dec. 26, sparking a wave of tributes from the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band community honoring his legacy of musical precision, show design, and student mentorship.
Beckford had navigated serious health challenges in recent years. In 2024, he underwent a lung transplant, a procedure supported by a GoFundMe fundraising campaign organized by his daughter, Angie. While updates in May 2024 suggested the surgery was successful and he was recovering, university officials confirmed he succumbed to complications.
During his tenure at Florida Memorial University, Beckford was instrumental in building the band program from the ground up. As the Director of Bands, he led the ROAR Marching Band and oversaw concert ensembles and music education initiatives. His leadership was characterized by an emphasis on high standards in performance and student development, establishing the ROAR as a visible and competitive entity within the HBCU band circuit.
The university acknowledged Beckford not only for his show designs but for his role in preparing students for professional careers in music and education. In a statement posted to the official FMU ROAR marching band Instagram account, the institution formally recognized his contributions.
“We honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Richard Beckford, whose passion for music, unwavering leadership, and dedication to excellence shaped generations of student musicians,” the university said. “His influence will forever echo through the halls of Florida Memorial University and live on in every life he touched. Though he has departed from this earth, his legacy remains eternal. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of condolences from peer institutions. Programs across the country, including Alabama A&M University’s Marching Maroon and White Band and Winston-Salem State University’s Red Sea of Sound, issued public statements of sympathy. The Southern University Human Jukebox specifically commended Beckford for his “passion for music, commitment to students, and impact on band culture.”
Beckford’s death arrives as HBCU marching bands continue to secure national recognition for their unique blend of musical innovation and cultural heritage. Educators within the community noted that Beckford’s influence remains visible in the musicians he trained and the standard of excellence he demanded.
Funeral arrangements and memorial service details are currently pending. University officials stated that further information regarding the celebration of Beckford’s life would be released when available.