Remembering Dick Cranford

For several years, we enjoyed the privilege of having Dick Cranford and his wife Susie in our band.  Dick passed away on August 29, 2017, at the age of 89.

A band director in San Antonio for 30 years at Alamo Heights and Northside Schools, Dick was also a composer, gifted arranger, and well-known performer spanning generations of musical styles.  After retirement, he enjoyed the challenge of expanding his knowledge and skills to include Dixieland Jazz.

Dick began playing trumpet professionally at age 15.  He was drum major at Brackenridge High School.  Dick earned his BA and Master’s degrees in Music Education from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas.  He served in the Army (1948-1952), playing in the 323rd Army Band, where some of his arrangements continue to be played today.  He played for more than 35 years with the Rudy Carrasco Orchestra, 9 years with Alamo City Jazz Band and continued playing well into his 80s at various venues.  He was proud of his association and contributions to community bands in San Antonio, New Braunfels and Boerne, in addition to the Hill Country Community Band, where his musical talents were greatly appreciated.