Fund established in memory of U.S. Army bandmaster to support music engagement for health and healing
Jonathan Lee Crane (pictured above before conducting West Point Band Concert, June 2021), Chief Warrant Officer 3, was commander and conductor of the 25th Infantry Division Band at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, from 2021 to 2024. A musician, composer, and military bandmaster, he was a compassionate, inspirational leader. He died February 25, 2024, from cholangiocarcinoma, diagnosed only three months before. He was buried with full military honors and West Point Band accompaniment at West Point Cemetery.
Chief Crane’s lifelong mission was to deliver and advocate for music for holistic health in the intersection of military and civilian communities. He speaks about the healing effects of music in this interview. He had a gift for uniting people for a common goal, and his inspiration influenced thousands. To perpetuate his work and honor his memory, the Jonathan Lee Crane Fund for Music Engagement and Well-Being was established by his mother at the North Carolina Community Foundation to support organizations devoted to providing music engagement for health and healing. In this way, the positive, welcoming spirit that touched everyone he met may continue.
Chief Crane, who began playing instruments as a 10-year-old including clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet, bass guitar, and contra horn, enlisted as a bassist in 2009 and served first with the 25th Infantry Division Band at Schofield Barracks. He deployed to Iraq in 2011 as a bassist with the Show of Force rock band in support of Operation New Dawn. In 2014, he graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School and became commander of the United States Army Military Intelligence Corps Band at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. From 2017 to 2021, he was research analyst for the Army Music Analytics Team at United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, where he researched the connection between music and health. He also served as occasional conductor for the West Point Band.
Chief Crane co-established the West Point Music Research Center with Sergeant Major Denver Dill in 2018 and was a former Fellow. He co-authored research reports for Frontiers in Psychology, Modern War Institute, and Journal of the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association. He authored “The Role of Music in Military Culture” in Music Therapy with Military and Veteran Populations. The office was dedicated to him during a ceremony July 21, 2025. The plaque placed at the entrance states: “Chief Warrant Officer Three Jonathan Lee Crane Research Office, in memory of his dedication to music, learning, and research, February 2025.”
He received the Legion of Merit (posthumously), Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (1 OLC), Humanitarian Defense Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal (1 Star). His compositions have been performed by Aaron Misenheimer, Tyler Smith, the late Robert Black, Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, Avery Ensemble, and various military and university groups. In 2013, he received the National Federation of Music Clubs Military Composition Award for his work “Open Field.” His degrees include artist diploma in music composition, The Hartt School; music composition master’s, Bowling Green State University; and music education bachelor’s, Lebanon Valley College.
