Lloyd T. Krause, a musician and former bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band, died July 17 in Honolulu. He was 86.

Krause was born in Chesholm, Minn., and served in the Islands with the Navy during World War II. A cellist, Krause also composed many marches and band pieces while stationed in Hawai'i.

After the war, Krause moved to San Diego, where he finished his Navy training and also attended San Diego State College, where he majored in music education. He became the assistant conductor of the San Diego Symphonic Band and played in the San Diego String Quartet and the San Diego Starlight Opera.

In 1948, Krause and his wife, Erma, returned to Hawai'i, where Krause organized the Honolulu Pops Orchestra and the Civic Light Opera Association of Ho-nolulu. He also taught band and music at several O'ahu schools.

In November 1963, then-Mayor Neal Blaisdell appointed Krause bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band, a position he held until 1968.

Krause is credited with many band improvements. When he took over, he felt the band was not performing enough and he increased its public appearances.

Krause began the lunchtime Friday concerts at 'Iolani Palace, a tradition that continues today. He added soprano Patricia Lei Anderson, a former Miss Hawaii, and began a series of "Twilight Concerts" at Kapi'olani bandstand.

After leaving the Royal Hawaiian Band, Krause returned to the Honolulu Symphony, where he worked as the librarian.

Krause is survived by his wife, Erma; daughter, Kathleen Hirata; sons, Darryl and Harlan; sister, Rayo Hodge; brothers, Robert and Jack; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Private services have been held.