Comments for Marching 100 Alumni Band Association - RIP Dr. William P. Foster (1919 - 2010) http://marching100alumni.com/blog Please leave comments, post your fondest memories of Dr. Foster Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:28:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Comment on RIP, Dr. Foster by Alexander7 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-680 Alexander7 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:28:16 +0000 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-680 <strong><b><a href="http://www.trustedpillspot.com/?ml=buy-generic-LEVITRA buy@generic.LEVITRA" rel="nofollow">...</a></b></blockquote>...</strong> Need cheap generic LEVITRA?... buy@generic.LEVITRA” rel=”nofollow”>……

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]]> Comment on RIP, Dr. Foster by Larry Bernard Greene http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-13 Larry Bernard Greene Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:31:19 +0000 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-13 It was the year of the 1981 Orange Bowl Classic in Miami Fla. That the band had just arrived at the Fountain Bleu Hotel at about 11:00 that night. We had just gotten situated in our rooms and was very,very,very tired and all of a sudden the room phone rung. I answered the phone and it was Dr.Foster . He said "Mr. Section Leader its awfully quiet how about waking up the city and letting them know that the "100" is in town and I responded "Yes Sir, My Pleasure". AS IT ALWAYS WAS . R.I.P. R.I.P, SIR GIGGLES/SECTION LEADER(Z-28)1981 It was the year of the 1981 Orange Bowl Classic in Miami Fla. That the band had just arrived at the Fountain Bleu Hotel at about 11:00 that night. We had just gotten situated in our rooms and was very,very,very tired and all of a sudden the room phone
rung. I answered the phone and it was Dr.Foster . He said “Mr. Section Leader its awfully quiet how about waking up the city and letting them know that the “100″ is in
town and I responded “Yes Sir, My Pleasure”. AS IT ALWAYS WAS . R.I.P.

R.I.P,
SIR GIGGLES/SECTION LEADER(Z-28)1981

]]> Comment on RIP, Dr. Foster by Rashada Simmons http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-10 Rashada Simmons Sun, 05 Sep 2010 15:48:28 +0000 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-10 It was a performance that would change my life forever. It was in the fall of ’92 at the FAMU game in the Orange Bowl, the clock on the scoreboard signaled that it was time for halftime and all I could see was a sea of orange and green taking the field. The marching was phenomenal, the music was amazing and the energy that was coming off of the field was contagious; and then it happened. The “100” set up in concert formation. The song, End of The Road by Boyz to Men and the moment that changed my life came at the end of the song, when the band members put their instruments down and began to sing. There were literally tears in the eyes of those around me including myself. It was beautiful and I knew from that moment on that I was going to be a part of that number. In the Fall of ’93, I was! Thank you Dr. Foster for making your vision a reality! Thank you for those magical moments in the “old” band room and those memorable moments on Bus “G.” Thank you for the lifelong friendships that I’ve developed. Thank you for helping to shape me into the person that I am today and more importantly, Thank you for being you! Although the Lord has called you home, your spirit and legacy will live on in all of us, whose lives you not only changed but saved! THANK YOU!!!! HUBBA DOC!!!!!!!!!!! It was a performance that would change my life forever. It was in the fall of ’92 at the FAMU game in the Orange Bowl, the clock on the scoreboard signaled that it was time for halftime and all I could see was a sea of orange and green taking the field. The marching was phenomenal, the music was amazing and the energy that was coming off of the field was contagious; and then it happened. The “100” set up in concert formation. The song, End of The Road by Boyz to Men and the moment that changed my life came at the end of the song, when the band members put their instruments down and began to sing. There were literally tears in the eyes of those around me including myself. It was beautiful and I knew from that moment on that I was going to be a part of that number. In the Fall of ’93, I was!

Thank you Dr. Foster for making your vision a reality! Thank you for those magical moments in the “old” band room and those memorable moments on Bus “G.” Thank you for the lifelong friendships that I’ve developed. Thank you for helping to shape me into the person that I am today and more importantly, Thank you for being you! Although the Lord has called you home, your spirit and legacy will live on in all of us, whose lives you not only changed but saved! THANK YOU!!!!

HUBBA DOC!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> Comment on RIP, Dr. Foster by Robert L. Perrineau, Jr. http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-9 Robert L. Perrineau, Jr. Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:50:51 +0000 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-9 There are moments in our lives that we encounter greatness and allow the moment pass us because we have not paid attention. For me, the years of 1993-1999 was a time which I had one of those chance encounters. Dr. William P. Foster symbolizes all that is right with humankind. A man of character, a man of integrity, but most importantly a man that provided many of us with a standard to achieve as far as our life's living. It is from the four personal conversations and my years in the "100" that I am honored and yet still overwhelmed at the thought of being associated with this great man. I have met very few people who have found their calling and worked to ensure that their purpose from a higher being has been fulfilled. There was but one individual who could create the legacy that is "The Law", and Dr. Foster contributions to the greater good of African American History is immeasurable and will transcend generations to come. Words as heartfelt as they may be will never truly capture what the thousands and dear I say millions of emotions the multitude of people who have been impacted by Dr. Foster's existence will feel in the immediate and long term future. I just hope that we all are able to measure up to the standard of being a positive impact in the lives of all and anyone we encounter in the rest of our life's journey. I am greatful of FAMU for providing me the opportunity to come and become a part of the family that started as a dream and has now become a symbol of excellence world-wide. Thank you GOD above for your son William, as a teacher, a leader, a man, and an earthly role model he has lived your principles to the highest. HUBBA DOC!!!! and God grace, mercy, and comfort upon the FOSTER FAMILY as well as Florida A&M University. There are moments in our lives that we encounter greatness and allow the moment pass us because we have not paid attention. For me, the years of 1993-1999 was a time which I had one of those chance encounters. Dr. William P. Foster symbolizes all that is right with humankind. A man of character, a man of integrity, but most importantly a man that provided many of us with a standard to achieve as far as our life’s living.
It is from the four personal conversations and my years in the “100″ that I am honored and yet still overwhelmed at the thought of being associated with this great man. I have met very few people who have found their calling and worked to ensure that their purpose from a higher being has been fulfilled.
There was but one individual who could create the legacy that is “The Law”, and Dr. Foster contributions to the greater good of African American History is immeasurable and will transcend generations to come. Words as heartfelt as they may be will never truly capture what the thousands and dear I say millions of emotions the multitude of people who have been impacted by Dr. Foster’s existence will feel in the immediate and long term future. I just hope that we all are able to measure up to the standard of being a positive impact in the lives of all and anyone we encounter in the rest of our life’s journey.
I am greatful of FAMU for providing me the opportunity to come and become a part of the family that started as a dream and has now become a symbol of excellence world-wide. Thank you GOD above for your son William, as a teacher, a leader, a man, and an earthly role model he has lived your principles to the highest. HUBBA DOC!!!! and God grace, mercy, and comfort upon the FOSTER FAMILY as well as Florida A&M University.

]]> Comment on About by Carolyn House Stewart http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?page_id=2#comment-8 Carolyn House Stewart Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:20:54 +0000 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?page_id=2#comment-8 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's 250,000 members worldwide mourn the loss of one of the world's most renown band directors: Florida A&M University's Dr. William P. Foster. Speaking on behalf of the membership, AKA's international president Attorney Carolyn House Stewart praised Dr. Foster for his over 50-years of service to FAMU. In paying tribute to him, she noted that he founded FAMU's college's marching band in 1946 with only 16 members. She said his vision was grand even then as, through his guidance, the band grew to 100 - earning it the name, “The Marching 100.” With a style and passion that was unparalleled, the band, under his tutelage, grew to over 400 members - certainly testimony to the dream he nurtured. Stewart hailed him for introducing a signature style, look, tempo and beat that catapulted FAMU's Marching band to the summit of musical notoriety. Along the way, he captivated the public's imagination and gained worldwide status as an icon in the field. For his pioneering role and for his influence in reshaping college marching bands, Stewart said he deservedly earned the title of “Dean of America's Band Directors.” Attorney Stewart noted that under his passionate and creative directorship, Foster gained global recognition. The band's appearances at sites around the world including at the Paris Independence Day Anniversary Parade, the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and at countless other events, underscore the stature he earned and the popularity the band enjoyed. She added that on the strength of the band's signature style, FAMU's Marching Band also appeared in a McDonald's commercial. Alpha Kappa Alpha's president revealed that the Sorority has a special connection to Foster because Norma Solomon White - AKA's 25th president - was recruited by him to be the first female member of the marching band. For his willingness to shatter barriers, Stewart hailed Foster as a trailblazer. She shared the fact that Mrs. White said her life was enriched because he instilled in her many life lessons while she was a member of the FAMU Marching Band. “Dr. Foster was a pioneer whose musical legacy is inspirational and purposeful,” said Stewart. “He left an imprint on the musical landscape that is powerful and enduring and he touched Alpha Kappa Alpha in a special way. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the many contributions he made.” Stewart extended condolences to his family, including sons Anthony and William Jr., his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as to the FAMU band, the greater FAMU family and to his legions of admirers worldwide. Dr. Foster, Rest In Peace. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s 250,000 members worldwide mourn the loss of one of the world’s most renown band directors: Florida A&M University’s Dr. William P. Foster.

Speaking on behalf of the membership, AKA’s international president Attorney Carolyn House Stewart praised Dr. Foster for his over 50-years of service to FAMU. In paying tribute to him, she noted that he founded FAMU’s college’s marching band in 1946 with only 16 members. She said his vision was grand even then as, through his guidance, the band grew to 100 – earning it the name, “The Marching 100.” With a style and passion that was unparalleled, the band, under his tutelage, grew to over 400 members – certainly testimony to the dream he nurtured.

Stewart hailed him for introducing a signature style, look, tempo and beat that catapulted FAMU’s Marching band to the summit of musical notoriety. Along the way, he captivated the public’s imagination and gained worldwide status as an icon in the field. For his pioneering role and for his influence in reshaping college marching bands, Stewart said he deservedly earned the title of “Dean of America’s Band Directors.”

Attorney Stewart noted that under his passionate and creative directorship, Foster gained global recognition. The band’s appearances at sites around the world including at the Paris Independence Day Anniversary Parade, the Super Bowl, the Grammy Awards and at countless other events, underscore the stature he earned and the popularity the band enjoyed. She added that on the strength of the band’s signature style, FAMU’s Marching Band also appeared in a McDonald’s commercial.

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s president revealed that the Sorority has a special connection to Foster because Norma Solomon White – AKA’s 25th president – was recruited by him to be the first female member of the marching band. For his willingness to shatter barriers, Stewart hailed Foster as a trailblazer. She shared the fact that Mrs. White said her life was enriched because he instilled in her many life lessons while she was a member of the FAMU Marching Band.

“Dr. Foster was a pioneer whose musical legacy is inspirational and purposeful,” said Stewart. “He left an imprint on the musical landscape that is powerful and enduring and he touched Alpha Kappa Alpha in a special way. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the many contributions he made.”

Stewart extended condolences to his family, including sons Anthony and William Jr., his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as to the FAMU band, the greater FAMU family and to his legions of admirers worldwide.

Dr. Foster, Rest In Peace.

]]> Comment on RIP, Dr. Foster by h a s s a n http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-7 h a s s a n Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:44:47 +0000 http://marching100alumni.com/blog/?p=10#comment-7 Dr. William Foster was not someone i ever met directly but, through the perpetual mark of his so deeply sewn into the fabric of so many people i have met over the years, i write this little note of remembrance and tribute with great confidence that comes with writing about a familiar subject. Not realizing it then, but Dr. Foster was a part of my childhood and a special one at that. Growing up in Miami, seeing...hearing...feeling the aura exuded by Florida A&M's band was a regular part of exciting parades and electric nights at the Orange Bowl. The music...and the steps....those unceasing crisp steps of Rattlers marching up a street in wave after wave of green and orange...all gave me sensations i've never forgotten. ¿Who was responsible for these memories? A visionary whose vision was too big even for the venerable University of Kansas in historic Lawrence and so far ahead of its time that KU and many others are still trying to catch up. But only a great teacher can pass on the vision. The mark of a great teacher is a good student. The mark of a great parent is a good child. The mark of Dr. William Foster are good friends of mine like Victor Gaines, Lowanda Smith and more who all had the honor of growing into men and women under his heavenly baton and solid gaze. Dr. Foster leaves this world but he does not leave this world with nothing to remember him by. He has bequeathed to humanity the gift of showmanship and honor which is evident in the men and women in my life that marched for him at one point in their lives. I don't know if they'll ever erect a statue in his honor but doing so will not be necessary because his monument is made of many dedicated and talented pieces, all wearing green and orange, and his monument is not fixed to just one park or plaza, museum or masoleum. The monument to Dr. William Foster is found on every parade route, every concert hall, every football field where the band he created, the Marching 100 of Florida A & M University, strikes up and performs. Descansa en paz, Maestro. Un abrazo fraternal, A proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman College and a grateful fan of your art. Dr. William Foster was not someone i ever met directly but, through the perpetual mark of his so deeply sewn into the fabric of so many people i have met over the years, i write this little note of remembrance and tribute with great confidence that comes with writing about a familiar subject.

Not realizing it then, but Dr. Foster was a part of my childhood and a special one at that. Growing up in Miami, seeing…hearing…feeling the aura exuded by Florida A&M’s band was a regular part of exciting parades and electric nights at the Orange Bowl. The music…and the steps….those unceasing crisp steps of Rattlers marching up a street in wave after wave of green and orange…all gave me sensations i’ve never forgotten.

¿Who was responsible for these memories? A visionary whose vision was too big even for the venerable University of Kansas in historic Lawrence and so far ahead of its time that KU and many others are still trying to catch up.

But only a great teacher can pass on the vision.

The mark of a great teacher is a good student.

The mark of a great parent is a good child.

The mark of Dr. William Foster are good friends of mine like Victor Gaines, Lowanda Smith and more who all had the honor of growing into men and women under his heavenly baton and solid gaze.

Dr. Foster leaves this world but he does not leave this world with nothing to remember him by. He has bequeathed to humanity the gift of showmanship and honor which is evident in the men and women in my life that marched for him at one point in their lives.

I don’t know if they’ll ever erect a statue in his honor but doing so will not be necessary because his monument is made of many dedicated and talented pieces, all wearing green and orange, and his monument is not fixed to just one park or plaza, museum or masoleum. The monument to Dr. William Foster is found on every parade route, every concert hall, every football field where the band he created, the Marching 100 of Florida A & M University, strikes up and performs.

Descansa en paz, Maestro.

Un abrazo fraternal,
A proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman College and a grateful fan of your art.

]]>