Dr. William P. Foster
The Legacy
For over five decades, Dr. Foster shaped not just a band — but an institution, an art form, and a global standard of marching excellence. He is recognized as The Dean of America’s Band Directors.
Dr. William P. Foster was a fellow of the Rosenwald General Education Board at Teacher’s College, Columbia University (1953–1955) for Doctorate Studies. He received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Kansas in 1941, the Master of Arts in Music Degree from Wayne State University in 1950, and a Doctor of Education Degree with a major in music from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1955.
In 1998, Florida A&M University honored him with the Honorary Doctor of Human Letters Degree — a recognition that capped a career defined by scholarly rigor and creative brilliance in equal measure.
“He is labeled the Law, the Maestro, musical and organizing genius, the greatest band director in the country, trend and pacesetter, and creator.”
— The FAMU Music DepartmentDr. Foster began his walk to fame at FAMU in June 1946. His creation — the internationally famous 329-piece FAMU Marching Band — became a global phenomenon. He composed more than 200 half-time pageants and guided the band to appearances in three films, three commercials, and on 60 Minutes, 20/20, and PM Magazine. The band logged thirty-four nationally televised performances across all major networks, with a total viewing audience exceeding five billion people.
In 1984, the FAMU Marching Band received the prestigious Sudler Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy — one of the highest honors in collegiate band performance.
In 1989, the French government chose Dr. Foster and his band as America’s official representative in the Bastille Day Parade, celebrating the Bicentennial of the French Revolution. The band performed in the inaugural parades of President Bill Clinton in January 1993 and 1997, and served as the featured attraction at the Fifteenth and Twenty-Fifth Anniversary National Telecasts of Walt Disney World in 1986 and 1996.
In January 1996, the FAMU Marching Band was the centerpiece of the Opening Ceremonies of the Walt Disney Indy 200. In 1992, Sports Illustrated declared the Marching “100” the best marching band in the country.
Dr. Foster is credited with revolutionizing marching band techniques and reshaping the world’s concept of the collegiate marching band. As the former director of the prestigious McDonald’s All-American High School Band (1980–1992), his influence extended far beyond Tallahassee.
He authored 18 articles for professional journals, 4 published marching band shows, and the landmark textbook Band Pageantry — considered “The Bible” for the marching band world. He is also the composer of Marche Brillante, National Honors March, March Continental, and Centennial Celebration.
Professor & Chairman Emeritus
William P. Foster, Ed. D, Professor and Chairman Emeritus, retired after serving Florida A&M University for fifty-two years. On August 9, 1998, Dr. Foster assumed the position of Eminent Professor, Chairman of the Music Department Emeritus and Director of Bands Emeritus.
As past President of the Florida Music Educators’ Association, the College Band Directors’ National Association, and the American Bandmasters’ Association, he entered his second year of quarterly meetings of the Council of the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC.
The Florida History Associates inducted him as a “Great Floridian” at the Tallahassee/Leon County Civic Center. At the 1998 Summer Commencement Exercises, Dr. Foster was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by President Frederick S. Humphries.
Dr. Foster received “The 1998 Distinguished Leader of the Year Award” from the Board of Governors Leadership Tallahassee/Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. The William P. Foster Foundation Inc. has been established to assist in supporting the operations of the FAMU Marching and Symphonic Bands.
The Board of Directors of the National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music selected Dr. Foster as one of its National Award recipients in 1999. His career was featured in the autumn 1998 issue of Leblanc Magazine, in four videos, and in a national documentary that aired on NBC’s Today Show on July 9, 1998.
President Bill Clinton nominated, and the United States Congress approved, Dr. Foster as a member of the National Council on the Arts. He is a Board member with G. Leblanc Corporation, the John Philip Sousa Foundation, International Music Festival, Inc., and The Marching Musician.
On December 17, 1998, the Board of Electors in Chicago elected Dr. William P. Foster to the National Band Association Hall of Fame for Distinguished Band Conductors — the most prestigious honor a bandmaster can receive.
The Man Behind the Baton
Dr. William Patrick Foster — Creator of the World Renowned FAMU Marching “100” Band
by Dr. William P. Foster