[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. WILLIAM P. FOSTER

 Mr. GRAHAM of Florida. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to 
an innovative musician and Floridian, Dr. William P. Foster. For over 
50 years, Dr. Foster was conductor of the internationally acclaimed 
Florida A&M University Marching ``100'' Band. Throughout his musical 
career at FAMU, Dr. Foster has been credited with revolutionizing 
marching band techniques and redefining the marching band as an art 
form. Dr. Foster's dedication to excellence in education through the 
arts has enriched the lives of Floridians and Americans.
  In June of 1946, Dr. Foster came to Florida A&M University to 
establish the Marching ``100'' Band. Since its inception, the band has 
participated in more than 200 half-time pageants, has appeared in three 
films, three commercials, and numerous magazine and newspaper articles. 
The band has appeared on 60 Minutes, 20/20 and PM Magazine telecasts 
and thirty-four nationally televised performances on all networks with 
a viewing audience of over five billion people. On October 26, 1984, 
the FAMU Marching Band was presented the prestigious Sudler 
Intercollegiate Marching Band Trophy. In 1989, the band was selected by 
the French government, to serve as America's official representative in 
the Bastille Day Parade, celebrating the Bicentennial of the French 
Revolution. The band also appeared in both of President Bill Clinton's 
inaugural parades, in January of 1993 and 1997. This list of band 
appearances and honors is by no means exhaustive.
  Dr. Foster's contributions to FAMU have earned him State and national 
recognition as well. He is a member of the Hall of Fame for several 
organizations including the National Association for Distinguished Band 
Conductors, the Florida Music Educators Association and the Afro-
American Hall of Fame, to name a few. In 1994, he was elected president 
of the American Bandmasters Association and in 1996, President Bill 
Clinton nominated, and the U.S. Congress approved Dr. Foster's 
presidential appointment to serve on the National Council on the Arts. 
In August of 2003, Dr. Foster's efforts were recognized again by the 
State of Florida, when he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of 
Fame. This award acknowledges individuals who contribute to Florida's 
national and international reputation as a State with a strong and 
sustained commitment toward the development of cultural excellence.
  Dr. Foster has taken an active role to ensure the continued musical 
involvement of the FAMU student body. As an inspired bandleader and 
advisor, Dr. Foster sought financial support to aid his undergraduate 
students in the Marching ``100'' Band. Initially, Dr. Foster gave 
thousands of dollars of his own money, and started to work with large 
and small corporations, and private citizens. However, Dr. Foster was 
never satisfied with the level of support he received for the students. 
When Dr. Foster stepped down as Director of Bands and Department 
Chairman, he set forth to dedicate his attention the creation of a 
foundation. To this end, and with the assistance of Mr. Harold E. Byrd, 
Sr., on April 22, 1998 the William P. Foster Foundation was 
established.
  Mr. President, I commend Dr. William P. Foster for his commitment to 
education, music and philanthropy. His commitment to education and 
philanthropy is an example to us all. For his many years of public 
service, I am proud to acknowledge the work of Dr. William P. 
Foster.

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