 "Photo: O. Juan Richardson/Echo staff photographer")
It's been more than two months since historically black college and university marching bands lost their "godfather."
Dr. William P. Foster, founder and former band director of Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University Marching 100, died August 28.
Foster created what USA Today claims to be "the best known college band in the USA."
Born in Kansas City on August 25, 1919, his music career began at age 12 when he learned how to play the clarinet. Foster graduated from the University of Kansas in 1941, received his masters degree from Wayne State University in 1950 and his doctorate from Teachers College at Columbia University.
Foster animated the high knee lift and incorporated the forty-degree horn swing. He was also an accomplished composer, a musical arranger, publisher, and a writer for many major publications.
Over the years, Florida's Marching 100 has grown to more than 400 band members, marching high in their green and orange uniforms. Foster cleared a path that has led the Marching 100 to a great legacy.
"The movement towards playing popular music and student-oriented music was spearheaded by his leadership," said Jorim Reid, graduate of Florida A&M and N.C. Central University Marching Sound Machine director of bands.
This innovation evolved into a dance routine. The New York Times says that Florida A&M has the "most imitated of marching bands."
Many members of the Marching 100 have performed in the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the inaugurations of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Reid said he had the honor and privilege of studying under Dr. Foster.
"My experience was a once in a lifetime," said Foster. "He was like another dad."
Dr. Julian White, current director of bands at Florida A&M, called Foster an "icon to be honored."
When he was in high school, White admired Foster's works and became Foster's understudy in college. He later worked beside him as a colleague.
"Dr. Foster was second to none. He surpasses our lifetime," said White.
White said he has been blessed with a committed band staff and talented students.
Today, many black college band leaders, including Reid and White, are trying to walk in his footsteps and uphold Foster's legacy, .
"Many people are just now seeing all of Reid's hard work and dedication from the past ten years, not realizing how intelligent and motivated he has been," says Alexis Tyler, Miss 1919 of Zeta Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc.
Tyler is a member of the Marching Sound Machine drumline, D.O.A.
"But I'm anxious to see what he has in store for the next ten more."
Reid will lead the Marching Sound Machine to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Ca. in January.
This is the first time that a historically black university from North Carolina has participated in this event. Let's see how the Foster inheritance will be reflected during this event.
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