1971
Bob and Becky Foster
KU Band
1971 marked the beginning of the modern University of Kansas Band when Robert E. (Bob) Foster and his family moved to Lawrence so he could become KU’s Director of Bands.
In the years that followed, the band grew from a small college marching band to the largest band in the Big Eight Conference. In addition, the program grew to include three concert bands, the wind ensemble, two basketball bands, three jazz ensembles and nine jazz combos including over 500 students, and it became one of the most honored and recognized college bands in the nation. In 2006, Foster was inducted into the National Band Association’s “Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors.”
Foster became conductor of the Lawrence City Band, and presided over some of the most successful seasons in Lawrence’s history. He was chairman of the City of Lawerence’s Sesquicentennial Parade (2004), and he established the City of Lawrence’s Birthday Concerts.
Bob and Becky Foster have three children: daughter Becky, and sons Rob and Randy.
Step Sponsored By: Bob and Becky Foster