Ben Foster is proud to serve as Associate Director of Bands for White Pine County School District. Prior to moving to Ely, he taught in TX, in Dallas, Ferris, Andrews, and Red Oak, and performed in the DFW metroplex with the Dallas Asian Winds and Arlington Community Band. He has participated in concerts with artists including Journey's Steve Smith and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, performed at Carnegie Hall and other significant venues, and for important figures such as previous Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Mr. Foster attended Rockwall-Heath High School, where he earned superior ratings at UIL State Solo & Ensemble every year under the guidance of percussionists James Gist, Andrew Eldridge, and Rod Kosterman. He completed his bachelor's degree at Harding University in Searcy, AR, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in instrumental music education in the spring of 2014. There he studied percussion under Wesley Parker and performed in many ensembles including wind ensemble, orchestra, percussion ensemble, jazz band, Bison Pep Band, and the Thundering Herd Marching Band, in which he served as Drum Major. During this time, Mr. Foster also exhibited twice at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in a bass drum ensemble and in the 50th Anniversary Marimba Orchestra with musicians from all over the world, which was "life-changing". Additionally, he played as part of the Little Rock Wind Symphony under the direction of Karen Fannin, twice took part in the annual ASBOA Intercollegiate Band, and taught private percussion and piano lessons through the Searcy Community School of Music.
When Mr. Foster is not teaching music, he enjoys spending time outside, playing video games, quilting, writing, and hanging out with his two rescue cats, Coda and Lucas. Mr. Foster’s responsibilities include teaching Beginning Band Trumpet, Beginning Band Trombone, Middle School Brass & Percussion Sectionals, Directing the Middle School Varsity Band, Directing the Middle and High School Percussion Ensembles, assisting with the High School Athletic Bands, and assisting with the overall 6-12 Band Program.
