Goshen High School band director Tom Cox has been recognized as a winner of the Dr. William P. Foster Project Community Development Award. He was one of 75 teachers nominated from around the United States and was chosen as the honoree in the North Central Division, which encompasses ten states.
The Dr. William P. Foster Project is a collaboration of the Music Education Alliance including the National Band Association (NBA), College Band Directors National Association CBDNA) and Music for All (MFA). The Foster Project serves band directors in underserved and under-resourced communities.
The CBDNA, MFA, and NBA are dedicated to the attainment of an elevated level of excellence for bands and band music at all levels of instruction. The Dr. William P. Foster Music Education Alliance “Award of Excellence” recognizes quality band programs which are challenging students and reaching an elevated level of excellence. The “Community Development Award” honors select educators who provide strong music education experiences for their students and a positive impact on their school and community. Learn more about the Music Education Alliance and the Dr. William P. Foster Project at this LINK.
Mr. Cox will be recognized in several national forums in December, at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic held at McCormick Place in Chicago December 18-21. Mr. Cox will be honored and recognized at the NBA Membership Meeting and the Midwest Clinic Diversity Reception on Thursday, December 19. Finally, he will be recognized at the CBDNA Forum held on Friday, December 20.
The Midwest Clinic has been in existence for 75 years with over 6,000 band directors in attendance who participate in literally hundreds of clinics and concerts over 4 days. The exhibit hall hosts hundreds of vendors providing access to new music, technology, and music products. The Midwest Clinic has a track completely devoted to band directors in underserved and under-resourced communities.
Mr. Cox serves as a model for other teachers in underserved, under-resourced communities. He will be interviewed about his story and the story of Goshen Community Schools, to be shared with band directors across the United States in the coming months.
As a winner of this prestigious award, Goshen Schools will receive instruments, accessories, clinicians, and subscriptions courtesy of Conn-Selmer Instruments, Yamaha Music Corporation, and KHS America.
Congratulations to Mr. Cox, the GCS and GHS administrators, the GHS Band Boosters and parents, and our Goshen community for supporting music programs in our schools at every grade level, and for understanding the importance of what music and music education can bring to Goshen students.
If you would like more information, you may contact:
GHS Principal Cathy DeMeyer at cdemeyer@goshenschools.org
Band Director Tom Cox at tcox@goshenschools.org
Goshen High School 574-533-8651