On Monday evening, August 18, 2003, Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood formally inducted the legendary band director Dr. William Patrick Foster into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame.

The presentation took place at a special ceremony held at the Foster-Tanner Band Room on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee which included a performance by the famous Marching “100” Band.

“It is an honor to recognize Dr. Foster for his contributions to all Floridians,” said Secretary Hood. “Through his unique artistic vision, FAMU’s Marching “100” Band has become a state legend, entertaining people all over the world with their exhilarating performances.”

Dr. William Patrick Foster, recognized as one of the world’s most renowned band directors, was the creator and band director of the internationally acclaimed Florida A&M University (FAMU) Marching “100” Band for more than 50 years. His innovative approach to marching band entertainment resulted in his own unique style of band pageantry, which dazzled millions and brought great recognition to the State of Florida. As an artist and an educator, Dr. Foster truly revolutionized marching band techniques and reshaped the perception of the art form.

Dr. Foster’s FAMU Marching “100” Band has entertained audiences all over the world. In 1989, the band was the official representative of the United States at the French Bastille Day Parade in Paris, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. The band has also appeared in films, commercials, presidential inaugurations, magazine and newspaper articles, and has been featured in over thirty nationally-televised programs. In 1985, the band received the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Trophy.