Goshen Community Schools

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 role 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 all grade levels, and for understanding the importance of
what music and music education can bring to Goshen students.