KU School of Music announces the Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence Program

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Music has announced the establishment of the Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence, an endowed program made possible through a gift from longtime KU Director of Bands Robert Foster and his late wife, Becky.

Foster led KU bands for 31 years and conducted the Lawrence City Band for decades. He was inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame for Distinguished Conductors in 2006.

The new program established by the Fosters will bring world-class trumpet artists and teachers to the Lawrence campus each year, providing KU students with transformative opportunities to learn from and perform alongside some of the most accomplished musicians in the field.

The inaugural artist will be Esteban Batallán, principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, who will be in residence Nov. 17–20. During his visit, Batallán will perform as a soloist with the KU Wind Ensemble, lead public master classes and work closely with KU trumpet students. Additional guest artists are planned for spring 2026.

“The Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence program is a remarkable addition to the KU School of Music and a powerful affirmation of our mission to provide students with world-class educational experiences,” said Paul Popiel, dean of the school. “Bob and Becky Foster’s generosity ensures that our students will engage directly with leading artists whose expertise and mentorship will shape their musical development in profound ways.” 

Steve Leisring, professor of trumpet, said the gift would have a transformational impact on KU students.

“This extraordinary gift will change the lives of our trumpet students for years and decades to come. The opportunity for our students to spend time with some of the greatest performers and teachers in the world on an ongoing basis is truly a game changer,” Leisring said. "My most important memories as a student came from those rare opportunities to work with artists of this caliber. To have Esteban Batallán as our first guest is the musical equivalent of having LeBron James come to work with our basketball team. He is world class."

The Bob and Becky Foster Trumpet Artist in Residence program ensures that generations of KU students will continue to benefit from the couple’s vision and generosity, further strengthening the School of Music’s reputation as a center for musical excellence and innovation.

We are deeply grateful for this gift,” Popiel said. “It also adds to the remarkable musical and personal legacy that Mr. Foster has built at the University of Kansas and beyond.”