This year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) celebrates the 90th season of the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp, the second oldest music camp in the United States. Since 1936, the camp has welcomed thousands of young musicians to EKU’s campus in Richmond, Kentucky, offering a transformative experience in music education.
“For almost a century, Foster Music Camp has been a proud reflection of EKU’s commitment to excellence and opportunity,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “This camp not only shapes talented musicians, but it fosters lifelong friendships, confidence and a love for learning. We are honored to continue this legacy and celebrate its impact over many generations.”
The Foster Music Camp features a series of immersive weeklong programs for middle and high school students, including specialized instruction in band, strings, piano, choral music and world percussion. Each session includes daily masterclasses and workshops led by professional music educators and performers from across the region.
EKU offers both residential and commuter options for Foster Camp students, giving them access to facilities, including the Foster Music Building, the EKU Center for the Arts, the Ravine, residence halls and campus dining. Foster Music Camp offers scholarships and financial aid for students with financial barriers.
Students gain a deep understanding of music through the camp’s prestigious curriculum. For Gentry Cosgrove, a Foster Camp student from Lexington, Kentucky, the experience has been both educational and inspiring.
“We get challenged because we play college-level music, so it’s rewarding knowing you can play high-level music,” said Cosgrove, who has spent this summer learning Turkish music theory and conducting, while continuing to hone her skills on both the French horn and piano. Her days start early, sharing breakfast with friends she’s met, and are filled with rehearsals, lessons and musical growth. “Most people don’t have experience in orchestra but Foster really brings the experience.”
After seven years of participating in Foster Music Camp, Cosgrove will begin her journey as an EKU student this fall, following in her mother’s footsteps. She plans to double major in chemistry and music and return to Foster Music Camp next summer as a camp counselor.
“I feel proud to be a part of a legacy such as Foster,” said Cosgrove. “I’m excited to come to EKU because the Music Department already makes it feel like home. I also received scholarships that aid my journey.”
As part of this year’s celebration, the camp will host the 90th Alumni Celebration on June 27–28, welcoming former campers and EKU music alumni in band, orchestra and choir to reconnect and commemorate the camp’s enduring legacy.
EKU alumni Tanya Bromley, ’74, is excited to come back to Foster Music Camp and conduct the band during the Alumni Celebration. “When I started teaching in Pendleton County, I sent kids to Foster,” she said. “The kids brought back an infectious energy that excited other kids and influenced them to attend.”
To conclude the 90th season of the Foster Music Camp, a Grand Finale Performance takes place on June 28 at the EKU Center for the Arts, where all groups from the camp perform.
“This milestone year is not only a celebration of our legacy, but also a commitment to the future of music education,” said Ben Walker, Foster Music Camp director. “We’re proud to continue offering a space where young musicians can grow artistically and personally each summer.”
By A’Mya Kendrick
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