Fostering the Future of Music

EKU’s Foster Music Camp Celebrates 90 years

As the final concert crescendos beneath the stage lights and the last note hangs in the air, there’s a magic that lingers—an echo of growth, talent and unforgettable summer memories. For the young musicians of Foster Music Camp, the grand finale performance is a celebration of everything they’ve learned, the friendships they’ve formed and the passion they’ve discovered. There may be other summer camps that ignite a lifelong passion for music, but few have been doing so for nine decades. Summer 2025 marked the 90th anniversary of the Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp, the nation’s second-oldest music camp.

Hosted each year by Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), Foster Camp welcomes middle through high school students to EKU’s Richmond, Kentucky, campus for a residential learning experience. The camp offers weeklong sessions focused on band, strings, piano, percussion and vocal music, all led by EKU faculty and professional musicians.

“Summers at EKU are synonymous with Foster Music Camp—young musicians fill our campus and the sounds of music education can be heard throughout,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 90 years of Foster Camp in concert with EKU, its dedication to our founding principle of education, commitment to the communities of our region and state and the countless lives transformed through education.”

The camp is named after Stephen Collins Foster, the iconic American composer who wrote over 200 songs, including “My Old Kentucky Home.” The Foster Camp legacy, however, is rooted in the vision of James E. Van Peursem, known as “Mr. Van.” In 1935, as chair of the Music Department at what was then Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College, Van Peursem saw a need: Kentucky high schools lacked strong music programs, which meant college music students often entered unprepared. He hoped to change this by inviting students to campus where faculty could instruct them with lessons and prepare them for continued music education.

“A lot of music camps that have this longevity typically require you to be a certain level or talent or skill set,” said Foster Music Camp Director Benjamin Walker. “We don’t. We will take students from anywhere. We’ll take you and hopefully shape you into something more.”

In 1936, Van Peursem launched Foster Music Camp with Henri Schnabl as its director. The mission was to create better musicians and, in turn, more music educators. That first summer brought approximately 100 students to campus for a five-week experience. Since then, Foster has welcomed thousands of campers through several generations.

In those early years, campers participated in concert band, orchestra, small ensembles and private lessons alongside social activities, including a memorable 30-minute early morning marching session. Even string players enrolled in orchestra participated in this energetic start to the day.

From 1948 to 1964, every Foster camper was welcomed, not just by staff and faculty, but also by a friendly wag of the tail or a slobbery lick from the camp’s beloved mascot, Mozart, the Music Department’s loyal dog. Fittingly named after the legendary composer, Mozart is fondly remembered, and his grave still rests just behind the outdoor pavilion in the Ravine where many concerts are held. The outdoor pavilion is now named the Van Peursem Pavillion, in honor of the Foster Camp founder.

Following Schnabl, Van Peursem directed the camp from 1940 to 1963. He was succeeded by Nick Koenigstein (1964–67), Dr. Robert Hartwell (1968–99), Dr. Joseph Allison (2000–07) and now Walker, who has served as camp director since 2008.

Walker’s journey with Foster Camp began earlier, however, when he was a camper himself. As a high school trombone player, he spotted a Foster Camp flyer in his band room and decided to give it a try.

Walker went on to earn three music degrees at EKU, serve as a camp counselor and eventually return as director in 2008. At that time, the camp’s numbers had dwindled to around 200-300 students. Determined to revitalize it, Walker launched a hands-on recruitment effort—visiting schools, attending student concerts and connecting directly with families. Last summer, Foster Music Camp saw a record number of 800 students.

Foster Music Camp’s influence runs deep. Many alumni return year after year to guest conduct or attend the grand finale concert. This year’s grand finale on June 28 featured campers and alumni playing a symphony of celebration for its 90-year history.

Participants have gone on to careers as performers, educators and music industry professionals. A significant number of campers, like Walker, choose to study music at EKU.

“Attending Foster Camp shaped the trajectory of my life. I’m living my passion and spreading the possibilities of music education to the next generation,” said Walker. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see young musicians learn and grow and then inspire others.”