HPU Presents Music Department Chair with Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award
Dr. Marc Ashley Foster, professor of music, chair of High Point University’s Department of Music and director of choral activities, recently received the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award.
HIGH POINT, N.C., June 6, 2023 – Dr. Marc Ashley Foster, professor of music, chair of High Point University’s Department of Music and director of choral activities, recently received the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award. The award is named for Meredith Clark Slane, a friend to the university, and has been presented annually since 1973 to recognize excellence in teaching.
“I am beyond honored and humbled to have received the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching and Service award,” said Foster. “I am deeply thankful for the numerous current and former students and colleagues who wrote in support of my nomination. With or without an award, I feel blessed to serve among the finest colleagues anywhere at such an outstanding institution as HPU and am honored to journey alongside amazing and talented students as they become the remarkable human beings they are.”
Foster’s teaching falls primarily into two categories: teaching music theory and aural skills; and directing three ensembles, the Chamber Singers, the University Singers and the Chapel Choir. From the many letters of support for Foster’s nomination, it is clear that current students, alumni and colleagues enthusiastically praise and support Foster’s approach to teaching, mentorship and experiential learning.
In their course evaluations, students refer to Foster’s “superbly run courses” in which all class work and examples are carefully considered and presented to students in appropriately challenging and engaging ways.
“Dr. Foster has invested a great deal of time and energy in the development of this class over the years,” one colleague wrote in a letter of support. “It is the gateway to the major and minor and is the first opportunity for faculty to pique student interest in the program. He delivered a master class in classroom management, presentation techniques, proactive and reactive assessments to assure student comprehension, and the creation of a safe space to learn. He is extremely flexible and adaptable, meeting the individual students where they are and helping them get to where they need to go.”
When nominators spoke of Foster’s work with ensembles, they made it clear they were not speaking about practice sessions of an informal club choir, but rather about the professional productions he leads his students to present and how the entire process is a learning experience. Foster regularly engages students in choirs with new types of music, frequently in foreign languages. Students learn “difficult music and perform it with a high level of excellence.” Foster “teaches in a way that makes a piece which seems impossible to learn, to be easily learned.” He provides opportunities for students to experience professional level performances ranging from the annual Holiday Choral Concert and Spring Choral Concert on campus to local venues around the Piedmont Triad region, to tours throughout the United States and Europe. Foster has received invitations to perform at such prestigious venues as Carnegie Music Hall in New York, St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, and the Beethoven Choral Festival in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. In all cases, HPU students have accompanied him.
Foster is recognized as an outstanding mentor and advisor. He is cited as being responsible for inspiring students to pursue graduate degrees and seek career goals they never thought possible.
“As a shy freshman who immersed herself in academic studies, Dr. Foster saw my drive and determination to succeed,” one student wrote. “He encouraged me to break out of my shell and explore every musical interest I had.”
“He saw things within me that I did not see in myself and provided opportunities to cultivate my skills as an instrumentalist, composer and conductor,” said recent graduate Reyna Alston, a music major with a concentration in vocal performance. “Without Dr. Foster, I would not be attending graduate school for conducting in the fall.”
There are many more similar statements from current students, alumni and faculty members who said Foster’s service is beyond compare.
“I ask that we consider the role of music that is interwoven into our celebrations and recruitment events,” a colleague wrote. “Whether it is one of our instrumental ensembles, choral ensembles or solos offered by Dr. Foster, music is a constant companion to life on campus, which is a good thing.”
The offering of such service requires an incredible amount of time, energy and creativity. Many of these performances engage students directly and connect directly to recruitment and retention, which Foster embraces wholeheartedly.
Perhaps Foster’s service is best described in this way, “He shares his music and his time with those who choose to listen to him sing; he shares his passion for HPU to those who will listen to him speak. Dr. Foster is offering service to HPU 24/7.”