Morris Conservatory In The News

As Founder and Director of the Morris Conservatory, Edwin Foster demonstrates the essential attributes of a true Educator in the Arts: patience, perseverance, professionalism, and the ability to communicate a passion for the arts. He provides quality musical experiences for a wide range of Morris area residents through his establishment and energetic expansion of the Morris Conservatory, an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian, equal access community music organization.

Foster originally established the Conservatory in March 1987 to create a chorus large enough to perform choral works beyond the scope of most church choirs. By 1988, it incorporated as the nonprofit Northern Morris Choral Society. In 1996, the group's name changed to The Morris Conservatory, reflecting its expansion into a multi-divisional organization. Between 2002 and the present, the Conservatory has seen a three-fold increase in youth membership as well as the addition of the Adult Continuing Education Program and the Preparatory Division. Its current mission reflects its expanded goals: "To provide the community the opportunity to perform large works for chorus and orchestra, to provide high quality affordable performances, to offer instrumental and choral music education and to promote appreciation of classical music in Morris County."

Foster's educational vision drives the success of the Conservatory, which now offers an astonishing number of options to all age groups seeking musical experience or training. These include a Symphonic Chorus, a Symphonic Orchestra, an International Touring Choir, a Chamber Choir, a Baroque Orchestra, a Youth Division (featuring Advanced, Intermediate, Junior and Primary Choruses, the Jefferson Township Youth Division Choruses and Chester Township Youth Division Chorus) as well as the School of Music Educational Programs (which include the Adult Continuing Education Division and the Youth Preparatory Division). Several of these provide community outreach, presenting free concerts to nursing homes and schools and bringing music to under-served audiences. Additionally, access and accommodation for members with disabilities is provided and musical training is offered regardless of financial resources, gender, race or creed.

A graduate of Westminster Choir College, Edwin Foster studied conducting with such luminaries as Joseph Flummerfelt and Robert Shaw and has significant performance experience as a chorister with top American orchestras under such conductors as Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, James Levine, Seiji Ozawa, William Steinburg, Antal Dorati, Robert Shaw and Kryzsztof Penderecki. Foster also participated in several recordings for CBS records with the New York Philharmonic and has conducted performance tours at top venues in Europe. Active as an adjudicator for the North Jersey School Music Association, Region I of the New Jersey Music Educator's Association, he has also lectured for the New Jersey Music Educator's Association and at Caldwell College.

Perhaps even more significant than his fine training, professional expertise and administrative talents is Edwin Foster's ability to encourage and inspire a wide range of people in their pursuit of music. The many letters of support we received eloquently relate how Foster instilled "his passion for and knowledge of his art through his kind and firm instruction." Parents of a visually impaired girl wrote of Foster's sensitivity and inclusiveness which not only enabled their daughter to participate in a choir but to develop a new self-confidence and pride. An adult participant stated: "With Edwin and his musical instruction we made music that just fed my heart!" One writer praised Foster's commitment to improving musical education of youth, and another explained, "From the very beginning, Edwin has had and held a vision: to invest in our youth and community, to allow his choristers to become more seasoned singers and to grow the conservatory into a living entity for the pure love and enjoyment of music and musical performance." A professional colleague adds, "The depth of his knowledge of singing and choral techniques is matched only by his ability to communicate them. He is a skilled and energetic educator." And finally, from an admiring parent, "As an artist, Edwin Foster is dynamic. As a teacher of the arts, he is inspirational. He takes his students on a journey with each selection. He opens their eyes to musical nuance, story telling, language, music history and cultural diversity. As an educator, Edwin Foster embodies the highest artistic standards."

For his dedication and vision, for his high artistic standards, for his inclusiveness, and for his ability to mentor and inspire so many to share his passion for the arts, The Arts Council of the Morris Area is proud to recognize Edwin Foster with its 2004 Award for Outstanding Arts Educator.

Updated: 16 Mar. 2006