George Foster is currently Brass Lecturer at the Odeion School of Music (OSM), University of Free State (Bloemfontein). He serves as Principal Tuba with the Free State Symphony Orchestra (FSSO) and conductor of the Free State Youth Wind Ensemble (FSYWE).

 

His passion for youth development through music led to the initiation of the Bloemfontein Life Change Centre Music School, where he coordinates the school, and teaches brass and theory.

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An avid brass quintet enthusiast, George performed with the Bloemfontein Brass Quintet,
who during 2016 and 2017, performed Fly me to the Planets, a full dome show with brass
and percussion, at the Vrystaat Arts Festival.

 

He is currently reading towards a PhD in tuba performance from the University of Free State and his research project involves formulating a syllabus for tuba performance study at South African universities. The highlight of George’s education was receiving the prestigious Fulbright International Scholarship (2008-2010) and he graduated with a Master of Music in Tuba Performance from the University of North Texas under Donald Little in 2010.

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During 2008-2010, he performed with the North Texas international Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble and the North Texas Wind Symphony. He also minored in wind band conducting under acclaimed conductor Eugene Migliaro Corporon.

Previously, George held the position of principal tuba with the KZN Philharmonic (2010-
2013), and played ad hoc with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and Johannesburg
Philharmonic Orchestra. He also had the fortune of being selected for the ITEA Collegiate
Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble at the ITEA Conference in Tucson, Arizona, 2010.

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An alumnus of the University of Cape Town, his humble roots began in the Moravian Brass Bands, the UCT Genesis Outreach Project, and the Beau Soleil Music Centre. His previous teaching experiences include Acting Head of Brass at the Hugo Lambrechts Music Centre (2004-2006), private lesson instructor to Sanger Independent Schools District (North Texas), and tuba/euphonium/ensemble teacher at Durban Music School.