The good news is that “retiring” Bob Foster still will be contributing to the local music scene.

A man who has been a dynamic member of the Kansas University family for 31 years is moving on this year. Fortunately, he is not leaving Lawrence.

He is Robert E. Foster, who came from Florida University in 1971 at the age of 31 to become the new director of bands at KU. He has had an outstanding career as a musician, conductor, clinician, educator and respected resident of Lawrence. Those not familiar with his many roles at KU discovered his talents as the director of the popular city band that plays park concerts each summer. Consider the enjoyment that the annual KU Band Day with its stirring stadium performances and downtown parades has produced. And how about those jazz groups and programs that Foster helped produce?

Officially, Foster stepped aside as head of the outstanding KU symphonic band following a concert this week. A special touch for the occasion was the performance of “Decades,” a composition by his son, Robert Jr., that reflects his father’s career here. The son formerly was Texas Christian University band director and now is in charge of programs at Eudora High School and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Bob Foster will be honored April 21 with a number of festivities here, including an Alumni Band Concert that will stir many memories, musical and otherwise. One of the most positive aspects of all these proceedings is that Foster will continue to be active in local and KU music as a teacher and adviser.

Foster has earned international, national and regional honors for his musical organizations and himself. Whatever the occasion, Bob Foster has been up for the challenge, whether there was a need for new funding, new uniforms or defending his youngsters against harassment in other towns. He has presided over impressive growth in the size and quality of local programs and done it all with lilt, zest and tremendous energy.

Bob Foster was a trumpet player with the Texas University marching band. He earned a master’s degree at Houston University and became associate director of Florida University’s band program in 1964. He and wife, Rebecca, and their children have long been active in important projects here.

Upon arriving at KU, Foster said: “One of my goals has always been to be either a major college band director or a football player. My trumpet playing went much better than my football.” Football’s loss was certainly music’s gain.

His greatest joy from his work: “It’s always the kids  helping them succeed in every way and not just in music. We take a lot of pride in our young people; they work hard and are so dedicated.”

Bob Foster will be missed as a regular performer on the podium but he will continue helping KU, the community and, most importantly, young people in need of the kind of imaginative and inventive leadership he has exerted here.