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Mr. Stephen Foster is the 2020 recipient of the Donald Meade Legacy Jazz  Griot Award. He is a native New Orleanian, Music educator, musician, and  arranger. He is a product of St. Augustine High School, University of  Arkansas - Pine Bluff, Loyola University, and Band Director’s Academy Jazz at Lincoln Center. Stephen’s inspiration hails from studying  Conducting/Orchestration under the tutelage of Dr. Ernest G. Chachere.  He founded the Children’s Academy of Music in 1975 in Los Angeles, CA. He also founded the Mid-City Full Arts Workshop,  Foster Family programs in New Orleans, LA, and developed the Jazz education curriculum for  Stax Music Academy, in Memphis, Tennessee.  He is a board member for AAJC and a member of the original planning committee for Quincy Jones Muzik  Consortium. Using a holistic approach, he has inspired thousands of students over 49 years to become viable, contributing professionals in  our society.

Mr. Foster currently serves as Director of St. Augustine High School New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.