Hello TXBands community,
My name is Brandon Foskett! I am a former TX band kid, where I attended Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, TX from 2015–2019 and was a drum major in the 2018 season that brought us the closest we've ever been to a shot at 6A State finals and BOA SA finals! I went on to pursue a music education degree at the University of Texas at Austin, but I quickly switched to a degree in music history after nerding out too much in my music "core" classes. I am now a PhD student in Musicology at UT Austin! I am still a band kid at heart, going to as many BOAs each fall as possible and still playing the TXBands Predictions game religiously (where I have ranked top 10 the past 2 years, although I think I will have to sit this fall season out for the following reason...).
In addition to my music studies, I am also a member of Texas 4000 for Cancer, a 501(c)(3) organization that bikes 4,000+ miles from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska every summer to raise funds for cancer research and support services. As a part of the Texas 4000 for Cancer team, I am embarking on a transformative journey, and I would like as many people in my cherished "band family" to "ride along" with me. 50 of my teammates and I will pedal in the World’s Longest Annual Charity Bike Ride to spread hope and raise awareness of cancer in numerous communities in Texas, the US, and even Canada. Each mile we ride is a testament to our commitment to positively impacting the lives of those affected by cancer.
I believe in the power of my "roots" and the power of collective action! Support from people like you can help me achieve some remarkable outcomes:
Funding Critical Research: Your donation supports the summer ride and contributes to groundbreaking cancer research that can lead to improved treatments, early detection methods, and, one day, a cure.
Supporting Patients and Families: Donations will also aid in supporting patients and their families as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment and recovery.
Spreading Awareness: Our journey is not just a physical one—it's a journey of raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of a united effort.
I would be honored if anyone in the TXBands "band fam" felt generous enough to make a donation to Texas 4000 for Cancer. Texas 4000 for Cancer has raised over $4 million dollars in the past 20 years alone, which I find pretty remarkable for a student-led non-profit. Any and every little amount makes a difference! If you'd like to join us in this endeavor, you can donate by visiting my fundraising page at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026teamfundraising/account/2032649-brandon2alaska. To learn more about Texas 4000 for Cancer, our mission, our impact, how to donate, and/or how to receive tax exemption documentation, consider visiting https://www.texas4000.org/ or emailing info@texas4000.org. To stay connected with my personal training journey, follow our progress, and witness the change you are helping to create, please consider subscribing to my newsletter updates at http://eepurl.com/je8Yo-/.
Thank you for your time and consideration! Here's to a great marching season!
To Alaska and back,
Brandon L. Foskett
Texas 4000 for Cancer 2025–26 team
PhD Student, Musicology
Butler School of Music, The University of Texas at Austin
T4K Rider Info Flyer FOSKETT 2025-26.pdf