This document provides a lengthy biography of Janice Foy, Ph.D., a cellist, pianist, and ethnomusicologist from Montana. It details her educational background, including degrees from CSUN and UCLA. It outlines her extensive performance career playing with various orchestras and groups. It also describes her teaching experience at multiple universities and her research focusing on musical traditions in places like Croatia and Los Angeles. The document includes reviews praising her musical talents and contributions from figures like Samuel L. Jackson and Yo Yo Ma.
1. B r a v o ! L. A.
info@bravo-la.com Director Janice Foy, Ph.D. www.bravo-
la.com 818-892-8737
cellist/pianist/ethnomusicologist fax 818-892-1227
Called a ‘gem of a ‘cello coach’ by actor Samuel L. Jackson, & one of a select few honored in City Hall for her
"musical contributions to society" '97, Montana-born ‘cellist/ pianist Janice Foy, Ph.D., champions American music
globally. Dr. Foy appeared w/ Grammy artist Herbie Hancock as 'cello soloist & with her New American Quartet in a
World Peace Concert, with Bennie Maupin's Ikeda Kings Orch., '08. Her West Coast premieres include: Ginastera &
Overton Sonatas, with former L.A. Phil. pianist Zita Carno, (& in 'Trio of the Americas' with clarinetist W. Powell). In
Croatia, Janice gave ‘goodwill’ concerts in Dalmatia & Zagorije, then finished her Ph.D. research on “The Croatian
Sacred Musical Tradition in Los Angeles”. She holds B.M./Masters in 'Cello, CSUN with Honors; & a Ph.D. in
Ethnomusicology, UCLA, '90. Dr. Foy serves on these Executive Boards: Los Angeles 'Cello Society; USC Friends of
Polish Music; & Phi Beta's Pi Iota Chapter. She was Principal ‘Cellist in: Korean-based So. Cal. Phil., & Pacific Pops
& is Principal now with the American Victory Orch., the West L.A. Sym., Center Stage Opera, & Symphony 47 w/E.
Noone. As a tenured ‘cellist with the Glendale Sym. she gave 63 school assembly concerts (GUSD), was their GSO
delegate, '05 & was their online spotlight artist for the Asso. California Symphony Orchestras, '06.
Following her New American Quartet's tour of England in '94, Dr. Foy recorded music & appeared on TV
(Friends, Seinfeld, Alias); was a consultant to ER show; was a popular radio/cable TV guest artist & gave YoYo Ma's
pre Wadsworth concert lecture, '97. She has garnered many awards as ‘cellist/pianist/composer & was an NEH
Affiliate Grant recipient for her research on the ‘Mozart Effect.’ Her Special Commendation from L.A. City Council
focused on musical contributions within Korean, Croatian, Romanian, Chinese & Polish communities. For a few years
she had "Afterschool Strings" in Culver City & Thousand Oaks; gave musical hospital visits; & with harpist H.
Jenkins their Ascending Wave performed 'special needs' children's concerts. From ‘01 -‘03, Dr. Foy was the Brand
Library’s Music Coordinator. Her Command Performance for HRH Prince Bandar, Saudi Amb. to the U.S., featured
Bolognini’s “Echo Serenade,” Sept. ‘03. Her paper, “From the Pampas to the Bullring: ‘Cellist-Conveyor of the
Tradition!” was chosen for the College Music Society's Intl. Meeting, in Madrid, '05. In '09, Dr. Foy was the guest
Ethnomusicology Alumna for their online UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Newsletter. Janice's solo 'cello is
featured in Glendale Forest Lawn's "Death/Resurrection" yearly presentation which was recorded with the Masters
College Chorale, '06. During that same year, her New American Quartet premiered the G. Washington Quartet
instruments for Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn Centennial. In the Fall of '09, her New American Quartet debuted in
Canada's PBS Documentary, “Empire of the Word,” (Not given any screen credits!) Janice hopes to premiere Boris
Papandopulo's "Solo 'Cello Rhapsody", written for her before his death, in '91. Since '80, Dr. Foy maintains a teaching
studio for strings/piano/chamber music. She was an Adjunct Professor at: Azusa Pacific Univ., CSU Bakersfield; Cal
Polytechnic Univ., Pomona; & a strings coach for: Shalhevet & Moorpark/Ventura College Community Orchs. Her
New American Quartet gave a Master Class & concert at The Masters College, late '90's. In '06, Dr. Foy debuted
"Flamenco Fire!" w/ Jani Quintero in SGI Ctr.'s Ikeda Hall, Santa Monica; was guest soloist at Cathedral of the Angels
(70th Anniv. of WW II outbreak), '09; & she was the invited alumna artist (w/Ms. Quintero), for UCLA
Ethnomusicology Dept.'s 50th, at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, Nov. '10. In the Fall of '11, Janice became the Orchestra
liaison for Symphony 47 (Musicians Union Local 47), & serves on Local 47's Freelance Musicians' Committee, '12.
REVIEWS '79 - PRESENT
“Your playing was superb!” HRH Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi
Amb. to USA
“A great natural talent endowed with exceptional energy. She will certainly add a dimension of dynamism and
enthusiasm to any faculty she may join.”
Julian Musafia, pianist, CSULB
"Responses to the school programs has been fantastic because the musicians have creatively and ingeniously
incorporated characters and magical personalities which have fascinated the children to listen more carefully. Dr. Foy's
use of puppetry to introduce each instrument, with skits gave the children more colorful images to appreciate the mastery
of Mozart's and Tschaikovsky's music."
May Haven, Chair '98 Glendale Sym.
Women's Committee
“A work of ambulant pessimism, received an expert and expressive performance at the hands of ‘cellist Janice Foy.”
Daniel
Carriaga, L.A. Times
“The ensemble brought telling contrasts and dramatic scope . . .played with great sensitivity and a melodic eloquence.”
T.
McQuilkin, L.A. Times
“I cannot praise Janice’s work too highly. She is a marvelous ensemble player and dynamic solo performer. Her
principal work with my orchestras has always been virtually flawless. Her continuo playing is always so sensitive . . .
concert reviewers will single her out of the orchestra as an outstanding artist of the concert. Janice has been my “1st”
choice ‘cellist.”
John Alexander, Pacific
2. Chorale Conductor
“Superb job of the whole evening.” Roger Wagner,
Choral Conductor
“You’re a gem of a 'cello coach! I hope I do you proud!” Samuel L.
Jackson, Screen Actor
“I really did enjoy the evening, the playing and the setting. I have been thinking that I would love to write a work for ‘cello
and orchestra. It was a real treat to hear you and Robert play such an adventurous program, and play it so well!”
Lee Holdridge, Film Composer
“Her playing was like a breath of fresh air.” Joan La
Barbara, L.A. Times
“You are an exceptional ‘cellist. I especially liked Papandopulo's "Rhapsody Concertante". Your playing was magnificent.
Your big break is coming.” Sheldon Cohen,
Arranger, Tonight Show
“Your personal charm and excellent command of the ‘cello and the piano has impressed everyone and will be long
remembered.”
Helena Modjeska Art
& Culture Club
“The Sierra Chamber Players concert on Sunday was quite a success, with over 200 visitors attending. I appreciate your
efforts to bring our visitors an interlude of culture and refinement. You are all outstanding musicians - a tribute to your
talent as director. Everyone gained a greater appreciation of classical music.”
Mark Hunt, Director, Reagan Library
“During our acclaimed series of ‘Outreach concerts’, Janice generously assisted me in the coordination/programming of
activities: program notes and musical commentaires for the students. Her diverse musical background, outstanding
musical talent, and teaching skills are assets that would immensely contribute to an outstanding string program . .”
Nelson Nirenburg, Maestro, American
Chamber Symphony
"My son . . . loved the music you played, the way you told the audience what to listen for and you explained the music."
Kimberly Taweel, Music Specialist at Carpenter
Elementary School
“Mr. Ma sends his best wishes for your continued success.”
Yo Yo Ma, 'Cellist
"You really worked well with my brother Angel!" Pepe
Romero, Royce Hall
"Your performance tonight of the Kol Nidre was the most inspired one I have heard in all of my 32 years at Stephen S.
Wise Temple - you dug into the strings just like Rostropovich."
Cantor N. Lam, S.S. Wise Temple