Josanne Francis

(202) 743-7827

WHO IS SHE?

DC-based award-winning artist, composer and educator Josanne Francis began playing steelpan at age 9 in her native Trinidad & Tobago. She delivers unmatched technical mastery and an energetic and emotional complexity that enchants listeners across the world. Josanne approaches steelpan with great reverence for its versatility, a perspective through which she promotes cultural exchange on and off the bandstand.

She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Strathmore Music Center, Times Square and Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival. She has performed with David Rudder, Etienne Charles, Negah Santos, John Batiste, Kes, Andy Narell, and Liam Teague; appeared with the Michigan Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; and recorded on projects for Charles, Victor Provost, The Mawasi Experience, and Afro Bop Alliance. In 2022, Josanne received the Vanguard Award presented at Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Gala & Awards, and the Rising Leader Award, presented by his excellency Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador to the United States. She has garnered grants from U.S. Artists International, Maryland State Arts Council and Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council; delivered a TEDx presentation; and recently received a commission from the San Jacinto College Central Steelband to complete a multi-movement gesture for steelband.

Josanne received her bachelor of music education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, her master’s degree in steelpan performance from Northern Illinois University, and recently earned a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Maryland. She has taught at venues and institutions across the nation, including the University of Delaware, the University of Maryland and the Cultural Academy for Excellence. She has held artistic residencies at University of Michigan, Strathmore Music Center and Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, and served on a number of prestigious panels. In 2022, Josanne co-created the thriving performance outfit Elite Pan Consortium and, in 2019, launched Steel on Wheels LLC, an all-inclusive educational program that eliminates barriers for the creation and development of steelbands, and varied percussion ensembles.

To keep up with Josanne’s performance and teaching schedule, visit her website josannefrancis.com and follow her on social media @josannefrancis. 



 

Photographer: Jonathan Timmes

 

 

Josanne Francis, Ph.D.

 

Award-winning steelpan artist, composer and educator Dr. Josanne Francis began playing steelpan at age 9 in her native Trinidad & Tobago. Josanne approaches steelpan with great reverence for its versatility, a perspective through which she promotes cultural exchange on and off the bandstand. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Strathmore Music Center, Dizzy’s Club, Times Square, Zhangzhou China and Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival. She has collaborated with Phylicia Rashad, David Rudder, Etienne Charles, Negah Santos, Jon Batiste, Kes, Andy Narell, and Liam Teague; appeared with the Michigan Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; and recorded on projects for Charles, Victor Provost, The Mawasi Experience, and Afro Bop Alliance.

In 2022, Josanne received the Vanguard Award presented at Caribbean American Heritage (CARAH) Gala & Awards, and the Rising Leader Award, presented by his excellency Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Trinidad & Tobago Ambassador to the United States. Recently, Josanne received a commission from the San Jacinto College Central Steelband to complete a multi-movement gesture for steelband. Josanne recently received her Ph.D. in music education at the University of Maryland, and has held artistic residencies at Michigan State University, Strathmore Music Center and Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, and served on a number of prestigious panels. In 2022, Josanne co-created the thriving performance outfit Elite Pan Consortium and, in 2019, launched Steel on Wheels LLC, an all-inclusive steelpan and percussion educational program.

Josanne currently serves as a music lecturer and founding steelbands director at the University of Maryland, where she also holds a lead community engagement role with the Office of the Provost. She currently serves as a mentor for Strathmore’s prestigious Artist in Residence Program.

 
 

Speaking it into existence isn’t enough—you must believe it. Believe it

into existence.

Josanne Francis, Ph.D.

 
 

I carry forward the rich legacy of steelpan pioneers who paved the way for me to stand where i am today. their resilience and innovation inspire my every step. along this journey, i have often had to break down doors and walls to create spaces—not only for myself but for those who will come after me. with each stride, i honor the past, embrace the present, and lay a foundation for the future. 

Much love,

Josanne