Janis Potter, one of America’s most in-demand solo marimba artists, is best known for her varied repertoire and energetic style. Ms. Potter has more than 250 recitals and master-classes plus 30 concerto performances to her credit. She has performed and lectured at more than 50 major universities in nearly every state the U.S. and is currently planning her international marimba debut in Japan for the spring of 2010. She has been presented at five Percussive Arts Society International Conventions as well as many state and local PAS events, and has had several articles published in Percussive Notes Magazine.

Ms. Potter has won awards and grants from such prestigious organizations as the Sony Corporation, The Carnegie Foundation, The Myra Hess Foundation and Glamour Magazine. She has also been presented by renowned venues such as the Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, The Phillips Collection, The Library of Congress, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Her recordings are often aired on National Public radio and she has performed in several television specials for PBS.

Janis served five years with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington DC- having played percussion at the White House, the U.S. Capital, and many other venues including three national concert tours. In addition, she was a featured soloist with the band at the College Band Director’s National Association Convention performing Thea Musgrave’s Journey Through a Japanese Landscape for marimba and wind ensemble, which is now available on a live recording from Marc Records.

Ms. Potter has a signature series of mallets which are produced and distributed world-wide by her long-time sponsor Innovative Percussion, and she is also a proud endorser of Dynasty marimbas and percussion. She released her first solo CD entitled “Marimba Tracks” in 2000, and her second CD “Variations in Blue in 2004. She has published several transcriptions and arrangements for marimba and is planning to release at least three new publications in 2010 including the much anticipated Carmen Variations of Horowitz.

Janis received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in music performance from The Juilliard School. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree from NorthCentral University.