Steven Fox ’98 builds bridges through music

Steven Fox ‘98, a well-respected composer and conductor, has journeyed far from his roots in Wheaton to the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Yet, the memories of his alma mater Illinois State University remain imprinted in his heart.

Growing up in the heart of the Midwest, Fox developed a deep appreciation for music from an early age. Going to Illinois State seemed to be predestined as his familial ties to the University were strong, with generations of relatives having walked its halls before him. His entire family had gone to Illinois State, and one of his great-uncles had been a successful science professor at the University. You might know his name and the building named after him, Dr. Arthur Watterson. 

Although Illinois State attendance ran in the family, Fox’s interest in music is what sealed the deal, taking piano lessons from Music Professor Gellert Modos beginning his junior year of high school. He wanted to continue the good work and applied solely to Illinois State with no applications to any other school.

His journey through the School of Music shaped not only his musical prowess but also his character. Fox said the guidance of esteemed professors at Illinois State is what really made a difference, leading him to graduate with a bachelor’s in music theory and composition.

Initially torn between two academic paths—music education and composition—Fox found a crucial source of support in Dr. Stephen Steele. His belief in Fox’s potential provided the push needed to pursue his dreams with confidence. Without Steele’s encouragement, Fox’s journey might have taken a different turn. Opting for composition opened doors to unexpected opportunities.

Once in LA, Fox obtained a graduate certificate in scoring for film and television from the University of Southern California, took a job at a local music store, and later landed a pivotal role as music director at a nearby theater company. This role gave rise to the Golden State Pops Orchestra, a venture that became the cornerstone of Fox’s career. Through it, he crossed paths with the most incredible performers, composers, and conductors in the industry, conducted at prestigious venues like the Hollywood Bowl, and eventually in San Francisco. Each milestone built upon the last, each requiring a leap of faith and a willingness to work hard.

“I studied composition with Dr. Roque Cordero, bass trombone with Dr. Stephen Parsons and Charles Stokes, piano with Gellert Modos, conducted with Dr. Stephen Steele, and performed under Dr. Steele, Dr. Glenn Block, and Dan Farris,” Fox said. “I name all of these professors because of their impact on me. All of them taught me lessons and tools that I still use to this day, and often think about when considering how to proceed in my career and with musical choices.”

Fox’s time at Illinois State was quite busy. He was a part of almost every ensemble offered: marching band, pep band, jazz band, pit orchestra, symphony orchestra, symphonic band, symphonic winds, and wind symphony. Moreover, he was a co-founder of the student groups Illegitimate Brass Quintet and Illegitimate Symphony Orchestra. He says that this accomplishment gave him the confidence to create the Golden State Pops Orchestra in the future.

Fox reminisced about his times in Normal eating pizza at Garcia’s, walking to the Boat House for marching band parties, and playing basketball at Watterson Towers and behind the church next to his apartment. However, he says that the most significant event here was meeting his future wife, Leslie Fox ’99. They got married in 1999, right after her graduation, moved to California, and became permanent residents, raising four children.

A typical day for Fox is far from routine, reflecting the multifaceted nature of his career. Despite the variability, he consistently works on his role as CEO of the Golden State Pops Orchestra, managing everything from fundraising to operational tasks, while also finding time to compose music and spend time with his family.

It is not easy to balance such a time-consuming career and family, but he keeps trying because the rewards from both worlds are immense. Throughout his career, Fox has collaborated with many influential composers and artists, creating memorable experiences. One standout moment was being introduced to Hans Zimmer, who jokingly said, “I am here to ruin your day,” before working together on an impromptu arrangement. Another highlight was serving as assistant conductor with Disney Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, working with stars such as Sarah Bareilles, Kelsey Grammer, and Danny Elfman.

“Living near the LA music and film industry scene, yet so close to the beach cities, has made for a rewarding and enjoyable life,” Fox said. “Many times, it feels like we live ‘on vacation.’ With a family of six, life has been great, going to soccer games, dance competitions, and school events, while working on music every day for nearly two decades.”

In addition, one of Fox’s best friends from Illinois State moved to California as well. Victor Pesavento, who also studied music at Illinois State, is the music director of the Golden State Pops Orchestra, which was founded by Fox in 2002. They have created and produced almost every concert the group has performed for over 20 years.

“To have met him in my first college class, music theory at 9 a.m., by sitting next to him the first day, to working together all these years later has been amazing,” Fox said. “A true testament to the friendships and relationships formed at ISU. My best friend and colleague, and my wife—relationships lasting over 30 years, all due to ISU.”

Recently, Fox received the Illinois State University School of Music Outstanding Alumni Award. This recognition holds significant meaning for him personally and professionally.

“It truly was an honor to receive the award, and a total surprise,” he said. “I never thought that type of recognition would come my way. I’ve always been a forward-thinking person, onto the next job or gig as soon as one finishes.

“Receiving this recognition forced me to take a moment to reflect on what I have done over the past two decades. That chance to reflect is a gift to which I am thankful. Always looking at what is next and how to be better, it’s nice to see that people, and the School of Music, are proud of what I have done. None of it would be possible without the experiences and education I had, and still have, at ISU.”

Leading an orchestra brings both rewards and challenges for Fox. The most rewarding aspect is the collective achievement of a great performance, while the challenges include overcoming personal doubts and the logistical difficulties of fundraising and company management. “The rush received from a great performance, with all of the team coming together to create something in the moment nobody could create by themselves, with the applause of a standing ovation, is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Fox’s journey is further highlighted by his work on Emotica, a multi-movement piece that explores various human emotions. The inspiration behind Emotica dates back to an assignment he received while studying at the University of Southern California. “Emotica started as an assignment for a teacher when I was attending USC, back in the year 2000. Every few weeks a different teacher would give us a scene from a film, ask us to write a cue to support it, and then we would record it with live musicians,” he explained. This initial piece of music eventually grew into the first movement of Emotica, titled “Unleashed,” which portrays the emotions of fear and anger.

The second movement, “Sorrow,” was inspired by personal tragedies experienced just before the pandemic, and the third movement, incorporating a love theme written for his wife, was completed by the end of January 2024.

The piece premiered at Illinois State in March 2024, a moment Fox described as both thrilling and humbling: “What was thrilling was the feeling of pride to present my own music, on stage where I graduated. It is an amazing and humbling experience all at once. A true full circle moment.”

Portraying complex emotions through music is an intricate process for Fox: “Music is an emotional art form, more so than anything else. The way you combine notes, rhythms, and harmonies evokes feelings. Scientifically, no one can explain why certain combinations of notes create emotional reactions, but that is almost entirely what the craft of writing to film is based on.”

His approach involves a deep, personal connection to the music, ensuring that it evokes the intended emotions both for himself and his audience.

Returning to Illinois State to conduct his own piece with the University Symphony Orchestra was a significant event for Fox. This visit marked only his second time back on campus since graduating in 1998. “The changes to campus are great, but definitely make it feel different. Having said that, enough is the same, like Cook Hall, and my apartment on Main next to the church, that it still feels like home. The orchestra was so well prepared. They brought their energy and talent to the stage and made it inspiring,” he said.

For aspiring music professionals, Fox offers invaluable advice: “Learn about business, marketing, finances, PR, and corporate brand. In this business, you are a company and need to be managed like one. The art comes after good business, otherwise, it is a hobby. It is all about relationships—relationships—relationships. Get out of your writing room or practice room and build relationships. Be on time! Be easy to work with! Be good!”

Looking ahead, Fox is excited about several upcoming projects, including conducting Disney’s Silly Symphonies Celebration and potentially premiering the 1996 Scream classic horror film live to picture. His enthusiasm for future opportunities and his love for storytelling continues to drive his creative pursuits. Fox’s reflections on the role of classical music in contemporary society emphasize his forward-thinking approach. “Classical music is an era of music—that is all. Musicians need to stop thinking of classical music as the end-all, be-all of symphonic music. Open your ears and minds to all that is there, appreciate it, learn from it, and then get back to work. Classical music has already evolved and always keeps evolving. If we are looking for the next Beethoven, we are missing what is already in front of us.”