Kara M. Stolle is Principal Bassoonist of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and has been a member of the orchestra since 2001. Her performance of Villa-Lobos' Ciranda das Sete Notas for bassoon and string orchestra with the ICO (2011) was praised by the Indianapolis Star having “exhibited delightful virtuosity, her command of her role — its tenderness and breadth of expression — seemed superior to the dance-inspired material, which was deployed playfully…in a well-knit performance.”

An active chamber and studio musician in the Indianapolis region, she has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Opera, for touring production shows, and community orchestras including the Carmel, Richmond and Lafayette Symphony Orchestras. Kara is a member of the electric rock band Rock E Bassoon, which provides unique and creative performances for local venues and charities.

Kara recently joined the team of Discovery Concerts International New York (DCINY) as a Program Development Consultant after serving the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir as managing director and production manager. She began her music management career as an orchestra personnel manager and as an instrumental contractor with Wood & Rodin, Inc. As a production manager with Aire Born Recording Studios, she worked directly with the Lorenz Corporation, managing their recording production. Assistant Professor of Music at DePauw University from 2001-2021, Kara remains active as a music educator. She enjoys mentoring music majors as well as students wishing to continue music while pursuing another career.

Kara received her bachelor’s degree in music performance from Butler University and her master’s degree from the Indiana School of Music in Bloomington, IN. Her teachers have included Homer Pence, Charles Rader and Kim Walker on modern bassoon and Michael McCraw on baroque bassoon.

Kara lives in Zionsville with her husband Lennie Foy and daughters Megan (Purdue University) and Ella (University of Cincinnati).