My name is Gage Fisher and music is my life. It always has been. Ever since I was a little guy, I’ve had an ear for it. I didn’t know until recently how much I enjoy teaching it. Through the Honors Mentorship Program, I have been fortunate enough to work alongside the Director of Bands at North Hall Middle School. Every day when I walk in, I see the kids working and remember what it was like to be in their shoes. I remember walking into band class so excited to get my horn out and play. Now I get to see that same excitement on every kids' face every single day and wouldn’t trade that for the world.
When I started in the mentorship program, I was working in a law office. At the time, I was chasing money. It wasn’t long before I realized that no amount of money is worth sitting in a room alone without my horn. So, I made the switch to pursue a career in music. I left the middle school my first day thinking “Yep. This is what I’m going to spend my entire life doing.”
I love the amount of variety there is in the band classes in high school. My real passion as a musician is in jazz and music history, and both of those options are available to me and the other students who share my interests. Though the variety of a high school band is not present in a middle school, I chose to work at North Hall Middle School for one reason: Rob Dugan. He exemplifies all that a band director should be. He has a passion for sharing his love and knowledge of music with his students. I learned this through my three years as a student. He is my model for what a band director is supposed to be. I will use everything he has taught me to make my band as fantastic as it can be.
As a band director, I will need a lot lot work in conducting. I was fortunate enough to conduct the beginning 7th grade band at the North Hall High School Spring Concert! Video: https://vimeo.com/125746668