Emeritus Faculty: Will Fisher

B.M.E., Northern Arizona University

M.M.E., University of Northern Colorado

D.M.A., University of Arizona

If you have additions or corrections to this page, please contact the College Archives at 928-776-2262 or archives@yc.edu.  We are especially looking for :

• Nomination materials of faculty for Emeritus status
• Classes taught by individual Emeritus faculty 
• Evidence of their superior teaching at YC
• Their involvement in committee work and special projects
• Photographs of them during their time at YC
• List of written works published, public artwork, music written and performed

Dr. Will Fisher began teaching music full-time at the College in 1984.  During his time here, he expanded the choral program from two choirs of 50 singers to six choirs with almost 200 singers.  The choral groups under his tutelage were well known and performed in Mexico (Caborca and Mexico City), England, Italy, and Spain.  United States performances included prestigious Carnegie Hall, Pearl Harbor, and numerous music conventions. 

Dr. Fisher also taught music theory classes and further developed the music program to include classes in: Music History, Recorder Ensemble, Mozart, History of Opera, two Connections courses on Opera, and an expanded four semester sequence for Guitar. 

Over the years, Dr. Fisher led a number of themed productions. In 1986, he began the Renaissance Dinner event where choir members served and performed. In 1985, he led the combined YC choirs and community singers performing the Messiah and continued to do so every two years.

The choirs' early performances under Dr. Fisher were held in the Elks Opera House which the College rented.  In 1992, the Performing Arts Center was opened giving the choirs a beautiful auditorium for their performances.

Committee Work & Other Activities

• Faculty Senator - 9 years
• College Honors Program Coordinator - 2 years
• Music Articulation Taskforce Representative - 22 years
• Faculty Liaison for Peer Review - 2 years
• Served on the “Mission Development Committee” during an NCA Accreditation study
• Presented over 270 student recruitment workshops in high schools throughout Arizona over 27 years
• Organized and ran eleven High School Choral Festivals which brought 120 high school choirs onto the campus
• Administered a departmental scholarship program
• Raised approximately $135,000 for music scholarships through departmental concerts
• Helped to establish the “Friends of Music,” an auxiliary of the College Foundation, whose primary focus is to support student scholarship
• Served as advisor for the Choir Club - 12 years

Community Service

• Performed 98 Choral Union concerts at Yavapai College
• Performed 123 public relations concert/programs in Prescott
• Performed 6 Dinner Theater productions

Professional Service

• Served as a guest conductor at four Junior High and High School Regional Choral Festivals
• Served as a guest adjudicator at eight Jr. High and High School Choral Festivals and Solo competitions
• Represented Yavapai College at MENC (Music Educators National Convention) and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) conventions
• Presented at three conventions

Dr. Fisher received the Outstanding Faculty Award for the 2009/2010 academic year.  He retired in May, 2011 and was recognized for his contributions to the College and given Emeritus Faculty status April, 2012.

Graduation 2012: Dr. Penny Wills, Dr. Will Fisher, Gennie Fuemmeler. Photo Credit

Chamber Choir, Italy 1994

Angelorum Before Spain Trip 2005