A CALLING TO TEACH, MOTIVATE AND INSPIRE Dr. Rich Fischer’s 50 Years at CUC ar
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It’s hard to imagine anyone loving their job more than Dr. Richard Fischer, distinguished professor of music and the Fred and Jane Wittlinger Endowed Chair for Music Performance. His face lights up when he reflects on what he’s done, and he gestures animatedly as he talks about what he still wants to accomplish. After 50 years as Concordia-Chicago’s director of bands, he is as passionate about it as ever.
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By: Anna Seifert, Communications Associate Illustrations by Andi Whipkey
Dr. Fischer and the Wind Symphony have performed concerts in almost every state in the nation, as well as Canada, Europe, China and South Africa. They have played at countless music festivals and conferences, including the New York City Wind Band Festival at Carnegie Hall as the showcase ensemble in 2014 and 2019. Under Fischer’s direction, the Wind Symphony has commissioned and premiered numerous wind band compositions, and recorded 16 albums of sacred wind music, which are played daily on radio stations across North America. Frequently in demand as a presenter, guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator all over the world, he has conducted the LCMS Youth Gathering Wind Symphony seven times since 2004. He is also the recipient of the first endowed professorship in the University’s history. Fischer’s professional affiliations include the College Band Director National Association, World Association for Symphonic Bands and
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