Mark Fisher

Mark Fisher serves as Adjunct Lecturer and Head of the Trombone Department at DePaul University's School of Music, while maintaining active performance roles as Assistant Principal Trombonist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and recently retiring after 31 seasons as Principal Trombonist of the Santa Fe Opera. His career encompasses performances with major orchestras including the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Music Education, University of Northern Iowa
• Master of Music, New England Conservatory

Fisher specializes in trombone and euphonium performance, brass chamber music, and orchestral repertoire development. Praised for his "vivid sound and beautiful tone" (American Record Guide), he focuses on expanding low brass literature through world premieres of contemporary works and cross-cultural performance practices. His pedagogical approach emphasizes orchestral preparation and solo artistry.

Fisher's performance achievements include:

• Top prize in ITEC Senior Euphonium Division Solo Competition
• WAMSO Young Artists Competition winner (solo performance with St. Paul Chamber Orchestra)
• World premiere performances of works by Rob Deemer, Phil Snedecor, and John Stevens

As an educator, Fisher mentors students who achieve prominent positions in North American orchestras, win international competitions, and become Fulbright Scholars. He has presented masterclasses globally and served on faculties at Northwestern University, University of Michigan, and Banff International Festival. Fisher founded the Chicago Trombone Consort and performs with Chicago Chamber Musicians, Music of the Baroque, and the Chicago Symphony Brass Section.