By Jack Morris, Staff Writer
Under the instruction of Band Director Joseph Fischer, River Hill’s Music Department has expanded and continues to thrive. During an interview, Fischer discussed the importance of the River Hill Music Department and cited that it was one of the best programs that students could be involved in at school.
Fischer, who has been teaching at River Hill since 2003 and has been a band director at Liberty High School in Eldersburg as well as at Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, explained that “Schools resemble our culture, and the arts represent our identity as a community.”
He said that the music department is so important to the school because it allows us to share and give back to the community.
For students, he believes that the music program at River Hill “brings about a sense of family and community. It teaches independence, teamwork, and individual responsibility. It challenges students to be able to recognize their role in a larger group.”
He regards these traits as the things that make the music program so unique. It not only prepares students for musical endeavors, but also for life, teaching valuable lessons that will stick with students even as they leave River Hill.
“The greatest thing about the program is the opportunity to do something unique, something that everyone appreciates but doesn’t always have time to enjoy,” explains Fischer in response to the question of what the best part about the music program was.
“It’s just a lot of fun,” says percussionist Andrew Murray. “It’s nice to be part of something big, like a band, but still have an important role. What you do actually matters, and it helps make the whole piece come together.”
Orchestra student Chris Phung commented, “I like playing music . . . Ever since I was little my parents had me doing all these different instruments. And I went through elementary school and middle school in the orchestra, but it wasn’t really until I came to River Hill where I felt like the music program really mattered . . . This was the first time where I felt like everybody took it seriously, and everybody had that sense of pride.”
The River Hill Music Department splits into two sections for programs: Performance and Elective. Performance groups include the different bands (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble), the orchestras (String Orchestra and Ensemble), and the two choirs (Concert Choir and Chamber Choir). The Elective classes are made up of Piano, Music Technology, Music Theory, and Guitar.
When asked what career opportunities were available those interest in music, Fischer responded, “Oh, there are hundreds of options. Obviously performing and teaching, and then you have your singer/songwriters, but there is certainly a growing industry in the music tech area. Sound engineers, recording engineers . . . limitless options.” He also said one could refer to the River Hill Band website at riverhillmusic.org to find information on majoring in music and other future careers.
The music department has events planned for throughout the year, with a Fine Arts Assembly in December, a Winter Concert in January, and a Spring Concert in April, as well as more performances for orchestra and choir.