Alumni Spotlights

Fischer joined the Music Academy of the West in 2021 as artistic operations coordinator, swiftly advancing to artistic operations manager and then artistic administrator before assuming the vice president role. An award-winning flutist and former associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Fischer co-founded Quintessence woodwind quintet which was a two-time finalist in the Coltman Chamber Music Competition.

This fall, conductor Garrett Keast opened the season with the Berlin Academy of American Music, while upcoming engagements include appearances with the Orchestra del Teatro Lirico di Cagliari and the Orchestra Filarmonica Pugliese in Italy, and a tour with the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra.

Alexander previously served as Executive Director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association.
 

Brandon's new album is Songs of Sea and Stone.

McCain's appointment is in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis.
 

Schnitzer was named music director of the Gateway Chamber Orchestra for its 2025-2026 Season. In this role, Schnitzer will shape the GCO’s artistic vision, leading programming, performances and community initiatives.The GCO is composed of leading symphony players, recording musicians and college faculty from throughout Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee, where Jacob is director of orchestral activities at Austin Peay State University. He also will continue working in Austin, Texas, for his ninth season as artistic director of Density512, Austin's leading chamber orchestra and new music collective.