| Short Bio | Fisher Tull’s career encompassed a broad spectrum of music achievements as a performer, arranger, composer, conductor, educator, and administrator. A native Texan, he earned the Bachelor of Music, Masters of Music, and Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Texas. His principal composition teacher was Samuel Adler. Dr. Tull’s activities as a composer began in 1960 after a decade of work as an arranger. His catalog grew to over 70 published compositions for symphonic band, orchestra, chorus, and chamber ensembles. His first large work for band, Toccata, won the prestigious Ostwald Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, ASCAP, the Arthur Fraser Memorial, The Texas Composers Guild, and the National Flute Association. He was awarded the Distinguished Men of Music Medal by Kappa Kappa Psi and the Orpheus Award from Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was listed in Who’s Who in American Music, Outstanding Educators of America, International Who’s Who in Music, Contemporary American Composers, and the ASCAP Biographical Dictionary. Dr. Tull fulfilled over 40 commissions for compositions from various sources including the Houston Ballet, the International Trumpet Guild, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, Steve Houghton, and numerous schools. He appeared as guest conductor, composer, and lecturer on university campuses across the country. Throughout his carried career, Dr. Tull maintained a dedication to teaching. He joined the faculty at Sam Houston State University in 1957 and served as chair of the Department of Music from 1965 to 1982. He was named a Piper Professor in 1984. Dr. Tull passed away August 23, 1994 after a year-long battle with cancer. |
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