Mortimer Medal for Paul Fisher
The Mortimer Medal recognises service in inspiring new generations of brass band musicians, having been endowed in 1995 in memory of Harry Mortimer by his widow, Margaret Mortimer. This year it will be presented to the acclaimed performer, educator and conductor Paul Fisher. Commenting on the award Paul stated, "I am thrilled and humbled. I love everything about what making music and especially brass band music can do for youngsters."
As a trombonist, Paul studied at the Royal Northern College of Music, before embarking on a career which has been wide ranging in musical styles. He has worked with orchestras and groups such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare Company, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Orchestra, Jack Bruce's (of 'Cream' fame) Big Blues Band and in the world of Pop, he has performed, toured, and recorded with many fantastic musicians, diverse in their musical output. Artists such as Madness, Jools Holland, Barry Manilow, Gloria Estefan, Frankie Valli, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Charlotte Church, Il Divo, and Alfie Boe. In the summer of 2019 Paul toured the USA and Canada with The Specials, as they launched their No1 album ‘Encore’.
Paul was appointed as Musical Director of Amersham Band in 2009. Since then, he has led the band in their promotion from the fourth section of the brass banding world to the Championship Section, along the way qualifying the band for the National Finals on no fewer than six occasions. During this period the Amersham banding community has grown from one band to ten ensembles with over 200 members, spanning across all age ranges and abilities, with one goal in mind - to have fun and enjoy making music!
In 2018 Paul had the privilege of conducting the award-winning solo album from world renowned trumpeter Mike Lovatt ‘56 Degrees North’, expertly accompanied by The Fodens Band. As a freelance conductor Paul has enjoyed concert performances with both Fodens Band, Friary Brass and the RWCMD Brass Band.
Paul is widely regarded as one of the foremost music educators in the UK. His weekly programmes of workshops engage with over 500 children each week across a portfolio of work with Hertfordshire Music Service, Brass Bands England (BBE) and the Amersham Band organisation. As part of BBE's 'Brass Foundations' initiative he has helped inspire hundreds of local children to enjoy their first experience of music making in schools and community bands.
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