Zachary Fruits

ASBDA member Zachary Fruits has been at the helm of the Rock Canyon High School Band Program since 2017. Having taught public schools in both Missouri and Colorado, he has developed award-winning concert, marching, and jazz bands. Mr. Fruits earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Performance Diploma in Clarinet from Missouri State University. He received a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from Colorado State University, serving as a graduate assistant with the CSU Marching Band, Basketball Bands, and as director of the Presidential Pep Band. In addition, he served as guest conductor of the CSU Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band.

With the Rock Canyon Bands Mr. Fruits instructs and manages all aspects of a diverse music program which include the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, CBA competitive Marching Band, Pep Band, Color Guard, Percussion Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Guitar, Music Theory, and Digital Music Production classes. His pedagogical objectives involve providing young people with well-rounded musical experiences, inspiring excellence at the highest level.

Mr. Fruits’ conducting mentors include Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Dr. Belva Prather, and Professor Jerry Hoover. Mr. Fruits is a member of The Conductors Guild, National Association for Music Education (NAfME), National Band Association (NBA), Colorado Music Education Association (CMEA), Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA), and the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA).

The Rock Canyon High School Symphonic Band is the premier wind and percussion ensemble at RCHS, a select group of (primarily) tenth through twelfth graders that meet as a school-day class. The Symphonic Band is one of three year-round concert ensembles in the Rock Canyon Band Program. The Program serves over 100 students through many performing ensembles, including the extra-curricular Marching Band, concert bands, jazz band, chamber ensembles, winter color guard, percussion ensemble, and pit orchestra. The Rock Canyon Band Program is proud to work with students coming to us from Rocky Heights Middle School. The band has been under the direction of Zachary Fruits since 2017.