Zachary Fruits is an active music educator and clinician, currently serving as the Director of Bands at Erie High School in Erie, Colorado.

Mr. Fruits is passionate about providing young musicians with well-rounded experiences, inspiring them to achieve excellence at the highest level. His dedication has resulted in award-winning concert, marching, and jazz bands throughout his time teaching public schools in both Missouri and Colorado.

At Erie High School, Mr. Fruits instructs and manages a diverse program that includes the Tiger Pride Marching Band, four Concert Bands, Jazz Band, and more.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Performance Diploma in Clarinet from Missouri State University and a Master's Degree in Wind Conducting from Colorado State University.

Mr. Fruits is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the National Band Association and the Colorado Music Educators Association. His students are fortunate to learn from his extensive experience and love for music!

Taylor Hutchins, in his fourteenth year as an educator, currently serves as Director of Orchestras for Overland High School in the Cherry Creek School District. With an extensive performance and conducting background spanning trombone, competitive marching band, violin, pit orchestra, and more, he has made appearances with both Parker and Castle Rock Symphony Orchestras as a violinist. A versatile musician and dedicated instructor, he teaches piano and music theory courses, in addition to three orchestras. Recent conducting credits include The Little Mermaid, Cabaret, Urinetown, and Sister Act. You may have also seen him guest conduct the Stratus Chamber Orchestra in a side-by-side concert with his Overland students, a celebratory event that included a world premiere piece by Denver-based artist Annie Booth.

A member of the American String Teachers Association, Taylor’s student groups regularly receive high honors and accolades at district, regional, and state levels. Prior to Overland, Taylor taught instrumental music concurrently at ThunderRidge HS, Ranch View MS, and Cresthill MS in Douglas County School District. During his tenure with DCSD, he participated in establishing the DCSD Middle School Honor Ensembles and is incredibly grateful to be this year’s clinician. Taylor holds a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, both from Colorado State University (Fort Collins).

In his free time, Taylor enjoys reading, playing Magic the Gathering with friends, and building LEGO sets. Recently, he has enjoyed finishing the Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown and looks forward to building the Enterprise-D LEGO set this summer. He would like to thank his parents for their never-ending support and the DCSD Honor Ensemble committee for this opportunity. Additionally, he would like to thank Adam Van Alphen for all the work he has contributed over the past 10 years in support of band and orchestra students and for being a great friend, colleague, and mentor.