W. ALLEN FISHER

Born in Cobourg, Ontario in 1905, William Allen Fisher earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History at Queen's University, as well as a specialist certificate in teaching school music . Between 1931 and 1936, Fisher taught English and History and pioneered instrumental music in several Ontario schools.

While head of the Barrie Collegiate Institute History and Music Departments (1937-71), he founded in 1939 the Barrie Central Collegiate Band, which he conducted until his retirement in 1972. He recieved the Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award for outstanding work in public school education in Ontario in 1972. In 1974, Fisher was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada. A specialist in the history of Huronia, Fisher wrote and published The Genesis of Barrie in 1987.

Fisher is listed in The Canadian Encyclopedia of Music and was affectionately known as "W.A." by his students. Concepts of discipline, pride in achievement, excellence, and a love of making music are but a few of the gifts he gave his students. W.A. Fisher passed away in 1989.