Hidden River Music Teacher Awarded 2026 GTCYS School Music Grant

Emma Fischer, instrumental music teacher at Hidden River Middle School, was awarded the 2026 Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) School Music Grant. Hidden River was chosen from a strong group of nominated school orchestra and band programs across the Twin Cities metro.

This annual $1,000 award recognizes the vital role school music programs play in supporting students’ artistic growth and strengthening their broader school communities. The selection committee was especially moved by the impact of the program on students and the meaningful way these funds will support continued access and opportunity in instrumental music at Hidden River.

Rosie B., one of Emma's students, shared in her nomination:

"[Band class] is a space where you can have fun and play and create music with your friends and you don’t feel any pressure to be different or to turn in all of this work. I think all of us in band feel really welcome and accepted in the environment Tr. Fischer has created. The grant will help us get a lot of broken instruments fixed, get some higher quality reeds, maybe even some new percussion that we are kind of desperately in need of, and some sheet music, too."

Congratulations, Tr. Fischer and Hidden River!