Danielle Fisher (b. 1986) is an American composer, arranger, and educator who has written extensively for every level of band. She spent her formative years in Normal, Illinois, where she eventually earned two undergraduate degrees from Illinois State University. While there, David Maslanka was among her composition teachers. Further study at the University of North Texas led her to the Dallas metroplex and later to the Austin area, where she is now the Director of Bands at Jimmie Don Aycock Middle School. She has also collaborated extensively with the Newfound Chamber Winds (formerly Maryland Chamber Winds) as both a horn player and their staff arranger. She has her own website and Soundcloud page, and is featured at the Wind Repertory Project, the Young Band March Project, and Newfound Chamber Winds.
Fisher wrote Ragamuffins: Shenanigans and Tomfoolery for Band in 2019. She says: “This concert march is based off of a 12-tone row given to me by my colleague and friend, Patrick Dietz. This 12-tone pattern is a theme throughout the piece. This is a quirky and entertaining march that is truly full of shenanigans and tomfoolery!” Here it is in performance:
The piece has been further spotlighted at Fisher’s website and the Wind Repertory Project. As for the title, Fisher may have been referring to a “ragged often disreputable person” or a particularly affection breed of cat. Either way, shenanigans and tomfoolery will certainly abound.