Swisher taught at
Washington State University in
Pullman,
Pacific Lutheran University in
Tacoma,
Shoreline Community College (1969–1998) in Seattle, and the University of Washington in Seattle. She was a Professor Emerita of Music at Shoreline Community College, and often performed as a duo pianist with Nancy Matesky. She was a founding member of Ars Nova Press, Inc., a non-profit corporation that promotes and reprints the work of quality composers.[4][5]
Works
Selected works include:
Orchestral Works:
1957 Canción, for orchestra
1960 Concerto for clarinet and orchestra
1986 Niigata No. Sumie Black Ink Impressions of Niigata, concerto for piano and orchestra
2004 Concerto for flute and orchestra
Serafina, portrait for orchestra
Works for large ensemble:
1955 3 Pieces for Piano & Band
1958 Suite for Piano & Wind Sinfonietta
1963 Dances for Tomorrow
1977 Thanksgiving I
1978 Procession
1984 Words to a Grand Child, for mixed choir and orchestra
The Mountain and The Island
Masses and liturgical music:
Psalm 150 for mixed choir, 2 trumpets, timpani and piano
God is Gone Up With A Merry Noise, for mixed choir and organ
Stage works:
Opera:
1983 The Artist and The Other - libretto: Willy Clark
1999 The Prestigious Music Award - premiered on February 18–20, 1999 at the Shoreline Community College Little Theater - libretto: Willy Clark
2008 The Legend of Poker Alice - libretto: Willy Clark[6]
Theatre:
2004 Gallagher And The Moonbeam
Incidental music to "For Such A Time as This - text: Ann Chamberlin
Works for choir:
1973 Two Faces of Love, for mixed choir and piano
Beat! Beat! Drums, for mixed choir, 2 trumpets, timpani and piano
Let Us Celebrate, for mixed choir, 2 trumpets and piano
Vocal music:
1977 Sisters, for soprano and piano
I Sit and Sew
Tenebris
The Cabal at Nickel Nackeys
1983 Sonnets for Donald, for soprano and piano
1990 Three for T, for tenor and piano
1995 A Velvet Madonna, for soprano and piano
Montana, song cycle of six songs for mezzo soprano or baritone and piano
Chamber music
1990 Salutations, for oboe and piano
In 1991 Caprichos for guitar and piano
Pas de trois, for flute, violin and piano
Sado, for flute and piano
Theatre Trio for trumpet, alto saxophone and piano
Works for Organ:
2001 Chorale Prelude on "Slane" and "In Dulce Jubilo"