Dr. Sarah Fabian is the Director of Bands and an Assistant Professor of Music at Gardner-Webb University. Among her duties, she directs the Gardner-Webb Symphonic Band, The Marching Bulldogs and GWU Pep Band, in addition to teaching music education courses.
A passionate advocate for music education at all levels, Dr. Fabian is internationally recognized as a clinician, educator, conductor, adjudicator, presenter and performer. She is actively involved in scholarly research and frequently presents at conferences internationally, nationally, and regionally. Most recently presenting at the 2024 NAfME Biennial Conference in Atlanta. In addition, she will be presenting at various events this coming year, including conferences in Iowa (IMEA), Indiana (IMEA), Illinois (ILMEA), Minnesota (MTNA) this year.
Dr. Fabian was humbly awarded the 2024 Rising Star Award for Gardner-Webb University. This award is given to a faculty member who demonstrates consistent excellence in scholarship, teaching and service.
Prior to her role at Gardner-Webb, Dr. Fabian served as the Director of Bands at Buena Vista University, where she taught undergraduate instrumental conducting, class percussion, and private lessons. She also conductor the concert band, marching band, and pep band.
Dr. Fabian earned her Ph.D. in Music Education from George Mason University. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a concentration in Percussion from Towson University and a Master’s in Music Education from Johns Hopkins Peabody Conservatory.
Fabian has a rich and extensive background in the drum and bugle corps community. Before transitioning into teaching, she spent five years as a marching member with some of the most renowned organizations in Drum Corps International (DCI) and Winter Guard International (WGI), including Carolina Crown, Jersey Surf, and United Percussion. Drawing on these formative experiences, Fabian has held staffing positions with several prestigious drum corps and indoor ensembles, including The Cadets, Crossmen, Colts, Reading Buccaneers, and United Percussion. She is currently proud to serve as a member of the instructional team at Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps.
Fabian has the privilege of being endorsed by Vic Firth sticks, Zildjan cymbals, Balter mallets, and Remo Drumheads. She is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the North Carolina Music Educators Association, International Society for Music Educators (ISME), and the Percussive Arts Society (PAS).
On this episode of Bulldog Dialogue, we’ll explore a musical tradition that is over a century old and counting. Guests include Dr. Sarah Fabian, director of bands at Gardner-Webb and Jim Coates, CEO and Executive Director for the internationally recognized Carolina Crown. Marching bands and college campuses go hand in hand, and on episode 5 we’ll dive into why this universally appreciated music appeals to such a wide and varied audience.
