Director of GWU Bands Dr. Sarah Fabian Seeks to Engage and Inspire Music Students

Assistant Professor Receives Faculty Rising Star Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching and Service

By Avery Copeland, Intern for University Communications

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Through her enthusiasm and engaging personality, Dr. Sarah Fabian, director of Gardner-Webb University Bands and assistant professor of music, has tremendously grown the music program. From recruitment efforts at the local high schools to connecting with directors, Fabian has increased interest and participation in the marching band.

She hosts game day and alumni events for the Department of Music and provides opportunities for potential students to experience life on campus. Additionally, she has improved campus life by elevating the fan experience at the football and basketball games with her inventive and creative ideas.

Fabian was recognized for her work with the 2024 Rising Star Award, presented to the faculty members for excellence in scholarship, teaching and service. Those who nominated her stated that Fabian fosters important bonds with her students and inspires them to achieve their goals both inside and outside the classroom. She also motivates her students to unlock their potential and helps them realize their true talents and abilities.

“It is truly an honor to be awarded the Rising Star Award,” Fabian beamed. “It means not only the students, but my colleagues see my efforts and dedication to the betterment of my courses, scholarly work, and service I have been putting into the University.”

She received a bachelor’s degree in music education with a concentration in percussion from Towson University and a master’s degree in music education from John Hopkins Peabody Conservatory, both in Maryland. She earned her Ph.D. in music education from George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

Growing up in Baltimore, Md., in a family of musicians, Fabian was destined to find her way into the musical world. Her father was a professional jazz pianist and her mother an opera singer. “I started playing piano before I could walk, and it continued from there,” Fabian shared. “I enjoyed playing and performing with my friends. When I started to excel and was winning competitions and events, I was hooked.”

She applied for the Gardner-Webb band director position in 2022 because of her fond memories of being on the University’s campus while training with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. A 2009 alumna of the Corps, Fabian has participated in numerous opportunities across the United States to teach drum corps, indoor groups and high schools.

“I am so passionate about music because of my experiences and educators who inspired me, and I want to share that same experience for my students,” Fabian affirmed. “I believe that I have a purpose to guide my students towards a lifelong connection and interest in music. At the heart of teaching is care, support, and encouragement towards the learner.”

As an educator, Fabian’s priorities are serving as a mentor, cheerleader, coach, counselor and facilitator for her students. She spends many hours a week working on recruiting new students while providing for her GWU students by constantly searching for innovative ways to engage and involve students in her courses. She works daily to present her students with new experiences and lifelong memories by hosting events, giving them gifts, providing travel opportunities, and more. “My interactions with my students are the most rewarding parts of my job,” she asserted. “They truly make being at Gardner-Webb a wonderful experience.”

Her teaching is focused on building a foundation of excellence, responsibility and respect. She advocates for fostering a warm and welcoming environment for students and fellow colleagues. “I believe that the interactions you have with your students both in and outside of the classroom allow for better work commitment and progress,” she emphasized. “I find that if you are invested in a person and show trust and respect, they tend to work harder towards the overall goal. I think it is important to build that type of bond and respect throughout the program.”

Looking to the future, Fabian’s personal goals are to pursue her scholarly work along with opportunities for guest conducting and performing to keep her knowledge updated and relevant. Networking on behalf of the University is another priority. “I strive to spread the Gardner-Webb name to the music world,” she shared. “I want to continue to inspire my students for excellence and raise the bar of our performance abilities.”

Avery Copeland, of Atlanta, Ga., is a senior English major.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.