Home / People / Dr. Sarah Fabian Dr. Sarah Fabian Director of Bands, Assistant Professor of Music 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, IMEA in Iowa, IMEA in Indiana, ILMEA in Illinois, MTNA in Minnesota and CBDNA Western and North Western Conference in Reno, Nevada this year. Dr. Fabian was humbly awarded the 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Educators Excellence award. Chosen from hundreds of nominations as an outstanding young music educator who is making a difference by growing and strengthening the band programs here at Gardner-Webb. She was also 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. More information about her award can be found on the GWU news page. 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 conducted 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 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).
