Sarah Fabian Named as BVU's Director of Bands
As the new Director of Bands, Sarah Fabian continues her journey as an educator, energized by marching band, camps, clinics, and more.
Buena Vista University has named Sarah Fabian its new Director of Bands, a position that, for Fabian, continues a lifelong journey combining education and music.
Fabian comes to BVU from Fairfax, Va., where, since 2019, she has worked as a graduate fellow at George Mason University as she finishes her Ph.D. in music education. Before that, Fabian earned a bachelor’s degree in music education with a concentration in percussion from Townson University, then earned a master’s in music education from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
When not conducting private lessons or directing lectures and workshops for students all over the country, Fabian can be found working with Drum Corps International and/or Winter Guard International. She has an extensive history on the drum-and-bugle corps circuit. Fabian is currently on tour with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, a performance group within Drum Corps International.
Fabian, a Vic Firth Educator, was a Director of Percussion and Assistant High School Band Director in Baltimore. She’s now poised to add her talents to marchers and musicians as music programs flourish across BVU’s lakeside campus.
“It is so wonderful to be able to take a program that’s been established and grow it in ways that allow everyone to share in the excitement and pride,” Fabian says. “Watching our students grow the program in size and in repertoire, with all the support they’ll receive from faculty, staff, and the community, will be rewarding in so many ways.”
“There’s no better feeling than when you put on that ‘Superman’ suit—or marching band uniform—and have the ability to perform for an audience. I’m hoping people want to be part of our ensemble so they can experience the joys of the marching arts.”
Sarah Fabian, Director of Bands
Fabian plans to lend her talents and enthusiasm as a resource and clinician for area high school, middle school, and elementary school music programs.
“I’m eager to collaborate with teachers at all levels as we work to host clinics, concerts, and festivals,” she says. “I’m also excited to show people what we can accomplish musically at BVU.”
Fabian relishes the chance to have BVU students show their talents on Peterson Field and beyond, just as she did when she was marching in their shoes.
“I have made lifelong friends through marching band and drum corps activities,” she says. “There’s no better feeling than when you put on that ‘Superman’ suit—or marching band uniform—and have the ability to perform for an audience. I’m hoping people want to be part of our ensemble so they can experience the joys of the marching arts.”
Fabian, whose inaugural BVU band camp begins on Aug. 17, cannot wait to get started.
“During my tour of BVU’s beautiful campus, everyone was so welcoming and friendly,” she says. “It’s an environment that exudes excellence. I am so excited to be part of the University and the community.”