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Dr. Sarah Fabian (Shelby, NC) Dr. Sarah Fabian is the Director of Bands and an Assistant Professor of Music at Gardner-Webb University. She directs the Symphonic Band, The Marching Bulldogs, and GWU Pep Band, in addition to teaching music education courses.
Dr. Fabian is internationally recognized as a clinician, educator, conductor, adjudicator, presenter, and performer. She is active in scholarly research and frequently presents at conferences across the country and abroad, including NAfME’s Biennial Conference. Other recent appearances include MEAs in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota.
Dr. Fabian was awarded the 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Educators Excellence award as an outstanding young music educator who is making a difference by growing and strengthening the band programs at Gardner-Webb. She was also awarded the 2024 Rising Star Award for Gardner-Webb University, given to a faculty member who demonstrates consistent excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service.
Dr. Fabian earned her Ph.D. in Music Education from George Mason University. She also holds a Master of Music Education degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in percussion from Towson University.
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 DCI and WGI, including Carolina Crown, Jersey Surf, and United Percussion. Drawing on these formative experiences, she has held staffing positions with several drum corps and indoor ensembles, including The Cadets, Colts, Crossmen, 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.