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 ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ� 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.

���سԹ� 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., ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ�.edu.

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With Twice the Members, ‘Sound of the Springs’ Brings Energy to Music of Grammy Winner

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Less than three weeks ago, new and returning members of the ���سԹ�’s Marching Bulldogs gathered for the first time. After a whirlwind band camp and rehearsals on 90-degree days, the 60 musicians are enthusiastic about bringing the “Sound of the Springs” to Thursday’s home game against Wofford College at 7 p.m. in Spangler Stadium.

Director of Bands Dr. Sarah Fabian is impressed with the group’s dedication and hard work to memorize the halftime songs and drill, and music for the stands and pregame. “We’ve learned a lot of material quickly, and they’re all handling that really well,” she remarked. “We’re excited for Coach Cris Reisert and the new environment that he’s bringing. He got us all together during band camp, and I taught cheer, football, and band the words to the fight song. They’re going to come over when we win and do the fight song as one big group.”

Fabian is starting her third year with GWU. Through outreach and recruitment efforts, she’s doubled the size of the band since she arrived on campus. She writes the halftime show, taking inspiration from what’s trending. This year is a “Take me to Mars” rendition featuring the music of Bruno Mars. The Grammy award-winning artist has a new single with Lady Gaga that recently debuted at No. 1 on the Digital Song Sales Chart.

“We’re starting off with ‘24 Karat Magic,’ then we’ll do ‘Runaway Baby,’ and ‘Uptown Funk,’” Fabian described. “We will trickle in some different songs as we make our way throughout the season.”

“Runaway Baby” is one of Savannah Shaw’s favorite parts of the show. A freshman exercise science major, Shaw is a member of the dance section. “The halftime show is upbeat and groovy,” she shared. “You will see a lot of formation changes and hear wonderful music.”

Junior Boakye likes the opening number, “24K,” the best. “It is one of my favorite Bruno Mars’ songs,” noted the trumpet player and brass section leader. “I enjoy the part I’m playing and how it connects with everything else the rest of the band is playing.”

During games, Boakye adds to the energy by turning somersaults. “I participate in marching band, because I find enjoyment in being able to create the product we put out,” he said. “I also enjoy the family aspect of the marching band and how close of a bond we have with each other because of the time we put in. And, marching band also provides many opportunities that I would not be able to experience if I was not a part of it … like flying on a plane to Utah to play in March Madness (for women’s basketball).”

Senior Catlyn Whisenant said the high energy show is fun to perform. She plays the clarinet and is woodwind section leader. A criminal justice administration major with a minor in homeland security, Whisenant has been in marching bands since she was a high school freshman. “Even though it seems like a lot of work, the show is worth the wait and there’s no other feeling like hitting the right sets and playing the music people love during a performance,” she asserted. “My favorite part of the halftime show is playing the music and marching with my friends. I like how the drill matches the music, such as how we make a 24 for the song 24k.”

Dallas Gordy, a freshman trumpet player, is an enthusiastic newcomer. He is early to rehearsal and stays late. He spends a lot of time in the practice rooms. “The band is meant to bring the energy and support the team and even the crowd—and perform a show that captures the audience’s attention to pump them up for the next half of the game,” he offered. “I love what I do. I love the music. I love singing through an instrument. Music helps so many people with so many things, so even if it’s in a small way, I know I’m helping someone in the sea of people who watch.”

Senior Drum Major Hailey Rodden has been with Fabian for three years. Rodden knows the high standards that Fabian expects and is able to run the band through the warm up on her own. “She is absolutely phenomenal,” Fabian praised. “She’s one of those students that always thinks ahead.”

A music education major, Rodden aspires to be a band director and feels that her experience in marching band has prepared her for the future. She appreciates Fabian’s leadership and mentorship. “I have witnessed an establishment of culture under Dr. Fabian,” Rodden observed. “I feel that I am with a group of students who all have the same goals and all bring energy to everything we do.”

���سԹ� 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., ���سԹ� 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 ���سԹ�.edu.

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