The Owego Free Academy Jazz Band, under the direction of Daniel Fabricius, entertained the community with a free concert last Sunday at the Elks Lodge, sponsored by the TIoga Arts Council. (Photo contributed by Gerri Wiley)
Daniel Fabricius, director of Bands at Owego Free Academy since 1989 and noted music educator in the Southern Tier as well as the Adjunct Instructor of Percussion and Conductor of the Binghamton University Percussion Ensemble, is the recipient of the prestigious Owego Elks Lodge Citizenship Award for his significant musical contributions to the Owego Apalachin School District, the Owego area community and Binghamton University (BU).
Daniel received the award from Owego Elks Lodge Outgoing Exalted Ruler Tim Sayers and Incoming Exalted Ruler Zach Newswanger at the OFA Jazz Band Concert sponsored by the Tioga Arts Council at the Elks Auditorium last Sunday.
Daniel Fabricius has been a member of the Binghamton University faculty as percussion instructor since 1992. He also serves as Director of Bands at Owego Free Academy where he developed an outstanding instrumental music program that features a concert band, two jazz bands, and various chamber music ensembles.
Dan is highly regarded in the region as a percussion soloist and ensemble player. He is also comfortable performing in popular, rock, jazz and other styles. He has played as a freelance percussionist, accompanying national touring artists.
He holds degrees from Mansfield University and Ithaca College. He has served two terms as President of the New York State Band Directors Association. He has worked on the Summer Session faculty for the Ithaca College School of Music and annually serves as a cooperating teacher for senior student teachers. He has conducted many honor band festivals, presented clinics on a variety of music education topics, and has adjudicated at music festivals around New York State.
Professor Fabricius has served the New York State School Music Association as an All-State Percussion adjudicator for many years. He also served NYSSMA as the Instrumental Jazz reviews editor of The School Music News and is the Jazz editor for the NYSSMA Manual.
In addition to his collegiate work at BU, he has worked at Ithaca College on the Summer Sessions faculty, served as consultant for workshops, and been the percussion instructor of the summer Music Academy. He has also trained many students from Ithaca College. He has presented many clinics at music conventions and conferences and often serves as a guest.
