OFA Director of Bands to retire this year

Dan Fabricius, director of bands at OFA, has been an integral contributor in the development of an outstanding instrumental music program, and will retire in June after nearly 30 years with the district. 

Corey Green, OA Schools superintendent commented, “Dan Fabricius will leave a tremendous legacy here at Owego Apalachin. After nearly 40 years of teaching, and nearly thirty of them here with us, he has deeply impacted the lives of so many musicians and their families.”

Green continued, “From local festivals, parades, musicals and concerts, to special performances at New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Conferences and NYS School Board Association events, Dan Fabricius has always allowed our students to showcase their musical talents locally, regionally and statewide.”

Fabricius explained that his decision to retire was not an easy one, and retired colleagues had told him he would know when it was the right time.

Fabricius said, “I love my work and didn’t see a need to stop just because I could. I didn’t retire sooner because I wasn’t ready then.”

Fabricius started his teaching career in 1979, teaching at three other high schools in the state, including Chenango Valley, before he began his Owego career in September 1988 teaching band at OES and OAMS.

Fabricius had earned an “in demand” status as a professional musician and opted to gravitate back to the Binghamton area for more opportunities, and where, he said, “I found a great job in Owego.”

In his favor, Fabricius taught jazz band as an academic class during the normal school session, versus it being an after-school activity. A Jazz Band II class was eventually added, and then in 2007, Fabricius implemented an idea, “Making the Band” (MTB), where students played popular music.

Proud that MTB has become a popular group in the community, Fabricius commented, “I wanted to train the next generation by giving students a chance to learn the skills needed to play gigs.”

Fabricius continued, “I’ve always stayed true to keeping the concert band as the focus for all students and then provided opportunities for students to pursue other interests, too.”

Fabricius owns an impressive biography, which includes degrees from both Mansfield University and Ithaca College, and has studied conducting with well-respected artists at both locations, as well as with other notable conductors from outside the state. Other influence comes from his brother-in-law, who was his first drum teacher, and significant inspiration came from his own high school teacher, also a conductor, and several college teachers.  

A member of the Binghamton University faculty since 1992, Professor Fabricius served as percussion instructor for 20 years before an appointment as conductor of the Wind Symphony in 2012. In addition, Fabricius has been a member of the Binghamton Philharmonic since 1982.

A freelance percussionist, Fabricius had many memorable experiences performing with artists who were on tour in the region, which includes the likes of Michael W. Smith, Lorrie Morgan, the Smothers Brothers, the Ringling Brothers Circus and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.

Numerous other accomplishments highlight Fabricius’ lengthy resume, including serving the NYSSMA as an all-state percussion adjudicator and jazz publications editor, and has been a cooperating teacher and consultant/faculty member during Ithaca College summer sessions.

A rewarding moment outside of his OA Schools career was when Fabricius played with the Binghamton Philharmonic’s “Music for Prague – 1968” along with Pulitzer Prize winning composer Karel Husa, who was a faculty member at Cornell and Ithaca College.

Fabricius said rewards at OA come from outstanding performances, citing that the bands play very well, and in turn have earned extraordinary praise. Fabricius is pleased that the students work diligently and want to excel.

“I have heard a lot of compliments from guests, colleagues and adjudicators when we play at festivals or state conventions,” Fabricius shared, and added, “I’m grateful that OA school administration has supported the efforts and that the students have responded well to my teaching.”

Annual Jazz Night concerts, preceded by at least two full days of guest artists working with jazz students, are special events that stand out to Fabricius. The 2017 Jazz Night concert is scheduled for March 16.

“It’s so important for students to connect with outstanding professional musicians,” Fabricius said.

Fabricius is heartened by the success of former students, too; some of who have gone on to college as music majors, have become gigging musicians or music teachers, or work within the music industry.

“I suppose I taught them to love music, and to elevate the music to a higher level, Fabricius said, and pointed out, “But it’s up to them to follow their dreams.”  

As for retirement plans, Fabricius replied, “I’ll keep teaching and conducting at BU. I’ll have time to enjoy other interests like composing and playing music. It’s great to live in a region where I can play while also continue to grow as a musician.”

And, the shows will go on. MTB is still expected to perform at the annual Strawberry Festival in June, and just prior to that, will perform on May 11 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  

There are big shoes to fill now, and OA Schools is in search of a replacement.  

After the last note is played and following the final wave of Fabricius’ hands or baton, it will be his passion, talent and contributions that will always be revered.