SNU Welcomes Prof. Will Fairbanks, our New Director of Bands

SNU Welcomes Prof. Will Fairbanks, our New Director of Bands

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SNU is thrilled to announce the appointment of Professor Will Fairbanks as our new Director of Bands. Fairbanks brings over three decades of experience as a band director in secondary schools and collegiate programs. Previously, he spent four years at Weatherford High School in Oklahoma and ten years at Greenville University in Illinois. Prior to that, he led the Trinity Valley Community College Band (Athens, TX) as it grew to become the third largest community college band in Texas. The TVCC Band had the honor of performing at prestigious events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

Fairbanks is a nationally certified band adjudicator, is sought after as a clinician and has conducted numerous workshops and sessions at state music conventions across the United States. He is well respected by his colleagues and peers. He served as president of the Texas Community College Band Directors Association, as well as other state offices. In addition to performing with the St. Louis Wind Symphony for several years, he has also recorded at Warner Bros. Studios. He is married to Heather Fairbanks, who is also a member of the SNU community, and together they have five children, two of whom will be attending the SNU Lab School this fall.

In addition to his studies in music, Fairbanks also holds a Master of Divinity degree, has served churches as a pastor, and still occasionally acts as a supply preacher. Dr. Lacey Phelps, a recruiter in the Office of Admissions focused on Music, recently had the opportunity to sit down with him for a Q&A session. Here are some insights he shared:

What do you feel are some of your greatest professional accomplishments and how will that enhance studies for SNU music students?

When I left Greenville, my students told me, "you've been teaching us how to teach - now it's time for you to put your money where your mouth is." At Weatherford, I helped double the size of the band program, plus increased their performance level to being state marching finalists and winning sweepstakes awards. Another one of my strengths is building student leaders to help advance the program, and helping prepare students for success after graduation. I am looking forward to helping a new group of musicians at SNU grow to be the best that they can be. Whether it is learning how to be a band director or continuing to play an instrument as they prepare for another career, it's all part of the experience of being in a college band program. Regardless of where they go, they will be prepared with a strong faith that God will lead them along the way.

Tell me about your path to this point. How does a person wind up with a Masters of Divinity as well as a Masters in Conducting?

If you try hard to follow God's calling, you just never know where you're going to end up! My undergraduate work prepared me to teach band, but then I felt called to go to seminary as well. God has given me opportunities to combine both paths of study together in ways I never would have anticipated.

What events or programs should we be on the lookout for from SNU in the coming year/s?

First, the Sound of the Storm is here to support school spirit in general. So be watching for us to perform at football games, basketball games, pep rallies, parades. I've even had my bands play at soccer games, wrestling matches, and travel abroad, so you never know what's in store. I'm also excited about continuing the great tradition of involving community members, band alumni, and prospective students in the band. Plus, of course, the jazz band will continue its strong presence in the community and around campus. Other groups of mine have had a ministry opportunities in places such as senior centers, assisted living facilities, and schools who may not be able to make it to campus.

If you're interested in being part of the Sound of the Storm, or know someone who is curious about playing in a college band, the annual Day with the Band event is coming up during Homecoming Weekend on November 9, 2024. We'll be sharing more details about that soon. It would be a great way to see what the band is like up close and personal.

What are you most excited about this year and the coming years at SNU?

Working with the outstanding students, faculty, and administration of SNU. I'm looking forward to all that God has in store for the Sound of the Storm and for SNU!

Welcome to SNU, Prof. Fairbanks. We couldn't be happier to have you on campus!

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