After a national search, the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Sarah Labovitz as its new director. Labovitz comes to Kent State from Arkansas State University, where she serves as the Chairmen, Associate Director of Bands, and Coordinator of Music Education.
Originally from Akron, Ohio, Labovitz earned a B.M.E. from Bowling Green State University, an M.M.E. from Indiana University, and a D.M.A. in Wind Conducting from the University of Kansas where she studied with Dr. Paul Popiel. Prior to her appointment at A-State, Labovitz served as the assistant director of bands/director of athletic bands at Washburn University.
"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Sarah Labovitz to Kent State as the new Director of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music," said Diane Petrella, Dean of the College of the Arts. “Sarah’s energy and enthusiasm, coupled with an eclectic array of administrative experiences, will serve her well in this new role. I look forward to advancing the School of Music under her direction.”
In addition to being an active guest conductor throughout the United States and abroad Labovitz is a sought-after clinician who has given multiple presentations at the National Association for Music Education’s National In-Service Conference, the College Band Director National Association’s (CBDNA) National and Regional Conferences, and numerous state music educator conventions. She has had the honor of presenting at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference three times within the last ten years.
Building bridges between instrumental music education at the collegiate and secondary level is a lifelong pursuit of Dr. Labovitz. She is a contributing author to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series and currently serves as a music education consultant for the NAMM sponsored Music Achievement Council, a member of CBDNA’s Music Education Committee, and a member of the National Band Association’s Merrill Jones Memorial Young Band Composition Contest Committee. At the 2021 Arkansas Bandmasters Association Conference, she was named a member of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association Executive Committee. Past service to the profession includes time as the Collegiate Chair for the Arkansas Music Educators Association and President of the Arkansas Chapter of CBDNA. She was recognized for her service to the profession, community, and her university as the 2021 recipient of A-State’s Faculty Achievement Professional Service Award.
“I am tremendously excited to help mold and shape the music community of 鶹ý alongside the exceptional faculty and students of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music," said Dr. Sarah Labovitz. "The chance to directly contribute to the music culture in Northeast Ohio, which was home to my start in music and music education, is an opportunity that is so meaningful to me.”
Labovitz will return to Northeast Ohio with her husband Dr. Charles Page, who currently serves as a secondary band director and freelance tuba player, and her two rescue labs, Rosie and Sadie.
Labovitz will join Kent State on July 1, 2023.