Congratulations to Dr. Gabriel Arnold on being named the Director of University Bands at the Savannah State University!
In this role, Brother Arnold will direct the Savannah State University Band Program including the Powerhouse of the South marching band, pep, jazz, and symphonic wind ensemble bands in rehearsals and performances. He will provide leadership in recruiting band members and music majors, coordinating auditions and scholarships, and maintain active and collaborative relationships with university Athletics, Advancement, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs as well as public schools and band programs throughout the state of Georgia and beyond.
“As a native son of Georgia, I am so excited to lead the Powerhouse of the South! I look forward to infusing my core values of excellence in musicianship, strong character, and high academic achievement into the Savannah State University Band Program,” he said.
Dr. Arnold received his Bachelor’s, Masters’s, and Doctoral degrees in music education from Florida State University. Before receiving his undergraduate degree at FSU, Dr. Arnold served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 – 1998 where he played tuba with the Quantico, Virginia, and Okinawa, Japan, Marine Bands. He also achieved the rank of sergeant and served as band leader and supply noncommissioned officer.
During his undergraduate years at FSU, he performed with the Marching Chiefs where he was awarded rookie of the year, tuba section leader, head drum major, and the Manley Whitcomb Scholarship. In 2001, Brother Arnold was initiated into Phi Mu Alpha by the Epsilon Iota Chapter while attending FSU.
Dr. Arnold has served as director of bands at Pebblebrook High School, Osborne High School, and assistant director of bands at Southwest Dekalb High School, all in Georgia. Under his direction, the bands consistently performed superior ratings at concert and marching band festivals. He has also won outstanding teaching awards and presented at the Cobb County District-wide music teacher conference.
Recently, Brother Arnold presented Effective Band Director Techniques for teaching in Title I Schools at the Midwest Clinic, Hawaii Music Educators Conference, and California All-State Music Educators Conference. He has also published articles for the Florida Music Director, Smart Music Blog, and Music for All Newsletter.
With more than 18 years of experience teaching music, Arnold transitions to Savannah State from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where he was Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music since 2018.
An extension of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Savannah State University Band Program provides the excitement of tiger pride at university athletic events and showcases the enrichment of student life. The Powerhouse of the South marching band is an award-winning band and the most visible of the SSU bands, performing regularly at home and selected away football games, parades, and Battle of the Bands competitions. The marching band accepts invitations to perform throughout the Southeast.
Congratulations, Brother! We wish you all the best in your new role at Savannah State University.
