Harbinson Steps Down As Dean Of ASU’s Hayes School Of Music

Timing is an important part of a musician’s life. That’s why when William G. “Bill” Harbinson recently announced the time was right to step down as dean of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, you know it was a decision made after careful deliberation.
Harbinson, who has been dean of the music school since July 2000, will step down July 1, 2008, to devote more time to teaching and composing. “I am not retiring, just changing responsibilities,” he says.
“I am confident that the school is in the best condition it has ever been in its history – from its top faculty and enrollment demand that we can’t even begin to satisfy because of space issues to the outstanding external financial support we receive,” Harbinson said. “The time is perfect for a fresh set of eyes to come in and help faculty determine what the next great development will be for this school.”
Next year will be Harbinson’s 20th year in administration. He was associate dean of the music school for 12 years and will have been dean for eight years when he steps down.
“The next person to fill this position will have time to dream, the financial support to pursue those dreams and the faculty to realize those dreams. I don’t know what more a dean could hope for,” Harbinson said.
“The Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music has contributed significantly to the positive image of this university through its outreach to the community and successful collaborations with the North Carolina Dance Theatre, UNC-TV, the Blowing Rock Stage Company and others,” said Stan Aeschleman, provost and executive vice chancellor at Appalachian.
“Bill will take the passion, drive and enthusiasm that he has displayed as dean of the music school into the classroom, and our students will benefit greatly as a result,” Aeschleman said.
Harbinson said he was excited about becoming a senior member of the music school faculty. “Right now, what excites me is teaching and being able to spend more time composing,” he said.
Enrollment, development of new ensembles and donations to the music school have flourished during Harbinson’s tenure.
The school has added a master’s degree in music therapy. There are almost 500 student majors in the department and 36 full-time faculty members, about half of whom were hired by Harbinson. The school also has diversified its course offerings, adding a world music specialist to the faculty, and has expanded its offerings to non music majors with courses in world music, country music and rock.
The school has a state-of-the-art recording studio, and a music industry program that recently signed two bands to its new student-run recording label.
“We also have built one of the finest orchestral programs in the region. That was a struggle and we did it,” Harbinson said.
Harbinson also cited the important role the Hayes School of Music Advisory Council has had in the school’s success. “The advisory board has been a real important part of the success during my tenure and has had a big hand in all of our successes,” he said. “The advisory board members have been very supportive and very understanding of my personal and professional needs, and they have all pledged to be a constant voice during this transition period and will provide a critical level of support during this transition.”
One of the capstones during Harbinson’s tenure was the historic $10 million gift from Mariam Cannon Hayes that named the school and endowed the future of the school.
“All of this puts the school in a great position to continue to be one of the leading music education institutions in the region,” Harbinson said.
Harbinson earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Appalachian in 1975, a master’s in music theory from the University of Alabama in 1977 and a Ph.D. in music theory from Florida State University in 1982. He joined Appalachian’s music faculty in 1984.
“It has certainly been a privilege to serve my alma mater as dean of the music school,” Harbinson said. “Not many get the chance to return and serve in such a significant way.”