In Memoriam: CCS Music Composition Faculty and Department of Music Assistant Teaching Professor Sarah Gibson
Commemorating a vibrant life defined by a passion for music, a love for teaching, and a warm spirit
It is with deep sadness and true esteem that the College of Creative Studies and the Department of Music at UC Santa Barbara remember our beloved former colleague, Professor Sarah Gibson, who passed away on July 14, 2024. Sarah joined our community in Fall 2019 as a Teaching Professor in Music Composition, serving both the Department of Music and the College of Creative Studies until 2022. Her dedication to nurturing young talent left an indelible mark on our students and her vivid musicality and seemingly unbridled creativity shone brightly in her many artistic works.
Sarah was a prolific composer and accomplished pianist whose works were celebrated for their expansiveness and creativity. Her compositions, which often reflect her deep interest in the creative process from a female perspective, were performed by renowned orchestras including the BBC and Los Angeles Philharmonics, as well as the Atlanta, Seattle, and New Jersey Symphonies. Sarah co-founded the new music piano duo HOCKET, and after her time at UC Santa Barbara served as Assistant Director for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Composer Fellowship Program, and held a position as Assistant Professor in Composition/Theory at the California State University, Long Beach Bob Cole Conservatory of Music where she also directed the New Music Ensemble.
As an educator, Sarah brought unparalleled enthusiasm and expertise to her courses in composition, music theory, orchestration, and performance. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of composers and musicians was evident in every class she taught. When Sarah joined our faculty in 2019, Robert Koenig, Chair of the Department of Music, noted, "Her background and support of new musical compositions, along with her dedication to teaching young aspiring composers has already established her as a musical phenomenon in Southern California and beyond."
Sarah's passion for music, her innovative spirit, and her dedication to her students will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Sarah's husband, Aaron Fullerton, son Benjamin, family, friends, colleagues, and students. She will be remembered not only for her musical brilliance but also for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her art and her students.
With heartfelt condolences.
—Timothy Sherwood, Interim Dean, College of Creative Studies
In honor of Sarah: Memories from friends, colleagues, and loved ones
These testimonials highlight Professor Gibson’s profound impact as a musician, educator, and cherished friend. Those interested in sharing a story or testimony to post in memory of Sarah, please send it to CCS communications and media coordinator Jasmine Moreno (jasminemoreno@ucsb.edu).
“Sarah was kind, supportive, warm and thoughtful, in every capacity of her professional and personal life. As a colleague, she was always quick to lend a helping hand. Her smile and enthusiasm were contagious to all around her. It was always an absolute pleasure working with Sarah, and an honor to call her a friend. She will truly be missed.”
— Andrew Watts, CCS Music Composition Faculty
“She brought a spirit of collaboration to every aspect of her time in CCS, whether as a performer, colleague, or composer. She showed our students what it means to engage creatively with performers.”
—Leslie Hogan, CCS Music Composition Faculty
Read more about Sarah’s admirable legacy in The Washington Post on July 19, 2024.