Dr. Sarah Baker | Director of Athletic Bands

An accomplished performer, guest conductor, and adjudicator, Dr. Baker’s recent engagements include performances with The Ohio State Wind Symphony during their international tour in Japan and with the Warrensburg Community Band. She has also served as assistant conductor of The Ohio State Women’s Glee Club and as guest conductor for the Southern Arizona Middle School Honor Band’s 5th/6th grade ensemble.

Dr. Baker enjoys innovative drill design, wind arranging, and adjudicating. Notably, her drill for The Ohio State Marching Band’s halftime show “Pirates of the Shoe” was featured three times during the 2024–2025 season, culminating in a performance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the College Football National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame.

As an active scholar, Dr. Baker has contributed editorial remarks to publications including Rehearsing the Marching Band and Rehearsing the High School Band, Vol. 2 by Dr. Stephen J. Meyer. Her dissertation and updated edition of Jacques Castérède’s Divertissement d'été offer valuable insight for scholars and ensembles alike. Her current research interests encompass The American Wind Symphony Orchestra, the works of Jacques Castérède, Les Six, and Germaine Tailleferre; score study methodologies for ensemble musicians, accessible chamber repertoire for young musicians, Marching and Athletic Band pedagogy and health, and the application of artificial intelligence in music performance and education.

Dr. Baker holds professional and honorary memberships in numerous state, national, and international organizations, including CBDNA, NAfME, MMEA, WASBE, WBDI, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma. Her recent scholarly contributions include presentations at the Arizona Music Educators Conference (2019, 2021) and panel discussions on various college campuses.

Residing in Warrensburg, Dr. Baker remains deeply engaged with local musical communities and values time spent with family and friends.