Haley Abarbanell is a percussion performer and educator based in Summerville, South Carolina. She serves as the Steel Band Director and percussion instructor at Fort Dorchester High School, where she directs the Patriot Pan Steel Bands, teaches percussion classes, and serves as front ensemble director for the marching band.
At Fort Dorchester High School, Haley has helped develop thriving percussion and steel band programs. The Patriot Pan Steel Band has earned a Superior rating at the South Carolina Festival of Steel, while the FDHS percussion program has earned Superior ratings at the South Carolina Day of Percussion and was featured at the 2024 SCMEA Professional Development Conference. She has also collaborated with guest artists including Amrit Samaroo and members of the Supernovas Steel Orchestra, providing students opportunities to work directly with internationally recognized steel pan musicians.
An active performer throughout the Charleston area, Haley has performed with the North Charleston Pops, Charleston Wind Symphony, Summerville Orchestra, Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera, Chamber Music Charleston, the Charleston Pride Orchestra, and as timpanist for seasonal services at St. Helena’s Anglican Church. Her diverse performance background encompasses orchestral percussion, wind ensemble, solo marimba, steel pan, Latin percussion, and chamber music.
Haley earned dual Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education and Percussion Performance from West Chester University and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from Indiana University, graduating summa cum laude from both institutions.
Whether performing, teaching, or collaborating with fellow musicians, Haley is passionate about making percussion more accessible, inspiring, and rewarding for every musician she encounters. She is honored to join the Artifact Percussion artist roster and looks forward to contributing to a company whose commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and community reflects her own values.
