David Sabella
David Sabella is a freelance percussionist based in the State College Area of PA as he studies at Penn State University. There Sabella studies with Dr. Lee Hinkle as he continues his Masters Degree of Percussion Performance. Previously, he studied at West Chester University with Dr. Ralph Sorrentino where he earned his Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education and Music Performance. While pursuing his collegiate degrees, Sabella has competed in many competitions. He won first place for West Chester University’s S. Powell Middleton/Freshman Instrumental Scholarship Competition, which includes all WCU woodwind, brass, percussion, and string studios. Sabella also won the opportunity to perform as a soloist with the West Chester University Wind Symphony, performing Ney Rosauro’s Concerto No. 1 for Marimba.
David Sabella is a founding member of the chamber group Mosaic Percussion. The members of this group include Anthony Maldonado, Jacob Scheidt, David Sabella and Craig DiGiamarino. Sabella has performed as a soloist alongside Mosaic Percussion several times. Together they have performed Re(new)al by Viet Cuong, Concerto for Wind Ensemble “Games ” by James Stephenson, and Schnabel by Robert Sanderl. With being featured on two separate albums with the WCU Wind Ensemble (Games and Bright Shadows) Mosaic Percussion is an ensemble to be on the lookout for as it continues to develop and grow.
He has also performed as a soloist throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. This includes First Presbyterian Church, Tel Hai Retirement Community, and Unitarian Universalists Society of Mill Creek.
David Sabella, alongside his performance career, has had much success as an educator. Currently Sabella is teaching at Penn State University as a Graduate Assistant. There he teaches the Percussion Techniques Methods Course and lessons to both Majors and Non-Majors. He works alongside Dr. Lee Hinkle to lead the percussion studio and helps to coordinate success with logistical tasks. Additionally, Sabella teaches private lessons in-person and virtual around the country. Sabella has taught with several different organizations, such as Penn State University, Twin Valley High School, Garnet Valley High School, Vivace Productions and Marchwood Music Lessons. His students have gone on to compete at the state level and have been admitted to their dream music school and/or summer music programs.
Sabella is very active in his composition career. His compositions have been performed in recitals and concerts throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. His works are typically dense with lots of rhythmic aggression and flare. David’s compositional style explores a full spectrum of emotional expression utilizing the virtuosic nature of percussion.
As David Sabella is completing his Masters Degree, he alongside Gabbie Reyna, have started a new High School Honors Percussion Ensemble Program at Penn State University. He is excited to bring percussion music to students who are eager to grow as musicians and people.
