At Garth Newel Music Center, our work is guided not only by extraordinary music, but by the dedicated people who help shape our vision for the future. We are delighted to share an exciting new chapter in that story.
We are honored to welcome new leadership and fresh perspectives to our Board of Directors—individuals whose passion for the arts and commitment to community will help sustain and grow the musical experiences that make this place so special. As we look ahead, their collective insight and enthusiasm will play an essential role in carrying our mission forward here in beautiful Bath County.
The Garth Newel Music Center welcomes a new Chair and four new members to its Board of Directors. Stephanie Hiner (of Hot Springs, Virginia), Nancy Bishop (of Roanoke, Virginia), Dan Colston (of Greensboro, North Carolina), Joel Fuller (of Washington, D.C.), and Barbara McCutchan (of Covington, Virginia) bring their multi-faceted talents and expertise to The Center’s mission of providing exceptional music experiences to this beloved historic property in Bath County.
Stephanie Hiner
A resident of Bath County since 2004, Stephanie’s active participation in Garth Newel’s calendar of events bespeaks her enthusiasm for The Music Center; her dedication through the years has been all-encompassing. Over the past eight years, she has served as the Board’s Secretary as well as Chair of the Development Committee. She will now serve as Garth Newel’s Chair of the Board of Directors. Her prior professional career included roles as a business analyst for General Electric in Upstate New York and as a Guidance Counselor at Bath County High School.
Nancy Bishop
After graduating from Agnes Scott College, Nancy taught elementary school children. A move to Roanoke, Virginia, launched her 30-year career as the founder of the iconic children’s boutique, Toad’ly Kids. Nancy has served on innumerable boards including The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, The Greenvale School, and The Roanoke Country Club. In addition, Nancy has served as an Elder for Second Presbyterian Church and as a member of The Mill Mountain Garden Club and Junior League of the Roanoke Valley. Her passion for music and Garth Newel is far-reaching.
Dan Colston
Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of North Carolina; a Master’s degree in violin and viola from Baylor University; and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Dan received his law degree from The University of North Carolina. He serves as a partner at the Greensboro, North Carolina, firm of Brooks, Pierce, McClendon, Humphrey & Leonard, focusing his law practice on business litigation and intellectual property. Dan’s return to Garth Newel succeeds his 2004-2009 appearance as an Emerging Artist Fellow when he performed on violin and viola.
Joel Fuller
With a Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Music from The University of Michigan, Joel remains dedicated to music education, serving as a faculty member at Capital Sound Strings and an in-demand teacher and clinician. Joel has held the position of Associate Principal Second Violin in the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra; is a founding member of The Last Stand Quartet with its dedication to classical and contemporary repertoires; and is a frequent performer with The IBIS Chamber Music Society as well as numerous orchestras. Joel has performed with The National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. since 2009 as a distinguished violinist known for his versatile artistry.
Barbara McCutchan
Barbara earned her undergraduate degree in forestry from The University of California-Berkeley, where, in addition, she rowed for the first women’s crew team. Subsequently, she obtained her graduate degree in forest genetics from North Carolina State University. Roles as a Forest Geneticist and Sustainable Development Director for Westvaco Corporation as well as consulting and faculty positions followed. Barbara’s local board experience includes Jackson River Enterprises, The Alleghany Foundation, and The Alleghany Arts Council in addition to The NC State College of Natural Resources Foundation. Barbara performed on the Garth Newel stage during the 2016-2019 Amateur Weekends (on French Horn) and is a loyal supporter of the Emerging Artist Fellowship Program.



