Gardner-Webb Senior Connor Settlemyre Performs with National Honor Band

Percussionist is First Student Chosen from GWU to Participate in Program Sponsored by College Band Directors National Association

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As Gardner-Webb University senior Connor Settlemyre waited to perform with some of the best musicians from around the country, he looked up to see members of the audience seated directly above the stage, anticipating the music to begin. The performance was the culmination of three days of practice at the National Small Band Programs Intercollegiate Band, meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. In the previous 72 hours, the 106 people around him had become friends, and they were ready to present a stirring program of music.

“I was super excited,” remarked Settlemyre, of Rutherfordton, N.C. “I thought that the music was really cool, and I was ready for the audience to hear it. I knew that we had been working extremely hard over the three days prior and that it was going to be a great performance. The concert hall was extremely nice and had some cool features. One of these being seats on a second level that were essentially over the stage. This whole experience was something I will never forget.”

Settlemyre was nominated for the National Small Band Programs Intercollegiate Band by Dr. Sarah Fabian, Gardner-Webb director of Bands. After an application process and audition, he became the first Gardner-Webb student selected for this outstanding achievement. “It was truly an honor to witness Connor perform with this incredible ensemble,” Fabian praised. “He had the privilege of working with a talented conductor, engaging with several composers, and forming lasting connections with many new musicians. I’m so grateful to have played a part in providing him with this remarkable opportunity. Watching Connor bring such incredible pieces to life with the National Honor Band filled me with immense pride. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, and I couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.”

The concert was held in conjunction with the 2025 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) on March 26-29 in Fort Worth. It was presented in the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at Texas Christian University, a 715-seat performance hall acoustically designed for chamber and orchestral music.

“Being able to represent Gardner-Webb University in a national setting is something I never thought I would be able to do, but I am truly blessed to have been able to,” Settlemyre reflected. “This experience allowed me to perform with some of the best musicians from across the country. This ensemble was by far the largest I have ever performed in and allowed for some great rehearsals. I learned a ton, as a performer and as an educator, that I will use as I continue my musical career.”

Settlemyre noted the best part of the full weekend was being able to connect with people from across the country for a common goal. “When we arrived at practice on Wednesday night, we were complete strangers but by the concert on Saturday, we were one big family,” he affirmed. “I learned so much from our conductor about how to captivate a group. He did a fantastic job at keeping us engaged despite the long hours of rehearsal. This whole experience is something that I am extremely grateful for.”

He said the opportunity elevated his skills as both a musician and as an educator. As a musician, he learned technical things from others in his section. As an educator, he watched the conductor and how he connected the group to the music emotionally, as well as offered instruction to enhance their technical skills.

“I want to thank CBDNA for making this honor band a possibility,” Settlemyre acknowledged. “This experience was life changing, and I will never forget it. I also want to thank Dr. Fabian for believing in me enough to even bring this possibility to me. Dr. Fabian has been with me every step of my collegiate career since she arrived at Gardner-Webb, and I am forever grateful for the impact she has left on my life. Throughout this whole process, she was there for anything I needed. Whether it was help with an audition excerpt or help with a section of the concert repertoire, she was there to help. I would not be the musician I am today without her guidance. I also want to thank the music department for supporting me on this crazy journey. None of this would have been possible without the support of the faculty.”

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.