Gardner-Webb Senior Connor Settlemyre Selected to Participate in National Band

Percussionist is First Student Chosen from GWU to Perform with 124 Student Musicians from Across the Country

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University senior Connor Settlemyre, of Rutherfordton, N.C., has been selected to perform for the National Small Band Programs Intercollegiate Band. He is the first student from GWU to be selected for this honor. The concert, which features 124 musicians, is held in conjunction with the 2025 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association on March 26-29 in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Being selected for this National Intercollegiate Honor Band truly feels like a capstone achievement for my collegiate career,” Settlemyre asserted. “Coming into Gardner-Webb as a 17-year-old freshman, I never really thought it would be a possibility to perform in a national ensemble. The music department faculty, especially Dr. (Sarah) Fabian, has poured countless hours into me, pushing me to improve every day.”

Fabian, Gardner-Webb director of Bands, is traveling with Settlemyre to participate in the conference. Settlemyre graduates in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, emphasis on music education and a minor in youth discipleship studies. A percussionist, he will perform with the nationally recognized ensemble on March 29. The group will rehearse leading up to the performance.

The Small Band Programs Intercollegiate Band provides students from smaller institutions and smaller music programs the opportunity to participate in a large, high-quality performing ensemble at the national conference. Eligibility for the ensemble includes students from any colleges, universities, or post-secondary institutions with overall institution enrollment of approximately 5,000 or fewer students, as well as larger institutions with developing band programs. The students are nominated by their ensemble directors and await the process for selection.

“I am incredibly proud of Connor for his dedication, hard work, and leadership over the past three years I have known him,” Fabian praised. “From day one, he has gone above and beyond to refine his skills, constantly seeking opportunities to grow both as a musician and as a leader within our music department. His selection to perform in the National Honor Band is a testament to his passion, perseverance, and exceptional talent.”

Fabian nominated Settlemyre for the honor in September 2024. “When she asked if this was something I would be interested in, I immediately said yes,” he reflected. “I never even had to consider it as I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Dr. Fabian sent in information about me and a board of directors made selections for who would participate in the ensemble. Once I was selected for the ensemble, I received music excerpts as audition materials, which I had to practice and record videos of myself performing the excerpts. I was soon contacted by the chairperson of the event and informed that I would be the fourth chair percussionist in this national ensemble.” 

Settlemyre is grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference. “This experience will allow me to play with some of the best collegiate musicians from across the United States as well as meet professionals in the music education field from across the country,” he observed. “Both of these interactions will improve my skills as a performer and as an educator.”

Fabian added that she expects Settlemyre to succeed in whatever he does next. “As he graduates and moves forward to pursue a career in music, with the goal of becoming a band director, I have no doubt he will continue to inspire and impact others in the same way he has here. It has been an honor to watch him transform into a confident and skilled musician. His dedication has left an indelible mark on our music department, and I feel privileged to have played a part in his journey. I am excited to see the great things he will accomplish in the future.”

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.