Gardner-Webb Director of Bands Sarah Fabian Named 2025 Yamaha ‘40 UNDER 40’

National Honor Recognizes Music Education Excellence

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Sarah Fabian has received national recognition as one of the 2025 Yamaha “40 Under 40.” She was chosen from hundreds of nominations as an outstanding young music educator who is making a difference by growing and strengthening the band programs at Gardner-Webb University.

Fabian shared her reaction to the news, “When I first heard that I had been named a Yamaha ‘40 under 40’ educator, I was honestly overwhelmed and humbled. To be recognized amongst such a talented group of educators is both an honor and a reminder of the incredible support I’ve received from my students, students’ families, faculty, and community. It felt like a validation of the countless hours, late nights, early mornings, and long days that have gone into pushing my ensemble forward. The first thing I did was share the news with my dad, mom, and sister, who have been my biggest supporters throughout my musical journey.”

Yamaha noted that the 40 educators emphasize care and compassion with their students above all else as they elevate music and music-making in their schools and communities. They also exemplify the following characteristics: action (anticipate what needs to be done and proactively take the necessary steps that lead to a stronger music program), courage (propose and implement new or bold ideas), creativity (show innovation and imagination in achieving plans and objectives) and growth (establish, grow or improve music education in their schools and communities). 

An article on Yamaha’s website describes why Fabian was selected for the award. When Fabian arrived at Gardner-Webb in 2022, she revamped the recruitment strategy. She visited high schools, attended music festivals and met with music educators to promote the music program at Gardner-Webb. She also made a conscious effort to personally connect with prospective students. “Whether through phone calls, emails, lessons, meetings or Zoom, I aimed to show potential students what Gardner-Webb offered in terms of personalized education, performance opportunities and mentorship,” Fabian said in the Yamaha article.

Fabian was also recognized for her strategic, multifaceted approach that focused on increasing visibility and creating a culture of excellence and excitement around the University’s music ensembles. The changes led to significant growth in the number of music majors, and members of the marching band, pep band and symphonic band. “I emphasized that the marching band was not just a musical group, but a community where students could find belonging, develop leadership skills and build lasting relationships,” Fabian told Yamaha.

She invited high schoolers to campus for band day events, and they were able to experience game day at GWU. The band also performed at more school events, exhibitions and sports games, so students saw the value of joining a group that had a wide range of opportunities.

“The pep band became a more inclusive group by broadening the type of instruments we included, allowing nontraditional band students to join,” Fabian explained. “The pep band was moved down to the court for more visibility, and they sure bring the energy!”

The Yamaha article also described Fabian’s goals to instill a sense of excellence, pride, fun and a sense of belonging into the GWU music program. She continued, “I made sure my students understood the value of their hard work, and I’m proud to say that faculty, staff, students and community members often reach out to share their praise!”

In addition to attracting prospective students and engaging current students, Fabian also rebuilt alumni relations and reestablished connections within the local community. She used emails, phone calls, and social media to reach out to alumni and created personalized invitations to concerts and sporting events. The program’s social media pages were redesigned so people could easily stay connected. “Gardner-Webb has been reestablished as a resource and a positive presence in the area,” Fabian explained in the article. “We’ve hosted numerous concerts, events, clinics, masterclasses and more where we invite local residents and schools to attend. I continue to adjudicate in the area to meet new band directors and put Gardner-Webb’s name back out there.”

The Yamaha article concluded that Fabian maintains high expectations while also creating a supportive, energetic environment. Fabian’s students reach their potential and enjoy the journey along the way. Her approach focuses on five areas: 1) a sense of community, 2) an engaging process, 3) tailored approach for each student, 4) a love of performance, and 5) be passionate and present.

See the Yahama recognition here, and Fabian’s profile page here.

About Yamaha “40 Under 40”

Launched by Yamaha in 2021, the “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program celebrates and recognizes outstanding young music educators who are making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs. Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) offers a large assortment of high-quality musical instruments and audio products to U.S. customers. YCA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, Japan, and is one of the world’s largest global subsidiary companies.

About Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb 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.