Celebrating 30 Years of Friends of the Arts at Belmont

For three decades, FAB has fueled student success through scholarships, mentorship and steadfast support of the performing and visual arts

For 30 years, Friends of the Arts at Belmont (FAB) has played a vital role in advancing the work of Belmont’s College of Music and Performing Arts (CMPA), supporting students, faculty and creative projects across campus. 

What began as a small circle of alumni, faculty and community members with a vision for nurturing student musicians has grown into three decades of sustained generosity and impact. 

A Vision That Endures 

FAB was founded in 1995 by then-dean Dr. Cynthia Curtis, who brought together a group committed to advancing the work of Belmont’s School of Music. That first initiative sparked a tradition of partnership that has strengthened the College ever since. 

“Dean Curtis led the pleasurable work to expand the circles of friendships and support for the School of Music and then the whole college,” said CMPA Dean Dr. Stephen Eaves. “These early days created a foundation for what we continue to build today. The excitement and energy that Dean Curtis fostered is alive and thriving 30 years later. We are so grateful for all who have been a part of FAB and the impact on those it has touched.” 

Dr. Richard Shadinger, faculty emeritus, served on the board as a faculty representative in its earliest years. He remembers the enthusiasm of early leaders like Ronn Huff and Michael Omartian and the excitement of seeing endowed scholarships begin to take root. “Those early days were filled with optimism,” he recalled, “and it was rewarding to see talented students benefit from new scholarship opportunities.” 

One of FAB’s earliest contributions was reimagining the President’s Concert — originally started years earlier by former School of Music Dean Jerry Warren — as a major fundraising event. By pairing the concert with a donor dinner, FAB created a winning combination that not only showcased student talent but also generated critical scholarship support. That tradition eventually grew into what is now known as Sounds of Belmont.

From Music to the Arts 

In 2003, the organization expanded its scope and officially became Friends of the Arts at Belmont, embracing the full breadth of CMPA’s disciplines — from theatre and dance to commercial music and classical performance. This evolution reflected Belmont’s growing commitment to preparing artists across genres and stages. 

“From modest goals to grow music scholarships, the scope of the organization grew to include large capital improvements as well as scholarship support,” added Shadinger. “Now after 30 years of stellar accomplishments, the prospects for the future work of FAB are exciting.” 

Lasting Service, Lifelong Commitment 

At the heart of FAB’s story are the individuals who have sustained its mission year after year. Two members in particular stand out for their decades of service: 

• Anne Shepherd joined the board in 2002, served as president in 2005 and remains active today as her health allows. 

• Sharon Sherriff has been part of FAB since at least 2006, led the board in 2011 and continues to be a faithful member. 

Both women have played key roles in advancing FAB’s mission, supporting campus building projects and encouraging new initiatives that benefit generations of students. 

Reflecting on her involvement, Sherriff shared that it has been an honor for her to be part of FAB for so many years. “We get to see the many results of how the scholarships help the students, to see the art shows, theatre performances or musicals — everything is top-notch and wonderful,” she said. “It is not hard to be an ambassador for anything happening on campus.” 

Shepherd echoed those sentiments. “As a past president, I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. I was first drawn to the mission of supporting and nurturing the performers but quickly learned it is not just financial support — it is mentorship, advocacy and connection,” she explained. “FAB is a network of compassionate community leaders and volunteers who directly influence the development of these young artists and equip them for success in an ever-evolving industry.” 

Impact Beyond the Stage 

While FAB’s members have enjoyed concerts, performances and student showcases, their most lasting contributions can be measured in scholarships and endowments. In its first decade alone, FAB helped raise more than $1 million in endowed scholarships. The board established funds honoring leaders like Dean Cynthia Curtis and composer Ronn Huff, while also celebrating faculty through the Richard C. Shadinger Scholarship for organ and piano students. 

That momentum continued. By 2011, music scholarship endowments had grown to $3.5 million, and by 2013 the annual scholarship awards (including both endowed and budgeted scholarships) reached nearly $1 million. For perspective: just 25 years earlier, in 1986, only $32,000 in scholarships was awarded to music students. The growth was dramatic — and it positioned Belmont to attract and support top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

That support made all the difference for Josh Jordan, a musical theatre major and December 2024 graduate. As a FAB scholarship recipient in Spring 2024, he said Belmont gave him “a community and purpose” that he had long dreamt of.  

“I encountered hardship during my time here and began to lose hope in pursuing my degree, but the support of the FAB program gave me the push I needed to grow into the firmly planted artist and human I am today,” Jordan said. “The financial award that was gifted to me changed the course of my education, and I look forward to seeing the efforts of the FAB program grow and continue to meaningfully impact students in need of support.” 

Looking Ahead 

The ongoing work of FAB is also evident to those who collaborate with the board today. Katie Hodgson, assistant to the dean and FAB liaison, described the group as one of the highlights of her position – made up of inspiring individuals she delights in knowing. 

“Beyond their financial support, they are an active presence on campus, attending events and serving as trusted advisors. We turn to them for insight on everything from fundraising opportunities to hiring and strategic direction,” Hodgson explained. “At its core, FAB believes in the transformative power of the arts and in the students who carry the arts forward. Their support is not only sustaining dreams today, it’s shaping the future of the arts for generations to come.” 

The Friends of the Arts at Belmont began with a simple vision — that the community could rally around students to help them thrive. Thirty years later, that vision endures, powered by service, generosity and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of the arts.