HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Yamaha has recognized 40 outstanding music educators under 40 for the sixth consecutive year. Daniel Upton, Jr., is among the honorees who exemplify action, courage, creativity, and growth and who go above and beyond in their music instruction.

According to a release, the 40 Under 40 music education program honors music educators at all grade levels.

Upton serves as the Director of Bands at Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, VA.

“My superpower is time manipulation. In our program, there’s a phrase everyone knows: ‘Upton buffer time.’ Any itinerary or plan always has that ‘extra’ time built in — rarely wasted, always needed. New members often ask, “Why is there so much extra time?” Returning members are quick to explain. As one student put it, it’s about “keeping us on schedule and staying locked in while traveling and at competitions.” Another said it’s like “making time go fast when we have good music but slowing it down when we need more time on a tricky passage—or making crazy-long band camp days fly by with the schedule and fun things he plans.”

To view the full list, visit: 40 Under 40 – 2026 – Yamaha Music