By Molly Langhorst, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS
CHADRON – Chadron State College sophomore Riley Snyder has earned a National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) President’s Innovation Award. Snyder, a Music major and guitar student, will attend the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, June 3-5 with other GenNext students.
GenNext is a collaboration between the NAMM Foundation and the College Music Society offering students and faculty access to the NAMM Show. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to network and learn about possible careers and internships in the music industry.
The show usually includes more than 115,000 registrants from 130 countries, one of the largest music, sound, and entertainment technology trade shows in the world, according to the NAMM website.
Snyder, a native of Rushville, Nebraska, said former Dr. Mckay Tebbs, a former Music faculty member, encouraged him to apply online for the scholarship in 2021. He received the award, but the 2021 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Snyder reapplied this year and received the award again.
“Dr. Tebbs has been very involved with the show and takes college students every year. He has kindly offered to take me under his wing with his current Southern Utah University students that are also attending,” Snyder said.
According to the NAMM website, the Innovation Award helps support individuals who show commitment and aptitude for business leadership and innovation in the music products industry. The award is given to students with a proven track record and commitment to excel in music. Successful applicants desire to explore career opportunities in music products, production, administration, management and/or marketing along with product creation and innovation.
“I will benefit from professional development opportunities and have access to exhibits, concerts, special events and networking sessions. I am very excited to see what opportunities are ahead,” Snyder said.