NAMM Announces William R. Gard Scholarship Winners

NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, announced today that Joseph Perry, a graduating senior at John H. Pitmin High School in Turlock, Calif., and Zach Morris, a student at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center from Flagstaff, Ariz., are the recipients of the William R. Gard Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship, established in the name of former NAMM Executive Vice President William R. Gard, invests in the education of promising students interested in contributing their talents to the music products industry. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years.

Perry will be attending California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, Calif., in the fall to study music and athletics. He plays the trumpet and drums, and has helped run free summer youth band programs at Ingram’s Music Store in Turlock, Calif.

“I have spent most of my time involved in band or exploring the different sides of music,” Perry said.

Morris is receiving the last two years of the Gard Scholarship awarded last June to Aimee Rabidoux, who recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as a music business/recording technology major.

Morris is currently pursuing a degree in music industry studies with an emphasis in technology. He has played the drums for eights years, and has previously worked at a music store and a sound production company.

“My passion is music, specifically playing the drums,” Morris said.

"NAMM recognized that both Joseph and Zach are very excited about being involved in the music products industry, making them ideal candidates for the Gard Scholarship," said Ken Wilson, NAMM's director of professional development. "NAMM looks to these types of motivated young adults to serve as the future leaders of our industry. The organization is proud to support them in their learning endeavors."

Eligible applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited four-year university and work at least 400 hours annually at a NAMM Member company. The award of $2,000 per academic year is renewable for up to three years.