William R. Gard Scholarship Winner Announced

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, announced today that Jacob Woodall of Bassett, Va., is the recipient of the 2003–2004 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.

Woodall, who attended Bassett High School, plans to major in Business at Roanoke College in Salem, Va., where he will be a student this fall. Currently, he is employed at Woodall’s Music and plans to use his experience and education to work at his family-owned music store or for a major music supplier. In addition to working in sales, merchandising and purchasing at the family business, Woodall plays guitar and bass in a local blues/rock band.

Local congressman Rick Boucher commented on the award presentation, saying, “The William R. Gard Memorial Scholarship is an outstanding program to encourage young people to pursue their aspirations in music and the music products industry. I am extremely pleased that Jacob Woodall has been chosen as a recipient for the scholarship program for 2003. I want to congratulate Jacob for his outstanding efforts in obtaining the $2,000 scholarship, and I wish him the best of luck in pursuing his dreams of a career within the music industry."

The Professional Development Committee of the NAMM Board of Directors selected this year's winner.

“There were a number of outstanding applicants for this year’s award; however Jacob stood out as really epitomizing what the Gard Scholarship is all about with his musical involvement in his school, work and social life,” said Randy Beck, director of professional development, NAMM. “We are confident that with his current knowledge of and passion for the music products business and his desire to stay in the industry, Jacob will make some substantial contributions in the years ahead.”

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.

For details and further eligibility requirements, interested parties should contact NAMM at 800.767.6266. The next application deadline for the award is March 31, 2004.