The Dr. Larry D. Snider Percussion Scholarship

The Dr. Larry D. Snider Percussion Scholarship was established in 2019 by Dr. Larry D. Snider, distinguished professor of music and director of percussion studies at The University of Akron School of Music. One of the few percussion professors in the country, Dr. Snider created the scholarship to demonstrate his support for UA’s percussion program, to which he has dedicated his career. He also established the scholarship to help ensure that talented, deserving UA percussion students have the funds they needed to continue or complete their education.

Since joining the faculty in UA’s School of Music in 1976, Dr. Snider has built a strong and widely respected percussion program whose graduates consistently achieve professional success as performers and educators throughout the world. The program’s most visible and widely acclaimed component is the Steel Drum Band, founded by Dr. Snider in 1980. Recognized today as one of the nation’s first and foremost collegiate panorama-style ensembles, the band performs locally and throughout the United States, enabling UA students to gain valuable experience in teaching and playing ethnic music and Latin accessory instruments.

The recipient of numerous accolades and awards throughout his career, Dr. Snider was the first to receive the Outstanding Arts Educator Award from the Akron Art Alliance, presented in 2001. He also has served on the percussion faculty at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and the International Percussion Workshop in Zagan, Poland, and has served as an adjudicator at the International Marimba Competition in Warsaw, Poland. He often is invited to be the chief international adjudicator for World Steel Band Festival competitions, which are held in Trinidad and the United States and draw steel bands from around the world.

An accomplished performer, Dr. Snider is principal percussionist with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and has served as an adjunct percussionist with the Cleveland Orchestra. Born and raised in Kewanee, Ill., Dr. Snider holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Illinois State University and the University of North Texas, respectively, and earned his doctorate in percussion performance from the University of Illinois. The Dr. Larry D. Snider Percussion Scholarship is for University of Akron students in good academic standing who play percussion in one or more music ensembles, whether enrolled full or part time, and who have financial need as identified by the Office of Student Financial Aid. First consideration will be given to percussion majors in performance or music education, then to students in other majors who play percussion in an ensemble. The School of Music will oversee the application process and select the scholarship recipient(s).