Russ Swanson Outstanding Band Member Award

Recipients of this award receive a $100 award, a life membership in the UNL Band Alumni Association, a personal award, and their name on a plaque which is on display at Westbrook Music Building.

The award was renamed in 2012 in Verlyn Russel “Russ” Swanson’s honor. Russ was a french horn player in the marching band and was a part of the 1941 Rose Bowl Band. He was also a WWII veteran serving on an air bomber crew. He was a charter member of the Band Alumni Association in 1974 and was on the board until a little over a year before he died in 2011. He and his wife were dedicated volunteers for activities of the BAA board.

In 2020, the award was renamed from “Bandsman” to “Band Member” to bring the award in line with the language used throughout the Nebraska Bands program and up-to-date with practices throughout the B1G Ten.

Jack R. Snider UNL Band Alumni Association Scholarships

Recipients of this award receive money to help them manage band-related expenses such as uniform dry cleaning, instrument maintenance, marching shoes and the credit hours required for participation in the band. The directors of the band are able to grant scholarships to deserving individuals, as well as recruit for sections that need to be filled.

The Jack R. Snider Scholarship is awarded to current members of the Cornhusker Marching Band who are non-music majors. Recipients demonstrate leadership (formal or informal), volunteerism and integrity. They are a role model for their section and the band, and exemplify what it means to be the Pride of All Nebraska.

The Jack R. Snider Freshman Scholarship, created in 2020, is presented to a freshman band member based on the student’s financial need.