Jack Snider, who served as director of bands/marching band and professor of French horn at UNL from 1950-1986, died Feb. 20 of natural causes. He was 93.
“I know you join me in extending heartfelt condolences to the Snider family at this time of sadness and loss. Jack Snider was nothing short of an iconic figure in music at UNL. His storied career as Director of Bands was the stuff of legend. No UNL Band Alumni Weekend ended without a standing ovation for Jack Snider,” said Glenn Korff School of Music Director John W. Richmond. “Very few concerts on the UNL campus happened without Jack Snider in the audience. His mind and ears were formidable. His humor was dry, yet generous and so very smart. He was an inspiration to all.
“We have experienced a year of great loss in our Glenn Korff School of Music. We will honor the memories of those we’ve lost with refreshed commitment to excellence and achievement in all the things we do here. Indeed, it is the only worthy memorial we can offer.”
Born July 24, 1921, in McCook to Harvey Martin and Alice Elizabeth (Amen) Snider, he was a graduate of UNL with undergrad and masters degrees in music. He also attended Peru State Teachers College and Wilber High School and served in the United States Army during World War II.
Snider was a member of the American Bandmasters Association, Nebraska Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, Phi Kappa Lambda, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Gamma Lambda and Kiwanis International. His awards include: Don Lentz Outstanding Band Master Award 1976, Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award from UNL College of Fine Arts 1995 and Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award 1997.
A memorial service will take place at 2:30 p.m. March 1 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St. in Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to HealthConnect at Home/Saint Elizabeth Hospice, 245 South 84 Street, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68510 or The Jack and Mary Alice Snider Fund c/o University of Nebraska Foundation, 1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 200, Lincoln, NE 68501.
