Bernice Ash Memorial Scholarship Fund
This memorial fund honors the remarkable life and legacy of Bernice Ash, a music retail visionary who spearheaded the expansion of the Sam Ash family-owned music stores.
Bernice was widely recognized as one of the company's print music department's pioneers. Bernice designed procedures that resulted in excellent working relationships with music publishers, expanding distribution to music teachers, students, and satisfied customers. Bernice passed away on December 1st, 2020 at the age of 90, leaving a loving family, staff and grateful industry that will carry on her legacy. The Bernice Ash Memorial Award has been created with leadership gifts from Fred and Dinah Gretsch, Jerry Ash and members of the Ash Family and Larry Morton.
To continue her commitment to excellence in the industry, the award will annually recognize one to two award winners with a one-time grant in the amount of $5,000 for use in continued college-level or trade-related studies, and a travel stipend to attend The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Recipients will also receive a one-year mentorship through the NAMM Young Professionals group.
To be considered, award applicants must be current employees of a NAMM Member company, nominated by that company's owner or manager, and identified as an up-and-coming industry leader seeking further professional development to enhance their career and service to the industry. The award application period is July 1 and will close on December 1. Learn more here.
To learn more about Bernice, watch her Oral History.
Tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted to raise an endowment within The NAMM Foundation that will fund the Bernice Ash Memorial Award fund for years to come.
