Music professor named Honorary Member of International Horn Society

Central Washington Music Professor Jeffrey Snedeker received an Honorary Membership to the International Horn Society (IHS) this summer, earning one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of horn performance, teaching, research, and service.

Being elected as an Honorary Member is the highest recognition given by the organization, which seeks to “honor living artists who have made a major contribution to the art of horn playing.” Snedeker explained that the distinction is similar to a lifetime achievement award rather than an induction into the society.

Nominations for Honorary Membership are presented by a committee consisting of past IHS presidents and/or Advisory Council members, and final selection is made by a two-thirds majority vote of the Advisory Council.

According to the IHS, the musicians who are selected must have contributions that extend beyond his or her lifetime and should exist in several areas, such as performance, teaching, composition, research, service to the IHS, and service to the Horn world in general.

“This is one of the highest honors I could even hope for in my career,” said Snedeker, who specializes in French horn teaching and performance. “I am truly humbled and honored to receive this wonderful recognition.”

Among his accomplishments with IHS, Snedeker has served on the Advisory Council (2003-10, 2016-21), including three terms as president (2006-10, 2016-18), edited The Horn Call (1998-2003), edited Music Reviews (2003-16), curated the 2020 Virtual Workshop, and is editor of the 50th anniversary book on the history of the IHS (2021). He also received the IHS Service Medal of Honor in 2020.

On a regional level, he has been a member of the CWU Music faculty since 1991, co-founded the Northwest Horn Society, hosted the Northwest Horn Workshop several times and supported other hosts, and is engaged with regional performing ensembles, educational institutions, and community outreach.

The IHS also noted Snedeker’s various performing positions and experiences, his awards and other recognitions, including his CWU Distinguished Faculty selection in 2020, and his wide range of service activities. Snedeker says he couldn’t be more proud of his selection as an IHS Honorary Member.

“I am grateful to colleagues, friends, and family members who have supported my activities with the horn over my career, especially my partner in music and life, Marilyn Wilbanks. It is hard to imagine any of this happening without her,” he said.