The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA), in partnership with Shure Incorporated, is accepting applications for the 2nd annual Mark Brunner Professional Audio Scholarship, offered to students worldwide who are pursuing an education in professional audio. Brunner, a long-time Shure executive, PAMA founding member, and leading voice in the audio community, had an unwavering passion for education and mentorship throughout his career. $2,000 scholarships are targeted to recipients following their passion for audio in an accredited audio program. PAMA and Shure are specifically interested to learn how the applicants plan to share their knowledge with others in a manner consistent with Mark’s legacy. Visit https://www.pamalliance.org/scholarship for more information and to submit an application.
A former President of PAMA from 2011-2013, Brunner provided a consistent voice to the strategic implementation of various PAMA activities. During his tenure at Shure, he held several key positions, including Director of Advertising, Managing Director of the Musical Instrument and Touring Sound business unit, and Vice President of Global Corporate & Government Relations. Mark worked on numerous industry issues, including the FCC rules for wireless device operation/frequency, spectrum allocation, and protecting the wireless microphone market sector. Additionally, he was a prominent member of The Recording Academy® Producers & Engineers Wing® Manufacturer Council, where he frequently shared his views on legislative wireless white space and broadband issues as well as other related industry matters.
The recipients of the first scholarship were Dennis Freeman from Middle Tennessee State University and Emma Brooks from Berklee College of Music.
Reflecting on the scholarship, Freeman stated, “This year, with my university being more lenient with Covid-19 restrictions pertaining to social interaction with other students, I have been able to meet a variety of new people with the same interests in music and other hobbies relating to our audio production program. I feel like this was a great year to network and meet new friends, and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to do so, with the Mark Brunner Scholarship helping give me that freedom.”
Brooks echoed Freeman’s remarks, adding, “I would like to extend my gratitude to PAMA and Shure for their investment in the future of professional audio. The Mark Brunner scholarship has been a wonderful opportunity for me to receive ongoing financial support and connect with brilliant industry leaders. This is a legacy I am honored to be part of, and I am incredibly appreciative of both organizations for their continued belief in my education and career.”
On behalf of PAMA, Chris Regan, chair of the board of directors, stated, “Mark Brunner was one of the leading voices in the industry, and a true friend and advocate for so many of us. This scholarship pays tribute to him by echoing the value he placed in audio education. We are proud to be able to carry on his legacy with this scholarship, and we look forward to giving assistance to more talented young audio professionals carving their path as the next generation.”
“Mark had a deep passion for the audio industry,” said Chris Schyvinck, President and CEO of Shure. “He was a great ambassador for Shure and a wonderful advocate for everyone who worked in audio. It’s an honor to help support this scholarship to educate the next generation of industry stars.”
