Sergeant Major Jim Snyder began his military career in September of 1975 as a member of the United States Marine Corps.  After completing Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he attended the Armed Forces School of Music. Upon graduation he was assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band, Parris Island. 

After 2 1/2 years he returned to the School of Music to attend the Intermediate Course of study.  Upon graduation he was assigned to the III Marine Amphibious Force Band, Okinawa, Japan.  After this one year assignment, Sergeant Major Snyder joined the Quantico Marine Band at Quantico, Virginia.  After two years at Quantico he left the active military to attend college as a full time student.

He attended West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania acquiring both his Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in Music Education with a Minor in Jazz Studies.  During most of his undergraduate studies at West Chester University he remained a member of the Marine Corps Reserve as a Supply Sergeant with the 10th Bulk Fuel Company in Folsom, Pennsylvania. 

Sergeant Major Snyder has been with the 287th Army Band, Delaware National Guard since 1985.  In October 1991, he became the Enlisted Bandleader and was promoted to First Sergeant.  He most recently has been selected to be the first Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve Component Band Program.  His new duties include serving on the Reserve Component Strategic Council for Army Bands as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer for the First Army Area’s 25 Reserve Component Bands.

Sergeant Major Snyder has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two Service Stars.  He is married to Roxanne Snyder, and has two wonderful children, James and Audrey.  He has been a Music Educator in the West Chester Area School District in Pennsylvania for the past 18 years.

  www.287armyband.org