Realizing that I want to pursue music as a career involved many roadblocks and self-reflection. Like many people have experienced, I used to struggle with unhealthy comparison. When I would listen to or play in groups with others, I found myself feeling less-than or behind. It was at times like these where music as a career seemed unrealistic and I didn’t think I would be able to be successful. Being able to voice these thoughts to professional musicians that I knew experienced the same things really helped me. I had conversations with drummer Alejandro Salazar and trumpet player Marques Carroll. They reminded me that everyone’s musical path is different and while I may feel weak in one portion of my playing, I have strengths in others. Now, knowing that my journey is unique helps me stay focused on improvement rather than feeling less-than.
The advice about my individual path made me self-reflect on what my path was. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with a musical education. Now I realize that I want to make the same difference that my mentors made in my life. I want to perform and educate at camps and clinics like my trombone teacher Tim. He has used his talents to perform, teach at a college, at camps, and with lessons. Tim’s journey has inspired my pursuits of fulfilling a career in the arts. I want to contribute to the musical journeys of aspiring artists in need of wisdom in the same way that Tim and other professionals have as I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
The Rockford Area Music Industry, Inc. has awarded over $70,000 to over 50 students to support their desire to study music.
The Gary S. Wilmer Memorial Trust was established in 1996 to honor the memory and continue the legacy of Gary Wilmer by awarding scholarships to students who wish to pursue and education in music. Gary was the founder & publisher of RAM Magazine, a Rockford area music monthly, and a founding organizer of the RAMI awards. Joe Guzzardo, owner of Guzzardo Music, said of Gary, "He was thoughtful and sensitive, and thoroughly understood the problems and needs of local music and musicians." Gary could do it all, be it organizing benefits, booking bands, running sound or lights, helping new music club owners or encouraging new talent to persevere. As the president of his senior class at East High School, as a graduate of Rockford College and as a successful businessman, Gary's 43 years of living showed that education is a marvelous "conductor" of a successful musical life.
It is the sincere hope of the RAMI scholarship committee that the recipients of this scholarship will carry on Gary's legacy with pride.
- Be a college-bound student in Boone, Ogle or Winnebago County;
- Be 19 years old or younger as of the application deadline;
- Be attending or planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college/university;
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0;
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to further their musical education throughout college; and
- Be actively involved in school or community musical groups.
- Previous Wilmer scholarship recipients are not eligible to reapply.
Deadline January 1st. For more information and online application forms, visit www.cfnil.org.
RAMI funds several programs through The Music Academy in Rockford. Each student is nominated by the staff of the Music Academy and must demonstrate financial need. Scholarship covers one year of study.
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PO Box 4128, Rockford, IL 61110
ramicommittee @ ramiawards.com
Rockford Area Music Industry, Inc. is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the standards of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Therefore, any donations to the Rockford Area Music Industry, Inc. may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
