Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship Grant

Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Last Updated: September 22, 2025

Summary

The Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship supports local students aged 19 and under who are passionate about music and committed to furthering their education in the arts. Established in memory of Gary Wilmer, founder of RAM Magazine, this scholarship honors his legacy by providing financial assistance to aspiring musicians in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County. Applicants are required to submit an audition recording and a reference from a music teacher to demonstrate their dedication to musical excellence.

Overview

Note: CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Gary S. Wilmer / RAMI Music Scholarship Supporting students who are involved in the local music scene. Scholarship Background and Intent Gary S. Wilmer founded RAM Magazine, Rockford area music monthly in 1981. From that year forward the publication grew in stature to become one of this region's most appreciated sources of modern music information and influence. When Gary died October 16, 1994, his knowledge and assistance to, and his recognition of, local musicians continued in major ways. His magazine is still published and now embraces all of the arts. The RAMIs, the Rockford Area Music Industry Awards, which he was instrumental in founding, will hold its thirty-second annual ceremony in 2023. 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. For many years, the Rockford Area Music Industry awards ceremony has raised funds for the RAMI Music Scholarship. The Gary Wilmer Memorial Trust of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois was established in June 1996 in fond memory of Gary. Since Gary spent much of his life helping those involved in music, the RAMI permanent committee felt it appropriate to establish this memorial trust to help fund the RAMI Music Scholarship. It is the sincere hope of the RAMI scholarship committee that the recipients of this scholarship will carry on Gary's legacy with pride. Specifications Academic performance will be given moderate consideration in the selection process.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicant must:Be 19 years old or younger as of the application deadline.Be a college-bound student currently residing in Boone, Ogle, or Winnebago County.Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to further their musical education throughout college. Be actively involved in school or community musical groups.Applicants must provide a recorded audition and reference from a music teacher to be considered.The recording is a significant part of the scholarship application process. If applicants are proficient on more than one instrument (including vocals), they may include multiple recorded tracks.

Ineligibility

Past recipients are not eligible to apply.