Roscommon, MI — The joyful sound of music was ringing through the halls of Roscommon Area Public Schools (RAPS) thanks to a generous gift in memory of one of the community’s most beloved musicians. The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is proud to announce the first distribution from the newly established Bonnie Biggar Music Fund, which helped with the purchase of the ukuleles for the district’s music programs.
The Bonnie Biggar Music Fund was created to honor the memory of Bonnie Biggar, a passionate musician, educator, and lifelong advocate for the arts in Roscommon County. Known for her generous spirit, creativity, and deep love for music, Bonnie dedicated decades of her life to sharing the joy of music with others, whether as a children’s choir pianist, member of the Mikenauk Chorale, or as the organist at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church for nearly 60 years.
During a presentation of the ukuleles, Thomas Larner, K-4 General Music Teacher and 5-12 Choir Director had his 3rd grade class play “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons which they followed notes on the projector to perform the song for Fund Advisors, Jack Biggar and Tammy Schwalm. Jack Biggar is the husband of Bonnie Biggar and Tammy Schwalm is their daughter.
The ukuleles, now a vibrant addition to the school’s music curriculum, will be used to teach students rhythm, melody, and harmony in a hands-on, engaging way. Music educators at RAPS are excited to introduce the instruments and provide students with a fresh avenue for musical expression and exploration.
Bonnie Biggar’s legacy continues to shine through the lives she touched and the music she loved so deeply. This fund ensures that her memory, and her love for music, will inspire Roscommon students for generations to come.
Those interested in supporting music education in Roscommon schools in honor of Bonnie may contribute to the fund by visiting www.myrccf.org/donate/, selecting “Educational Funds,” and choosing the Bonnie Biggar Music Fund.