Rosa Adams-Bussard PERCUSSION Scholarship Fund
In Memoriam: Rosa Adams-Bussard (1957-2017)
Rosa Adams-Bussard was an amazing person, mentor, teacher, wife and friend. The great care and efforts she demonstrated so naturally and so frequently to her work was always centered on the well-being of her students. As a teacher, she inspired so many in her time as the Director of Bands at Olathe Northwest High School (2009-2013) and Lee's Summit North High School (1995-2009). Her courage and grace after a spinal cord injury in 2012 left an even more indelible mark on us all.
Prior to joining the staff of the Olathe School District, Mrs. Bussard taught in Missouri with a short stop in Northern California. She taught in the Lee's Summit R-7 District for 15 years. She spent 14 of those years at the Lee's Summit North High School as Director of Bands and Percussion. She received her Bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State University, Master's from UMKC, both in Music Education and Percussion Performance. Rosa had a love for DCI and BOA, and participated in numerous ensembles as a highly gifted percussionist. She was a proud member of numerous music and educational affiliations including KMEA and MMEA.
Throughout her career, Rosa was helped and supported by her loving husband, John Bussard. The two of them have touched and inspired countless student musicians over the years. In Rosa Adams-Bussard, band students preparing for all kinds of futures had a truly terrific role model as a person and a leader. Rosa's passion for music education helped develop strong artistic merit in her students, and her genuine care for their general welfare built those students into people of strong integrity and good character. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the great life that will echo on through the many people and students she touched in her life and career.