Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County Awards Scholarships for Promising Young Local Musicians

Students can use the funds for music lessons, instruments and more

West Palm Beach, FL (May, 2018) — The Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County recently held auditions at the renowned Lake Worth Playhouse for students seeking scholarships to continue their music education.

20 applicants aged 7 to 17 years old performed in front of a distinguished review committee of business and cultural leaders with hopes of securing much-needed scholarship funds for instruments, lessons, music school tuition or other performing needs. A total of $31,000 in scholarships were awarded to the following aspiring artists:

* Estefano Alomia, age 13, Cello, Palm Springs Middle
* Kirra Bevilacqua, age 11, Violin, Northboro Elementary
* Adrian Carchi, age 15, Violin, South Tech Preparatory HS
* Emily Dennis, age 16, Flute, Jupiter High School
* Jessica Dennis, age 16, Horn, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
* Gabriella Estrada, age 14, Violin, Palm Springs Middle
* Mikaela Gonzales, age 7, Violin, Palm Beach Public Elementary
* Taylor Hamilton, age 8, Violin, Homeschooled
* Isabella James, age 10, Violin, UB Kinsey Elementary School of the Arts
* Miley Manis, age 11, Clarinet, Palm Springs Middle
* Tegan Manis, age 14, Tenor Sax, Palm Springs Middle
* Abigail McNutt, age 15, Violin, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
* Raul Ocasio-Samo, age 14, Violin, Sacred Heart
* Alani Ritter, age 10, Violin, Palm Beach Public Elementary
* Hanalei Ritter, age 13, Violin, BAK Middle
* Riley Tress, age 12, Violin, Homeschooled
* Abigail Welsh, age 8, Violin, South Olive Elementary
* Audrey Whitaker, age 11, Viola, Homeschooled
* Clement Whitaker, age 17, Bass, Homeschooled
* Mary Jane Whitaker, age 15, Cello, Homeschooled

“Music is so important and it is a dying subject in today’s school system,” said Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County President and Executive Director Jon Lappin. “Playing an instrument is more than an art form, it helps children grow socially and academically. We had a record number of applicants this round, which shows the foundation is providing that service to the community and helping these students continue their musical careers.”

Applicants from several Palm Beach County area schools participated, including BAK Middle School of the Arts, Palm Springs Middle, South Olive Elementary, Dreyfoos School of the Arts as well as several homeschooled students.

Review committee members included prominent community partners and business leaders. Previous scholarship recipients have used their funding money to continue to grow their musical abilities and excel on their chosen instruments through their date of graduation.

The Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County is an extension of The Palm Beach Pops’ existing outreach programs, which have taught nearly 100,000 music students in the county. Its Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant is awarded to an individual between 21 and 35 years old who shows exceptional proficiency in piano or a significant interest in conducting.

About The Palm Beach Pops and Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County:
Founded in 1991 by the late Music Director and Conductor Bob Lappin, The Palm Beach Pops quickly distinguished itself as a world-class pops orchestra, dedicated to preserving the American Songbook. Additionally, The Palm Beach Pops has a long history of serving the children in its community by presenting quality music education programs. Lappin’s cultural impact will live on through the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County, led by his son Jon Lappin. For more information on the foundation, visit www.pbclegacy.org or email front@palmbeachpops.org.

About the Lake Worth Playhouse:
The Lake Worth Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community theatre with a never-be-dark policy. Year-round programming includes award-winning dramas, comedies, musicals, area premieres, Broadway favorites, children’s shows, black box theatre, international ballets and operas in cinema, a live concert series and alternative programming. The Playhouse also offers educational programs for adults and children, and community outreach initiatives that bring cultural programs into the neighborhoods of underserved youth, and also make theatre available free of charge for disadvantaged citizens in the community.

Media contacts: Don Silver or Lauren Berger, BoardroomPR: 954-370-8999 or donsil@boardroompr.com/lberger@boardroompr.com.
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