West Palm Beach, FL (July 17, 2017) — The Palm Beach Pops and its Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County recently held auditions at the renowned Lake Worth Playhouse for students seeking scholarships to continue their music education.

Ten applicants aged 10- to 16-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 $23,000 in scholarships were awarded to these aspiring artists.

Those who auditioned included:

• Aiden Ketcham, age 10, Flute, Lake Worth
• Audrey Whitaker, age 10, Violin, Jupiter
• Riley Tress, age 11, Violin, West Palm Beach
• Daniel Rodriguez, age 12, Cello, West Palm Beach
• Raul Ocasio-Samo, age 13, Violin, Wellington
• Shila Ramirez, age 13, Violin, West Palm Beach
• Annabel Schreiber, age 14, Violin, Lake Worth
• Valeska Stojsic, age 14, Viola, Palm Beach Gardens
• Mary Jane Whitaker, age 14, Cello, Jupiter
• Clement Whitaker, age 16, Bass, Jupiter

“Music truly is an important art form and method of expression,” said Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County President and Executive Director Jon Lappin. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of local youth and help them continue to develop their talents.”

Applicants from several Palm Beach County area schools participated, including North Grade Elementary, Sacred Heart School, Palm Springs Middle School, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, as well as some 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 a recently launched extension of The Palm Beach Pops’ existing outreach programs that 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.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Palm Beach Pops and the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County,” said Daniel Eilola, Director of Development at Lake Worth Playhouse. “Our respective institutions have rich histories of supporting the county’s cultural community and giving underprivileged children and young adults opportunities in music, arts and culture that they otherwise would not have access to.”

Photo ID’s and audition video:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u9s17eebxhsfu3u/AADleNG5mhiixKODP5dsNHxAa?dl=0

• 1- All Students with Jon Lappin
• 2- Bryan Wohlust, Jon Lappin, Jason Haselkorn
• 3- Daniel Rodriguez
• 4- Annabel Schreiber, Jon Lappin, Mary Jane Whitaker
• 5- Raul Ocasio-Samo
• 6- Riley Tress
• 7- Shila Ramirez

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. The Palm Beach Pops orchestra will continue to perform at benefits and is available for hire. For more information on the foundation, visit www.palmbeachpops.org/legacy-foundation or email front@palmbeachpops.org.

About the Lake Worth Playhouse:
Now entering its 65th season, 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 Jasmin Curtiss, BoardroomPR: 954-370-8999 or donsil@boardroompr.com/jcurtiss@boardroompr.com.
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