Nonprofit to award scholarships to promising music students and inaugural Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant to exceptional young pianist or conductor
West Palm Beach, FL (March 8, 2016) — The Palm Beach Pops is launching the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County, an extension of the nonprofit organization’s existing outreach programs that have taught nearly 100,000 music students in the county.
Through the Legacy Foundation, students 18 and under who show great promise and talent will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships of up to $5,000. Beginning April 1, the foundation will be accepting applications for the first 10 scholarships. Scholarship funds can be used for instruments, lessons, music school tuition or other relevant needs. Funds will be paid directly to the institution, teacher or vendor.
Over the years, The Palm Beach Pops founder Maestro Bob Lappin took local performers under his tutelage, inviting them to showcase their talents during live performances. An example is vocalist Cara Young, a Wellington native and musical theatre major at Florida State University. Through the Pops, Young had the opportunity to sing on stage with Tony Award-winning Broadway actress, singer and dancer Donna McKechnie and singer Jodi Benson, who is best known for providing the speaking and singing voice of Princess Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. “I am so grateful to the Lappin family, The Palm Beach Pops and donors for the opportunities they have given me,” said Young. “Advancing music and the cultural arts is close to their hearts. I am thrilled the new foundation will support other young students who will be impacted the same way I was.”
Another opportunity the Legacy Foundation will provide is through the inaugural Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant. The grant of up to $10,000 will be awarded to an individual under the age of 30 who shows exceptional proficiency in piano or a significant interest in conducting. Naming opportunities for additional scholarships are available for foundation donors.
“Our cultural community needs help,” said Palm Beach Pops President and Executive Director Jon Lappin. “Through the Legacy Foundation, The Palm Beach Pops is fighting the root of cultural erosion. If we can reach a new generation of promising talent and supporters, we can turn this around.”

Scholarship applications will be available on April 1 at www.palmbeachpops.org. The deadline to apply is April 30. The foundation will announce recipients on June 30.
Beyond scholarships and grants, the foundation will support the county’s cultural community in a variety of ways, including – but not limited to – providing musical instruments, music lessons, arts programs and general financial contributions to individuals, charities, schools and 501 c(3) organizations.
The Palm Beach Pops is calling on past, present and new supporters of Palm Beach County’s cultural arts community to contribute to the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County.
“This is about keeping current and future musicians working,” said Lappin. “We need the support of the cultural community and anyone willing to join the cause.”
To request more information about the foundation, email creative@palmbeachpops.org.

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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.

Media contacts: Don Silver or Eric Kalis, BoardroomPR: 954-370-8999 or donsil@boardroompr.com/ekalis@boardroompr.com.