Nonprofit provides much-needed funding for aspiring music students and an aspiring conductor/pianist

West Palm Beach, FL (March 1, 2017) — The Palm Beach Pops – Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County announced that it is now accepting applications for scholarships to be awarded to area music students between 6 and 18 who show great promise and talent. Scholarship funds help pay for instruments, lessons, music school tuition, music camps or other relevant needs. The deadline to submit is March 31.

The Legacy Foundation awards its 2nd annual Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant. The grant of up to $10,000 is awarded to an individual between 21 and 30 who shows exceptional proficiency in piano or a significant interest in conducting. Naming opportunities for additional scholarships in all categories are available for foundation donors. The Grant is in memory of the late Pops founder, conductor, music director and pianist.

The Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County had a successful inaugural round of scholarship and grant funding in 2016, with 12 scholarships of up to $5,000 awarded to talented young musicians and the inaugural Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant awarded to Lake Clarke Shores native Lauren Clark, a 24-year-old choral conducting graduate student at the University of South Carolina. As part of the scholarship awards, a baby grand piano and a hybrid Yamaha piano along with full lessons for 1 year were donated to 6-year-old music prodigy Olivia Varnum of Palm Beach Gardens and 17-year-old Oscar Fernandez, respectively. Varnum plays the piano, violin and viola. Fernandez, who only had taken a few lessons prior to the grant and piano donation, is on a fast track to becoming a certified piano teacher within 18 months. Other funding was provided for youth orchestra dues, music lessons, instrument repair, purchase and rental.

Here’s how the selection process works: A distinguished review committee of business and cultural leaders reviews the applications. Finalists then perform live auditions with winners selected afterward. Spring 2017 auditions are planned for April with location and detail to be announced shortly
“Palm Beach County has an incredible number of talented music students who are looking for mentorship and funding necessary to take them to the next level,” said Palm Beach Pops President and Executive Director Jon Lappin. “We remain committed to reaching a new generation of promising talent to help keep the performing arts relevant in our culture.”

To apply for a scholarship or grant, please visit http://palmbeachpops.org/legacy-foundation.
To watch a video montage of the audition performances from last year, view here.
The Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County is a recently launched 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.

For more information on the foundation, visit www.palmbeachpops.org/legacy-foundation.
To request more information about the foundation, email front@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