Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County Awards Scholarships for Promising Young Local Musicians
West Palm Beach, FL (November, 2017) — 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.
15 applicants aged 7- 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 $36,500 in scholarships were awarded to the following aspiring artists.
• Lauren Belt, age 13, Violin, Jupiter
• Janay Bencosme, age 12, Viola, Weston Palm Beach
• Keegan Castro, age 13, Alto Sax, Jupiter
• Joseph Cuenco, age 14, Violin, West Palm Beach
• Antonio Cureno, age 10, Violin, Boynton Beach
• Christopher De la Cruz, age 13, Cello, West Palm Beach
• Jacob Hargesheimer, age 16, Flute/Piccolo, Loxahatchee
• Brendan Hoens, age 15, Clarinet, Jupiter
• Keenan Krieger, age 16, French Horn, Wellington
• Hailey Lobsinger, age 13, Viola, Lake Park
• Makaylah McCray, age 15, Alto Sax, Weston Palm Beach
• Zhaira Rodriguez, age 13, Flute, Greenacres
• Jonah Smith, age 16, Tuba, Wellington
• Olivia Varnum, age 7, Violin, Viola, Piano, West Palm Beach
• Skyler Wheeler, age 16, Percussion, Boca Raton
“Music is so important and we are honored to help these talented musicians continue their love of the art form with these scholarships,” said Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County President and Executive Director Jon Lappin. “We strongly believe in helping our community by infusing it with culture and that can only begin with our gifted youth.”
Applicants from several Palm Beach County area schools participated, including Galaxy Elementary, Palm Springs Middle School, Wellington High School and Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
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.
Dropbox link of audition photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4lwpzkpg9hagir1/AAAqirv9DVG4BTSdqqAQWRdea?dl=0
Photo ID’s:
1- All Students with Jon Lappin
2- Jacob Hargesheimer, 15, Flute, Seminole Ridge Comm HS
3- Skyler Wheeler, 16, Vibraphone/Drums, Boca HS
4- Janay Bencosme, 12, Viola, Palm Springs Middle
5- Castro Keegan, 13, Alto Sax, Independence Middle
6- Makaylah McCray, 15, Alto Sax, Wellington HS
7- Olivia Varnum, 7, Violin, All Saints Catholic (plays 3 instruments and recipient of baby grand piano 1 year ago)
8- Anthony Comorat, Sr. VP Iberia Bank and review committee member, with Christopher DeLaCruz, 13, Cello, Palm Springs Middle
9- Board Member Bryan Wolhust with Jonah Smith, 16, Tuba, Wellington HS
10- Jon Lappin with Antonio Cureno, 10, Violin, Galaxy Elementary
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.