Nonprofit’s Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County provides much-needed funding for aspiring conductor and promising young musicians
The Palm Beach Pops and its Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County are proud to announce that 12 scholarships of up to $5,000 have been awarded to talented young musicians. The nonprofit organization and foundation have also selected the inaugural recipient of the Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant of up to $10,000.
In total, the foundation approved up to $30,000 in scholarship and grant funds.
A distinguished review committee of business and cultural leaders selected the scholarship and grant recipients following last month’s auditions held at the prestigious Lake Worth Playhouse. The scholarships were awarded to a group that includes violinists, flutists, vocalists, pianists and cellists – as well as other instrumentalists. Funds are to be paid directly to the institution, teacher or vendor for instruments, lessons, music school tuition or other relevant needs.
“The completion of our first scholarship program is a major step in our mission to preserve arts and culture in the community,” said Palm Beach Pops President and Executive Director Jon Lappin. “We are thrilled to help fund the continued musical education of this incredible group of kids and young adults. We remain committed to reaching a new generation of promising talent to help fight the root of cultural erosion.”
Scholarship recipients include Olivia Varnum, a 6-year-old violin, viola and piano player from Palm Beach Gardens; Matthew Harper, a 9-year-old trumpet player and vocalist from West Palm Beach; and Joseph Cuenco, a 13-year-old violinist from West Palm Beach.
Lauren Clark, a 24-year-old Lake Clarke Shores native who is pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting at the University of South Carolina, is the first Maestro Bob Lappin Legacy Grant honoree. The grant will help support her graduate studies.
The following music students were also chosen from the pool of applicants to receive scholarship funds:
- Antonio Cureno, a 9-year-old violinist from Boynton Beach
- Oscar Fernandez, a 16-year-old pianist from West Palm Beach
- Brendan Hoens, a 14-year-old clarinetist from Jupiter
- Carly Johnson, a 13-year-old cellist from Jupiter
- Delaney Johnson, a 13-year-old violinist from Jupiter
- Alana MacMahon, a 16-year-old flutist from Wellington
- Aida Martinez-Lopez, a 12-year-old flutist from Lake Worth
- Clement Whitaker, a 15-year-old bassist from Jupiter
- Mary Jane Whitaker, a 13-year-old cellist from Jupiter
Applicants represented numerous Palm Beach County area schools, such as Jupiter Middle School, Jupiter High School, Palm Beach Lakes High School, Wellington High School and several elementary schools.
To watch a video montage of the audition performances, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Members of the review committee evaluating the applicants included:
- Natalie Alvarez, Director/Vice President, Sabadell Bank & Trust
- Christie Amodie, philanthropist and Director of Admissions, Cardinal Newman High School
- Lori Cohen, philanthropist and retired teacher
- Anthony M. Comorat, CFA, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management and Fiduciary, Sabadell Bank & Trust
- Jason S. Haselkorn, Esq., Partner, Ciklin, Lubitz, O’Connell
- Jon Lappin, President and Executive Director, Palm Beach Pops
- Jennifer Minsky, Esq.
- Janet Nakushian, philanthropist, former vocalist, Palm Beach Pops Director
- Don Silver, COO, BoardroomPR
- Brian Wolhust, actor, musician, vocalist, producer
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-
To request more information about the foundation, email front@palmbeachpops.org.
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.
