The Symphony’s Music Director Gerard Schwarz led a phenomenally uplifting and productive clinic with student musicians in the full symphony orchestra at Bak Middle School of the Arts located in West Palm Beach.
Paul Destito, Bak’s Assistant Band Director and the Symphony’s 2022 Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year noted, “The fact that Mr. Schwarz was able to captivate and elevate all of our students in such a beautiful and meaningful way was something to behold. It was an incredible day for all of us! The unsolicited feedback from my students was enthusiastic and one hundred percent positive! We at Bak are always encouraging our students to develop a humble heart and a teachable spirit! I my opinion Mr. Schwarz is the embodiment of that idea!”
Nancy Beebe, Bak’s String Director, said, “It was such an honor having Gerard Schwarz come in and conduct our Symphony Orchestra. The students had a wonderful and memorable experience. Students really liked [his] ‘energy, humor, enthusiasm, and musical ideas.’ It was an amazing and musically rewarding afternoon!”
It is with great excitement that we announce the winner of the 2023 Randolph A. Frank Prize in the category of Performing Arts Educator is Ken Taylor. He will receive $10,000 in prize money during the Symphony’s official awarding in May. Mr. Taylor embodies the mission of this award, serving as a dedicated educator who enriches the quality of the arts in Palm Beach County. He is in his 35th year of teaching music for the School District of Palm Beach County and is currently serving in his 7th year as Director of Choral Studies at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.
Join us as the Symphony’s Principal Harpist Dr. Laura Sherman presents “Sounds of the Earth” for Earth Day at our next STEAM session held at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium this Saturday, April 22 from 1-4pm. Laura will play sounds emulating the music of nature, present demonstrations on how the harp generates its heavenly sound, and allow guests the unique opportunity to play her harp. Visitors will be given a toy harp kit to take home with them.
Please consider making a gift to Palm Beach Symphony in order to support our programs that connect and strengthen our community!