About the Foundation
We enrich and transform the lives of the students of Palm Beach Public School by igniting and nurturing the lifelong joy of making music.
Our vision is to ensure all Palm Beach Public students participating in the strings and orchestra program have the instruments and other resources and supports required to experience excellent music education.
Our strings music program, which educates over 35% of the school population, opens a world of possibilities students might not have at other schools. Students from Kindergarten through 5th grade are provided the opportunity to learn the four orchestra strings throughout the five orchestras in the program.
We receive less than 10% of our operating budget from the school district. All students participate free of charge, and many of the instruments and materials are made possible by your generous donations.
This unique strings program serves the children of the Town of Palm Beach and the City of West Palm Beach. It also attracts students from across Palm Beach County that are part of the Palm Beach County Choice School Program.
Randolph Smith
Music Director
Palm Beach Public Elementary School Orchestral Strings Program
Randolph Smith is a graduate of the Philip and Patricia Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. There he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. After graduation in May of 2010 Mr. Smith spent 5 years working as a Band Director at various Charter Schools in Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County School Districts. Mr. Smith continues to perform as a member of the trumpet section for the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches. Using the knowledge he has gained from his education, teaching and performance experiences Mr. Smith continues to help young musicians grow as the director of the Palm Beach Public Orchestral Strings program.
Board of Directors
Cassius Johnson - President
Chris Snyder - Secretary
John Renne – Treasurer
Ahmad Mayes
Ruthy Muñoz
Linnea Bailey
Henry Paret – Emeritus
Resident Artists Program
Our resident artists program is designed to bring master violinist and cellist into to classrooms of the orchestral strings program. The provide additional in-class room instructional supports and make more personalized learning opportunities available to students. Resident artists are local members our Palm Beach County cultural artist community. The program provides compensation for their talents. Local artists interested in learning more can reach out to the Foundation at pbpsosf@gmail.com.
2023-24 Resident Artists
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Natalia Panozzo
Ms. Panozzo is a Music Education and Pedagogy major at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is also Assistant to the Chair of the Music Department of PBAU’s College of the Arts and Assistant Director of St. Ann’s Youth Choir at St. Ann’s School. This will be her second year at Palm Beach Public.
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Gabriella Mazzone
Ms. Bella began her musical journey at age 6 on piano. She is a graduate of Dreyfoos School of the Arts, DePauw University and Lynn Conservatory. She teaches violin, viola and piano privately. This is her first year of residence at Palm Beach Public.
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Joseph Goering
Mr. Goering has a Bachelor and Masters degree from Lynn Conservatory. He has also studied and performed professionally in Canada before he started his career in teaching. Mr. Goeing started assisting the strings program in April 2023.