Our strings music program is the largest Elementary School Choice Program in the State of Florida yet it receives less than 10% of its operating budget from the school district.
All students participate free of charge, and the instruments and materials are made possible by your kind 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 a the Palm Beach County Choice School Program.
Current Director, Randolph Smith.
In 2015, founder and long time director Andy Matzkow retired and handed the conductor’s baton to our new director, Randolph Smith. Mr. Smith and parent volunteers commit their own time, teaching children before and after school hours and raising funds to purchase and maintain the instruments.
About Director Randolph Smith
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.
In 2006, the foundation was established to support the strings program with the vision of building a solid financial base to ensure it continues for future generations of children. The foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax deductible. Donations may be made directly to the Palm Beach Public School Orchestral Strings Foundation, Inc.
Your support is greatly appreciated!