Berklee Beat: Berklee's Helping Hands

March 1, 2000

 

Robert Barnett Kaplan Endowed Fund Established

The estate of Robert Barnett Kaplan made a gift of $138,500 to Berklee College of Music to establish an endowed fund, which will provide scholarship support for outstanding students from Marshfield, Massachusetts, to attend the college. New or continuing students who are Marshfield residents and demonstrate strong musical abilities are eligible for this scholarship. Those interested in pursuing a music composition education at Berklee are particularly encouraged.

"Many young people dream of immersing themselves in the study of contemporary music at Berklee," stated Marjorie O'Malley, assistant vice president for institutional advancement. "An endowed fund makes scholarship awards in perpetuity. Therefore, outstanding young musicians from Marshfield have an opportunity to pursue their music education at Berklee for years to come."

Two local residents were particularly helpful in structuring the estate, John Kazerorowski and Richard Levin. "These two men had a vision of providing for the young people of Marshfield for years into the future. I am grateful for their selfless commitment to youth in their town," said O'Malley.

 

Berklee Trustees Establish the First African American Fund

From the left, Berklee trustees Vivian Beard, David Lee, Dolores Johnson, and Mike Dreese after a recent reception.

It began as a conversation about how to provide more opportunities for outstanding African American young people at Berklee. Africian Americans have had a profound influence on the music that continues to define Berklee. Motivated by a shared commitment to provide greater support for outstanding musicians who are African American, Berklee's three African American trustees, Vivian Beard, Dolores Johnson, and David Lee, decided to establish an endowed fund to make their vision a reality.

First, they committed their own personal funds to clearly demonstrate their determination to build the fund. Then, they reached out to the African American community in the greater-Boston area, attracting close to 100 guests to a reception preceding Berklee's Singers Showcase concert on December 2. The trustees spoke about their personal commitment to providing opportunities to African American musicians and to bringing that community closer to Berklee. Inspired by their leadership and by their willingness to commit their own funds to make this fund a reality, Berklee trustee Mike Dreese, CEO of Newbury Comics record retail chain, pledged a $10,000 matching gift for the fund.

Building on the momentum generated by their initial efforts, Beard, Johnson, and Lee have launched several additional initiatives to generate further support. "This is just the beginning," stated Lee. "We intend to build this fund so that it makes a significant difference for students now and into the future. To do that we need the support from alumni, faculty, staff, friends, parents and anyone who recognizes the profound impact that African Americans have had on contemporary music."

Vocalist and trustee Vivian Beard plans to perform at Berklee and dedicate the proceeds of the show to the fund. A special solicitation will be launched during February, Black History Month, to generate financial support for the fund. More receptions will be held raise awareness and generate additional financial support. Alumni, parents, friends, and other members of the Berklee community interested in learning how to make a gift to the fund or learn more about it should call (617) 747-2569.

 

Georges Delerue Fund Grows

Colette Delerue, the wife of the late Georges Delerue, a renowned film composer in both America and his native France, made a gift of $50,000 to the endowed fund named after her late husband. Established in his memory in 1992, the fund has been supported by friends and admirers of Mr. Delerue.

Now one of the most prestigious at Berklee, the fund provides both scholarship support for an outstanding film scoring student and funding for a summer internship program at Segue Music in Los Angeles. Segue CEO Dan Carlin, himself a generous supporter of the Delerue fund, coordinates the internship program. Mrs. Delerue's most recent gift will significantly increase the amount of the awards made available to scholarship recipients seeking to follow in Mr. Delerue's footsteps.

  

Ronald McDonald House Charity of Eastern MA Supports Berklee City Music

Left, Frank M. Morse, vice president of Colley/McCoy Management Group, presents President Lee Eliot Berk with a $11,500 contribution to the BCM scholarship fund.

Ronald McDonald House Charity of Eastern MA recently made a gift of $11,500 to the Berklee City Music (BCM) program. The gift will allow five gifted, disadvantaged youths to participate in BCM. In presenting the gift, Colley/McCoy Management Group Vice President Frank Morse noted McDonald's interest in supporting efforts for underserved and minority youth in urban areas. [ Also see Encore Gala Bash Nets over $385K for BCM Scholarships ]

Christos and Eva Pappas Foundation Invests in Berklee City Music

The Christos and Eva Pappas Foundation is a long-standing supporter of the BCM program, drawn by its emphasis on providing educational opportunities to young, urban musicians. Of particular interest is balance between performance opportunities, classroom training, and the chance for participants to compete for full-time tuition scholarships to Berklee following graduation from high school. Since 1993, the Christos and Eva Pappas Foundation has donated over $41,000 to BCM.

 

Newbury Comics and WBCN Donate Proceeds from CD

Newbury Comics, in collaboration with WBCN radio station in Boston, is donating the proceeds from the sale of the Naked Too CD to support the BCM program. The compilation of unreleased live performances featuring well-known rock artists including David Bowie (H'99), Creed, Barenaked Ladies, Scott Weiland, Semisonic, Jewel, Iggy Pop, Folk Implosion, and Fastball, to name a few, has been a resounding success. All proceeds of the sale of the disc are donated to charity. To date, BCM has received $50,000 from the profits.

 

Summa Cum Jazz Volume 2 CD released

BMG Jazz Foundations and Berklee have released a second CD featuring student groups titled Summa Cum Jazz Vol. 2—The Berklee College of Music Guitar Album. It follows the highly successful first collaboration, Summa Cum Jazz, which has sold nearly 30,000 copies. BMG will provide $10,000 from the sales of the disc for scholarships to continuing performance majors with a focus on jazz. The disc is available to BMG Jazz Club members and can be purchased from the web site <www.bmgmusicservice.com>.

You may listen to tracks from the disc on the Jukebox section of Berklee's website.

This article appeared in our alumni magazine, Berklee Today Spring 2000. Learn more about Berklee Today.
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