Ken Taylor, director of choral studies at Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) and artistic director of the Masterworks Chorus of the Palm Beaches, has been awarded the 2023 Randolph A. Frank Prize for the Performing Arts and its $10,000 cash prize.
A musician, vocal teacher and mentor, Taylor has been teaching music in Palm Beach County Schools for 35 years with the last seven at the DSOA. His students have been accepted into some of the world’s most prestigious performing arts institutions, such as the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes, Florida State, Vanderbilt and Eastman Conservatory of Music.
Nominating Taylor for the award, DSOA principal Blake Bennett wrote, “I cannot even put into words how much I enjoy working with him and how much his students absolutely adore him. I could sit in his class and watch in amazement as he connects with students and leads them to reach their highest potential as high school vocalists.”
Taylor was judged to be the winner in the category of performing arts educator by a panel consisting of esteemed industry professionals from within and outside Palm Beach County. He also serves as an adjudicator and clinician for music performance assessments throughout Florida. He has conducted all-state choirs all around the southeast and has twice served as Chairman of the Florida Vocal Association District 14. Most recently, under his direction, the DSOA vocal students set a record for 24 students being accepted into the Reading Chorus at the All-State Conference. He also regularly conducts choruses at the National American Choral Directors Conferences across the U.S.
A resident of West Palm Beach, Taylor holds memberships in several professional organizations including the American Choral Directors Association, Florida Music Education Association, and Music Educators National Conference. He received his bachelor of science degree with a double major in both music education and music theory from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
The award was established in 2009 by Nancy and Jay Parker to celebrate the memory of their longtime friend Dr. Randolph A. Frank, who was an avid patron of the arts. They created the prize with founding chairman Steven Caras, acclaimed dancer, dance educator, and photographer.
Palm Beach Symphony has managed and hosted the nomination process and award presentation since 2019. Nominations for the 2024 award will open in Decemeber and information will be made available at https://www.palmbeachsymphony.org/programs/randolph-a-frank-prize-for-performing-arts.
Proud sponsors of Palm Beach Symphony include Max and Christine Ansbacher, Mrs. James N. Bay, Alan Benaroya, JoAnne Berkow, David C. and Eunice Bigelow, Leslie Rogers Blum, James R. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui/Findlay Galleries, Braman Motorcars, Thomas and Carol Bruce, CIBC Private Wealth, The Colony Hotel, The David Minkin Foundation, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Echo Fine Properties, Bill and Kem Frick/The Frick Foundation, Inc., Morgan Glazar/Tom James Company, Paul and Sandra Goldner, Peter and Felicia Gottsegen/Gottsegen Family Foundation, Irwin and Janet Gusman, Thomas E. Harvey & Cathleen P. Black Foundation, Doris Hastings Foundation, John Herrick, Addison Hines Charitable Trust, George Hines, HSS Florida, IYC, Charles and Ann Johnson/The C and A Johnson Family Foundation, Barbara and William Karatz Fund/William Karatz and Joan G. Smith, Leonard and Norma Klorfine Foundation, Gary and Linda Lachman/The Lachman Family Foundation, Patricia Lambrecht, Tova Leidesdorf, Lugano Diamonds, The Honorable Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, The McNulty Charitable Foundation, David Moscow, NetJets, Palm Beach Design Masters, Patrick and Milly Park/Park Foundation, Nancy and Ellis J. Parker, III, PNC Private Bank, Lois Pope, Provident Jewelry, Ari Rifkin/The Len-Ari Foundation, Karen and Kenneth Rogers, Ronald Rosenfeld, David Schafer, Seth Sprague Foundation, Robin B. Smith, Kimberly Strauss, Dodie and Manley Thaler and the Thaler/Howell Foundation, Jerome and Carol Trautschold, Sieglinde Wikstrom/The Wikstrom Foundation, and The Ann Eden Woodward Foundation/James and Judy Woods. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
ABOUT PALM BEACH SYMPHONY
Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to community. Founded in 1974, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization adheres to a mission of engaging, educating, and entertaining the greater community of the Palm Beaches through live performances of inspiring orchestral music. The orchestra is celebrated for delivering spirited performances by first-rate musicians and distinguished guest artists. Recognized by The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County with a 2020 Muse Award for Outstanding Community Engagement, Palm Beach Symphony continues to expand its education and community outreach programs with children’s concerts, student coaching sessions and master classes, instrument donations and free public concerts that have reached more than 64,000 students in recent years. For more information, visit www.palmbeachsymphony.org.