In 2014 and 2016, music students who graduated from Springfield High School in the sixties and seventies gathered for weekend reunions to reconnect, to make music and to honor their teachers.  As part of the festivities, scholarship funds were established to honor two of the music teachers from the high school, Dennis Lauffer and Luca Del Negro.  You can read more about these scholarships by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

Today, a minimum of two scholarships, one from each fund, are awarded each year during the Spring Awards Ceremony at the high school.  Scholarships have been awarded every year since the funds were established, with the exception of the COVID-19 isolation year.  Scholarship amounts are a minimum of $500, and both the number and amounts of the scholarships will grow as the funds themselves grow.  The funds are administered by the Springfield Alumni Educational Foundation, and awards are determined by the Springfield High School Music Department.

We invite you to support these scholarships, not only to honor these teachers, but to encourage the development of lifelong music lovers.  While not everyone can become a professional musician, all of us have benefited from the music training we have received, and the love of music that it has given us.  Your donation will help these funds to grow and to assist more students in developing their music skills.

As SAEF is a not-for-profit organization, any gifts you make to support these scholarships are both tax-free and may be eligible for matching donations through your employer.  Click here to make your donation: SAEF Donations Page

 

The Dennis Lauffer Vocal Scholarship Fund was created to honor music legend, Dennis Lauffer, Springfield School District choral director.  Mr. Lauffer served on the Springfield faculty from 1962-1978.  He was considered the driving force behind Springfield’s choir programs - growing choral participation from 75 individuals to 400 individuals with waiting lists.  During his tenure, Mr. Lauffer’s choral groups appeared on many prestigious stages across the United States and beyond, including local collaborations with Mr. Del Negro on outstanding musical productions at the high school.

This scholarship provides recognition to a high school vocal student making considerable educational contributions in the high school, showing great effort in vocal music and interest in pursuing music through voice training lessons.

 

The Luca Del Negro Private Lesson Award Fund was established to honor music legend Luca Del Negro, Springfield High School Instrumental Music Director.  Mr. Del Negro  began his teaching career in 1957, teaching Junior and Senior High School instrumental music in Springfield. During Luca’s tenure at Springfield High School, the band and orchestra received many accolades including two gold medals won by the band at a world festival in Holland. The dance band was invited to play at the New York World’s Fair. The band also played at the inauguration of the Phillies Veterans Stadium. Locally, Springfield hosted numerous District and Regional Band and Orchestra Festivals as well as host for the Eastern State Pennsylvania Orchestra Festival. Luca was also president of PMEA District 12 for two years.

This award is presented to interested students who want to study music privately and need financial assistance. Students receiving this award are required to demonstrate progress at the end of each semester of study.