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Creating Opportunity

HAPCO’s educational programs help young people in Central Florida further their education through music and the arts. We assist youth, particularly in low-income communities, who are aspiring to a career in the arts as well as those using their talents to fund their higher education. Since 2001, our non-profit foundation has worked to instill in young people a passion for excellence in all facets of their lives.
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Paying It Forward

Youth receive instruction and insights from our strong network of educators and mentors who develop and teach our programs. They include university-level educators, professional musicians and artists, and first and second generation Florida Highwaymen painters. Our program curricula include core theory and technique training, alongside practical information including career options, technical tools and real-world application of skill sets.
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Community Impact

Through our Kenneth R. Tolbert Scholarship Fund, HAPCO creates programs and projects to impact young people in our community – opening their eyes to the possibilities the arts offer them as individuals. We also serve our communities’ young-at-heart senior citizens, with special programs that encourage active senior living. We assist both individuals and community programs. Our events are tailored to unite the Central Florida community through music and the arts.

Our Mission:

Building futures through music, art and education

CLICK HERE to learn more about HAPCO’s programs and partnership opportunities.

Programs

HAPCO MUSIC | jazz band clinics + camps | instrument donation | drum line | studio + production | vocals | private lessons | Music Heals wellness

HAPCO ARTS | photography | culinary | video | painting | digital arts | robotics

HAPCO LIVE | program alumni and partners perform at community venues and events

HAPCO Health | preventive health and nutrition education and strategies

With the assistance of our programs, young people in our community are using their artistic and musical talents to shape a better future. They are focusing their energies upon honing their talent, doing better in school – and realizing they have the opportunity to go to college.

HAPCO’s programs take arts and music education to the neighborhoods of at-risk and disadvantaged young people. These communities have limited physical and/or financial access to arts and music education services and resources. Primary obstacles to participation are limited financial means and lack of transportation.

Our Impact in the Community

HAPCO offers programs that give students real-world experience and mentoring from professionals they can relate to. We emphasize “paying it forward” – we practice and teach the benefits of sharing expertise and experience, as well as of being good community corporate citizens.

Click on the school year for details on our programs:

 

2025 FMEA Band Directors

Paying it forward, every day in the classroom. Our partner school band directors make an incredible difference in the lives of the young people they teach, mentor and encourage. At the 2025 FMEA Conference, Joseph McMullen with:

  • Mario Ford, director of bands, Evans High School;
  • Krystal Campbell-Adkins, director of bands, Oak Ridge High School
  • Osvaldo Quezada, Director of Orchestra at Evans High School
  • Naomi Joy Nelson, director of bands, Jones High School
  • Bernie Hendricks, Jr., Ocoee High School Director of Bands
  • Mickey Smith, Jr., educator at The King’s Academy, motivational keynote speaker and author
  • Jeff Rupert, UCF director of jazz studies
  • Bernie Hendricks with Ocoee High School Band musicians

INITIATIVES

Board of Directors

Joseph P. McMullen
Joseph Patrick McMullen
HAPCO Chairman, Wellcare
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Sam Davis, Jr.
Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
Wycliffe Gordon
Wycliffe Gordon
Professional Musician
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James Harris
James Harris Consultant
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Alan Morley
City of Miami Mayor Office
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Russell Myers
Costco
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Chuck Robinson
Hewlett-Packard (Retired)
Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson
Director of Jazz Studies, University of Florida
Kenneth R. Tolbert
Kenneth R. Tolbert
In Memorial (1945-2012)

Inspiration

It is individual acts of caring that change lives. HAPCO Founder Joseph Patrick McMullen knows this first-hand.Joseph Patrick McMullen and Kenneth Tolbert

“I will never forget one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege to be inspired by. My senior year in high school, I was excited for my future. I had been accepted to the Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy. I was going to make my mom proud, and show her that her hard work as a single mother had paid off.

Financial aid was critical to my dream, and mine was not yet approved. Seemingly unrelated, I played baritone horn in the school’s band. One day, I mentioned to my Band Director, Mr. Kenneth Tolbert, my concerns over my financial aid. He said, ‘Son, you go to FAMU, and if your financial aid does not come through, call me, and I will take care of the situation.’

In his direct, steady way, he opened a world of confidence with just a few words. I did receive financial aid, but I believe I became a pharmacist because I played baritone horn in my high school band, and an incredible person believed in me.”

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