Ms. Mary Drake Legge

Music was a major note in Mary Drake Legge’s life. From playing piano at her birthday parties as a young girl to teaching hundreds of children and adults how to properly tap out notes on the keys, Legge wanted nothing more than to pass on her gift of music. For 70 years, Legge’s home in the Lake Highland neighborhood was the classroom where her students played everything from Mozart to the newest songs. Legge was known for her patience and kind words while teaching and never got frustrated with a student, friends said. As a reward for her students, Legge had a recital for them every year at the Sorosis Club in Orlando so they could display their talents to family and friends.

From her living room, Ms. Legge shared her passion for music to generations of Central Floridians, many who still acknowledge her influence. It was Ms. Legge’s wish that her assets go towards continuing her life’s work of music education. Ms. Legge’s estate was donated to Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras and upon the sale of her property, a donation was made to Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras Endowment Fund.

FSYO’s Board is firmly committed to preserving Ms. Legge’s legacy and taking all appropriate steps to preserve this gift for future generations. The endowment ensures that the finest young musicians in Central Florida continue to receive the highest level of music education. Preserving this commitment ensures that students receive not only an education in music but a chance to gain leadership experience, team building skills, multi-tasking, time management, and responsibility to a commitment.