Our Youth Education Programs
Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Coachella Valley through world-class symphonic performances and impactful educational initiatives. By connecting premier orchestras with local students, schools, and communities, we seek to establish the region as a vibrant hub for music education and artistic excellence. Through sustained partnerships, dynamic events, and outreach programs, we aim to inspire future generations of musicians and audiences while harnessing the transformative power of music to strengthen arts education across the valley.
Latest Initiatives
Year-Long Programs
Free Concert Tickets
With our ticket donation program, members may return tickets they cannot use and receive a gift donation for the value of the tickets. We then give these tickets at no cost to local area youth and their families so they may experience these remarkable concerts, helping to ensure the future of classical music audiences. Students that have recently joined us come from Cathedral City High School, Palm Springs High School, Palm Valley School, Xavier College Prep, University of Redlands Conservatory of Music, and Idyllwild Arts Academy.
Youth Activity Grants
The PS Friends of Philharmonic is proud to support other not-for-profit organizations that provide music education to our local Coachella Valley youth. Recipients include McCallum Theatre Education, Palm Springs International Piano Competition, and others. In celebration of our 50th Anniversary season in 2023-24, PSPhil awarded $70,000 to 17 local school music programs throughout the Coachella Valley, including Raymond Cree Middle School band in Palm Springs (pictured).
Summer Music Camps
A major component of our youth education program is our summer scholarship program. This program helps the most dedicated and serious music students attend summer music camps. A majority of these students attend the renowned Idyllwild Summer Music program but other camps located across the country are eligible.
It is our pleasure to offer this scholarship opportunity to our talented Coachella Valley music students. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please submit the application form. For any questions, please call the PSFP office at 760-341-1013.
Musical Instrument Donations
Our local music students need your help! Local band directors are working with an inventory of musical instruments that in many cases are up to 30 years old and in need of constant repair. If you have a musical instrument in good condition that you might consider donating, please contact Alyssa Burno.
College Scholarship
We provide scholarships for students from the Coachella Valley to attend college anywhere in the world. These scholarships are granted for all four years of a student's tuition as long as the student maintains a GPA of 2.8 or above. Scholarship applications will open in April for the following school year.
