Please consider a donation to support the Philharmonic's education programs. Download the 2008-09 Season Pledge Form (PDF)

For more information about the Philharmonic's education programs, please contact Vanessa Edwards, Education Director, 812-376-2612.

Did you know that the Philharmonic spends a greater percentage of its budget on education programs than almost any other orchestra of its size in the country? We proudly offer the following opportunities for people of all ages.  

Phil's Family Jam

Phil's Family Jam offers young children and their families an introduction to the symphonic orchestra. “Phil Harmonic” (our resident penguin mascot) leads the fun and participants are invited to sit in on a portion of the Philharmonic’s rehearsal. Parents and grandparents enjoy the Jams as much as the kids!

 Phil's Family Jam Event Schedule...                     Sponsored by First Financial Bank.

Columbus Indiana Children's Choirs

The Columbus Indiana Children's Choir (CICC) is an auditioned group of 160 children from grades 4 through 8 in Columbus, Indiana and surrounding communities. The program has two choirs, the Concert Choir for more advanced singers and the Descant Choir for beginning members. The program is a cooperative effort between the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Ruth Dwyer, CICC Artistic Director, Kathy Porter, CICC Assistant Director. Deborah Eikenbary is the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir Coordinator.  To schedule an audition, 812-376-2612.

Youth Ensemble

The Philharmonic Youth Ensemble offers ensemble playing experience for students who have had at least one year of music instruction (must be able to read music). The goal is to prepare students to play with the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Students from Columbus and the surrounding counties are eligible to participate.

Click here to contact Charles Latshaw, Youth Ensemble Music Director.

Youth Orchestra
Philharmonic Youth Orchestra offers advanced students an experience in performance and an introduction to professional work habits. Students from Columbus and the surrounding counties are eligible to participate in this group.  Click here to contact Charles Latshaw, Youth Orchestra Music Director.  

Adventure Concerts

Adventure Concerts have been presented since the Philharmonic's inception to third and fourth grade students in Bartholomew county schools. Thanks to the generous underwriting of several area sponsors, more than 3,000 studentsare able to participate each year,.

Strings Instruction

Certified and experienced teachers provide private and small group instruction to beginning, intermediate and advanced students interested in the violin, viola, cello and other assorted string instruments.

Musically Speaking

Musically Speaking begins 50 minutes prior to most concerts. In these entertaining, spirited and informative conversations, Music Director and Conductor David Bowden and guest artists share their thoughts, ideas, insights and anecdotes -- a wonderful chance to become familiar with the performers and the great music played by the Philharmonic. Musically Speaking is open to all ticket holders.

Columbus Indiana Children's Choir 13th Annual
Choral Festival  2009 Summer Camp

 The Columbus Children's Choir Summer Festival is an affordable day camp experience that is engaging, fun, educational and unique, bringing together boys and girls who have a desire and passion for music. 

For more information, please contact Erin O'Rourke (317-940-9846).

Strings Camp

Bring your strings instrument to a week-long day camp for young players of all levels. Beginners are encouraged to attend (instruments will be available). Group lessons taught by experienced instructors, arts and crafts, swimming, hiking and other outdoor fun are part of every day’s schedule. An all-camp orchestra performs on the last day for families and friends. 

For more information about 2009 Strings Camp contact  Vanessa Edwards, 812-376-2612 

For more information about the Philharmonic's education programs, contact Vanessa Edwards, Education Director 812-376-2612.

Images courtesy of Jennifer Regruth, Vanessa Edwards and Deb Eikenbary