Please consider a donation to support the Philharmonic's education programs. Download the 2009-10 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

To find Phil please click here for  Phil's Family Jam Event Schedule.

"Phil Harmonic" helps youngsters (ages 2-9) discover the joy of music when he introduces them to the instruments and the Philharmonic musicians.  Phil meets the young people in various locations around town, but when they meet an an orchestra rehearsal, they get to hear the real thing.

For directions to Erne Auditorium, please click here, for directions to kidscommons, click here.               

Columbus Indiana Children's Choir

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.  For more information about Ruth Dwyer, CICC Artistic Director...

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 and a registration form, please click here or 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 

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 students are able to participate each year. 

A contribution of $150 will help bring one classroom to the concert.

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 Vanessa Edwards, Education 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 Vanessa Edwards, Education Director.  

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.

Music Education Underwriters:

The Philharmonic is grateful to the following generous donors for their support in helping music change the lives of thousands of children in this region of Indiana.

Phil's Family Jam - First Financial Bank

Musician's in the Schools - Irwin Union Bank

Special Scholarships - Millie Reeves Endowment

Clifty Creek Strings - Centra Credit Union

Youth Ensemble and Youth Orchestra - Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc.

Adventure Concerts - Psi Iota Xi and Irwin Sweeney Miller Foundation

Strings Camp - Analytical Engineering, Inc. and Coca Cola

Columbus Indiana Children's Choir - Delta Dental

General Education Support - Cummins Foundation, Millie Reeves Foundation, Bob and Helen Haddad, EMCON Technologies, and an anonymous donor.

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