The Philharmonic presents free concerts in area high schools in collaboration with the school's arts and language programs. These performances feature classical music repertoire and selections with the school's student performers. This program affords Philharmonic musicians the opportunity to identify, nominate and award scholarships to music students who have demonstrated both musical talent and financial need. Scholarship recipients are selected through a highly competitive audition process, and receive lessons from a Philharmonic musician. Auditions are held annually in the Fall.
Educators receive information about the orchestra and the upcoming program prior to the concerts.
Entrants must live or attend a college within a 100-mile radius of Fort Wayne. Through a specific selection process, advanced students who currently study with a Philharmonic musician may have the opportunity to use, free of charge, a Philharmonic bassoon, tuba or oboe for their musical studies. Students chosen by BBBS to participate in the program are eligible to continue their studies through high school graduation as long as they continue to learn and make progress. Presented cooperatively with FAME, these concerts are free of charge and involve many students including Young Artist Competition soloists, the Fort Wayne Youth Symphony and area art students. Featured speakers include Assistant Conductor David Borsvold, Philharmonic musicians and special guests.