The Philharmonic Society of Orange County is dedicated to the cause of music and champions music that enriches the soul, uplifts the spirit, excites the intellect and stimulates curiosity. In addition to bringing that music to the adults in our community we are especially interested in making it available to members of our younger population.
Our Youth Programs offer a wide variety of age-appropriate music experiences that supplement and enhance public and private school curriculum. These programs conform to the California Visual and Performing Arts Framework. We are particularly proud of the fact that over four million children, from kindergarten through high school, have participated in our programs in the past 50 years, thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and contributors. And we are continuing to refine and expand what we offer.
The funds raised from the Cruise of Lights®, brought to you by the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee, support these highly-regarded educational youth programs of Orange County. Additionally, the Huntington Harbour Committee gives 10% of all our fund-raising proceeds (Boutique, Junior's Fashion Show, Cruise of Lights) directly back to the schools in our immediate community. These funds are granted based on the stated needs of the individual music programs. The PSOC Youth concerts and in-school music experiences include:
| GRADE | PROGRAM |
| K-2 | Music and Movement — Lively workshops presented by a music specialist for teachers who want to capture the creative process of music, integrating reading, math and motor skills. |
| 2 | Disneyland Resort Salutes the American Band — The Disneyland Band and special guest introduce musical instruments and trace the heritage of American band music. |
| 3 | Music Mobile — The Music Mobile vans are filled with instruments and visual aids that introduce the symphony orchestra and important musical concepts to students through engaging hands-on experiences. |
| 4 |
California Journeys — A program in conjunction with the Mission at San Juan Capistrano, taking students on a journey into the history of art, music and dance of the state of California. |
| 4-6 | Meet the Musicians — Professional brass, woodwind, and percussion groups visit schools for performances and demonstrations introducing the families of orchestral instruments. |
| 4-6 | Workshops and Assemblies — As opportunities present themselves, the Society presents workshops and assemblies that coordinate with regular Philharmonic Society concert presentations. |
| 5 | Concerts for 5th Graders — Concerts explore orchestral music in its historical and cultural contexts, hosted by a different historical character each year. Programs take place at Segerstrom Center for the Arts and feature the Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra and dancers from the Anaheim Ballet. |
| 5 | Ancient Grooves — Concerts that feature a quintet of musicians performing on unusual instruments from around the world. They compose, arrange and perform unique compositions to demonstrate that music is the universal language. |
| 6-8 | Ensembles on Tour — Created to appeal to middle school students, this program features professional groups performing for the whole student body a variety of music styles and instrumentations. |
| 6-8 |
Strike Up the Band — A program of band clinics by professional musicians, in cooperation with school's band director. |
|
9-12 |
Art and Music — The Philharmonic Society and Orange County Museum of Art collaborate on this special experience for high school students. The music program is developed to complement and enhance the art exhibit. |
|
9-12 |
Tix for Teens — Free tickets for regular Philharmonic Society series concerts are offered to all Orange County high schools to integrate students into the adult concert-going experience. |
Musical Me — A daily CD listening program that exposes children to an extensive array of classical music throughout the school year. Teachers have supplementary information and scripts, encouraging in-depth learning and focused listening.