Community Impact
At the Coeur d'Alene Symphony, we believe music has the power to transform lives, and that belief doesn't stop at the auditorium doors. Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, we work year-round to bring music education and performance to people of all ages across North Idaho, free of charge.
Saturday with the Symphony
Free | Third Saturday of Every Month | 11:00–11:45 a.m.Coeur d'Alene Public Library
In partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, the CSO offers a free monthly music program for children ages 3 and up. Each session features a live musical performance, an interactive activity, and a book reading by the children's librarian, making it a wonderful morning out for the whole family.
Past programs have explored classical, jazz, pop, and world music, giving young children a broad and joyful introduction to the world of music. No registration required, just show up and enjoy!
4th Grade Concert Program
Free | Annual | Coeur d'Alene Area Elementary Schools
Each year, the Coeur d'Alene Symphony brings live orchestral music directly to local fourth graders, many of whom are experiencing a professional symphony orchestra for the very first time. This is a great opportunity to reach young audiences during a critical period in their musical development.
We know that early exposure to music strengthens creativity, focus, and academic performance. We hope to spark a lifelong love of the arts!
Music4Life
Music4Life is our commitment to making music education accessible to young people across Northern Idaho, regardless of background or circumstance. Through this initiative, the CSO supports music programs, resources, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for students in our region.
Young Artist Competition
Each season, the CSO hosts its National Young Artist Competition, celebrating exceptional young musicians from across the country. Winners perform alongside the Coeur d'Alene Symphony at our spring concert and receive a $750 cash prize, which is an experience that can be truly career-defining for a young performer.
Learn more about the Young Artist Competition →
Why Community Programs Matter
Since our founding in 1980, the Coeur d'Alene Symphony has been more than an orchestra; we are a community institution. Our outreach programs serve hundreds of children and families across Kootenai County each year, ensuring that the benefits of music education and live performance are available to everyone, not just those who can afford a ticket.
We are proud to partner with the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, local schools, and community organizations to make this work possible, and we are always looking for new ways to grow our reach and deepen our impact.
Get Involved
Interested in supporting our community programs? There are several ways to help: