Future Song Foundation Awards Grant to Spokane Symphony

The $40,000 grant supports expanded music education initiatives for local student musicians.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Classical

Gouache-painted illustration of a violin on a music stand, representing music education initiatives for local students. — The Future Song Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to the Spokane Symphony to expand music education in Spokane Public Schools. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Future Song Foundation announced a $40,000 grant this week to support the Spokane Symphony's music education programs. These funds will specifically sustain the Symphony Classroom Partners program and the Side-by-Side project in Spokane Public Schools.

Why it matters

The grant ensures that students without access to private lessons receive professional instruction from symphony musicians. This initiative aims to boost student motivation and increase overall participation in school music ensembles.

Last year, 21 symphony musicians led 347 clinics across 31 schools. Current enrollment at Yasuhara Middle School includes 50 orchestra students and 100 band students who utilize these resources.

The players

Spokane Symphony

The professional orchestra based in Spokane that provides music education programs to local students.

Future Song Foundation

A philanthropic organization that provides financial support for music education initiatives.

Spokane Public Schools

The local school district that hosts symphony musicians for student clinics.

Yasuhara Middle School

A local middle school where students currently participate in band and orchestra programs supported by the symphony.

The details

Symphony musicians visit local classrooms to provide small group instruction and mentorship to students. The program, which was previously limited to string players, now offers comprehensive training in instrument fundamentals to both band and orchestra members.

Last year, 21 symphony musicians led 347 school clinics.
The Future Song Foundation announced the $40,000 grant in October 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This grant highlights the shift toward community-integrated music programs that seek to broaden participation across diverse instrument families. It follows a pattern set by the National Association for Music Education standards on community-integrated music learning by expanding outreach beyond string students.

Students in the local district gain direct, professional mentorship that fills a gap for those without private lessons. Parents and students can expect consistent classroom visits from symphony members to strengthen instrument fundamentals throughout the school year.

The takeaway

By expanding access from string players to full band participants, the program ensures a wider range of students can engage with orchestral mentorship. Local students are encouraged to contact their school music directors to determine how they can sign up for upcoming clinic sessions.