The Friday Philharmonic Orchestra is celebrating its 35th year of educating and entertaining Fresno Unified elementary students.
To mark the milestone, the Friday Phil performed at a Fresno Unified middle school for the first time in its history, with Ahwahnee Middle School selected for this special event.
The Friday Phil — made up of current and retired Fresno Unified music teachers, retired Fresno State music educators, and other professional musicians — has for more than three decades provided a 30-minute concert at a different Fresno Unified elementary school every Friday.
Many Friday Phil members also perform with the Fresno Philharmonic, Tulare County Symphony, and various local swing, jazz, and string ensembles.
For many students, the concert is their first introduction to a live musical performance.
The Friday Phil performs for more than 20,000 students each year, with concerts featuring a variety of styles and selections and a demonstration of instruments.
Students learn about classical music and the role of music in everyday life, and gain a greater understanding of music as an integral part of all human societies, past and present.
