Education Initiatives

Community Music School

SavPhil Community Music School


While not a specific place, the SavPhil Community Music School spans across Savannah, taking place within your local schools, public libraries, concert halls, community centers and more throughout the year. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to providing accessible and enriching music education opportunities to all — from our youngest students to adult classes — about the history and practice of music.

Instructors


  • Ben Cork, violin
  • Ms. Joanna Sellman, violin & viola
  • Ms. Lisle Lozano, violin
  • Abigail Woods, violin & viola
  • Hyeok Kwon, cello
  • Rosa Batista, violin & viola
  • Reggie Carson, double bass
  • Lisle Lozano, violin
Education Initiatives

Ben Tucker Instrument Library

Named for the legendary Ben Tucker


This special program provides high-quality instruments to participating students who may not otherwise have access.

Often the cost of an instrument and maintenance is unsustainable for a student and their families, so if a school is unable to provide one, the Savannah Philharmonic works closely with SCCPSS to ensure all deserving students are set up for success as they pursue an instrument of their choice.

135 instruments available
87 strings
48 wind instruments
Education Initiatives

SavPhil Strings

Free instruction in violin, viola & cello


This flourishing initiative provides free violin, viola and cello instruction across the region at no cost and is supported by the Ben Tucker Instrument Library.

Over the past year our violin program expanded to four new partner sites, reaching over 70 students with enriching group and private instruction.

70+ students reached

Partner Sites

  • JEA Chapter
  • Horizons Savannah
  • Charles Ellis Montessori Academy
  • Coastal Middle School
SavPhil Strings
Education Initiatives

Small Group Instruction

District Honor Band Preparation


This specialized program is designed to set students up for success by emphasizing fundamental skills of their particular instrument. It not only helps them practice difficult sections of their band music, but also guides participants through the audition process for the District Honor Band.

100+ District Honor Band members
30 Savannah students represented
13 from non‑performing arts schools

17 of the 30 Savannah students in the District Honor Band are from performing arts schools, meaning a large number of our young musicians are underrepresented and are not being set up for a successful audition experience. Our music education programs are designed to shift this trend and solve the issue.

Education Initiatives

All-Star Ensemble

Annual Two-Day Intensive Workshop


This annual two-day intensive workshop provides a unique opportunity to our area youth, uniting over 100 talented student musicians across Savannah’s high schools. Together, they rehearse, receive mentorship from Savannah Philharmonic musicians, and then perform a final concert on stage, side-by-side with the professional orchestra members.

It is a truly inspirational experience to collaborate and grow their skills among their peers.

100+ student musicians
2 day intensive workshop
1 final concert on stage
Education Initiatives

Concert Notes with Your SavPhil

In partnership with Senior Citizens Inc.


The Concert Notes series is a special partnership with Senior Citizens Inc. and features guest speakers in advance of each concert to help provide insights and background on the music they are preparing to experience and enjoy.

Learn More & Register The Learning Center at Senior Citizens Inc.

Visit the Learning Center

To learn more about our education programs, please contact Education Manager, Rosa Batista.