Coeur d'Alene Symphony reaches more than 800 people with support from Innovia Foundation

The Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra said in a Monday news release that it has reached 805 children, parents, educators and caregivers across Kootenai County this past year through a newly launched project made possible by a $15,000 grant from the Innovia Foundation.

From libraries and hospitals to concert halls and foster care programs, CSO musicians shared interactive performances and workshops designed to show how music can ease stress, boost mood and bring people together.

Highlights included:
● Saturday with the Symphony at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library — Engaging families with music and activities designed to support children’s mental health.
● Programs with North Idaho CASA and the Coeur d'Alene School District — Helping foster children and school counselors use music as a tool for resilience and relationship building.
● Concert Pre-Lectures at NIC and the Kroc Center – Conversations with musicians and music therapists on how music influences wellness.

Eight CSO musicians completed specialized training to become certified music wellness specialists, learning how to use music to support physical, emotional and mental health.

CSO shared that audience members have expressed how the programs have changed the way they think about music: “I didn’t realize some of my listening habits were keeping me stuck in a bad mood." "I learned to choose music intentionally to bring more peace and joy to my life.”

“Music can lift spirits, strengthen connections and heal hearts,” CSO conductor Danh Pham said. “With Innovia’s support, we were able to bring that message to hundreds of people who needed it most.”