The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation has announced the successful completion of its inaugural High School Band Fund, awarding a total of $150,000 in grants to instrumental music programs at nine high schools across Santa Barbara County.

“This milestone underscores the Santa Barbara Bowl’s distinctive role as a nonprofit music venue that transforms live performances into lasting community impact while investing in future artists and audiences,” the foundation said. “Proceeds from concerts and generous donations directly support education, creativity, and access to the performing arts for local youth.”

The High School Band Fund was created to address critical needs facing public high school music programs. The grants supported a range of program priorities, including uniforms, sheet music, classroom technology, student scholarships, guest instructors, and performance-related travel and experiences.

By funding nine high schools, the program ensures that hundreds of students have access to high-quality, in-school music education regardless of financial barriers, reinforcing the Bowl’s belief that music education should be accessible for all, foundation officials said.

Grounded in the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation’s vision of live performance as a force that connects and transforms communities, the Bowl’s Outreach work extends beyond the stage.

Through a variety of initiatives — including in-school programs, instrumental support, scholarships, performance access, and community partnerships — the foundation creates avenues for students across Santa Barbara County.

“The Bowl is more than a place to experience world-class live music; it’s a catalyst for opportunity,” said Rick Boller, CEO. “The High School Band Fund demonstrates how a nonprofit venue can translate the power of live music into meaningful, measurable community impact.”

The High School Band Fund builds on more than two decades of outreach by the Bowl Foundation, which has distributed millions of dollars to support performing arts education.

Together with programs such as the Grant Cycles, Instrument Fund, Kids at the Bowl, and Concert Ticket Subsidies, the High School Band Fund advances the foundation’s commitment to equity, access, and creative growth.