The orchestra also presents over 10 specialty performances throughout the year from the holiday classic, Spirit of the Season to July 4 in Genoa, Lake Tahoe Music Festival, and the perennially sold out Pops on the River.
[3] The Reno Philharmonic Association also has an education department, which includes three youth orchestras, a series of 12 "Young People’s Concerts" performed throughout the school year, "Celebrate Strings," an after-school violin instruction program, and the "Discover Music" program, which brings music ensembles into schools.
[4] Most recently, the Reno Phil performed the world premier of Zhou Tien's three movement opus, "Transcend" – commemorating the 150th anniversary of the First Transcontinental Railroad's completion.
These are designed to give elementary school children a close-up look at symphonic musicians, music, and instruments through performances, demos, and participatory activities.
In 2009, despite economic pressures, the Reno Philharmonic is introducing a new strings-only ensemble, the Youth Strings Symphonia (YSS), in partnership with the Washoe County School District.