For 23 years the Philharmonic Association (PA) has offered exceptional music training for youth in the Triangle and beyond. The six ensembles of the PA, serving 350 musicians per year, are led by award winning, dedicated staff whose mission is to promote the students' participation in and lifelong understanding and love of great symphonic and jazz music. The PA is nurturing the "future of music" through ensembles that rehearse once a week and perform at least two concerts per year.

The Philharmonic Association is the 2011 recipient of the Business Support of the Arts Award in the category of arts education, presented by the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and United Arts Council.