An online group of Phish fans gave $3,000 to music education programs at three Coachella Valley Unified School District schools.

The Mockingbird Foundation sent $1,000 each to the Coachella Valley High School band and the Westside School after-school music program, both in Thermal, and to the Cahuilla Desert Academy Middle School advanced band in Coachella.

The schools were selected Thursday because of their needs and proximity to the Phish Festival 8 concert this weekend in Indio, foundation executive director Ellis Godard said.

“We realize that the Phish shows have a local impact on the community,” Godard said, “but we don't want it just to be the dollars coming in and the trash left over. We, as Phish fans, want to have a lasting positive impact on the community.”

The foundation raises money for music education programs through sales of the tribute book “The Phish Companion,” the tribute album “Sharin' in the Groove,” and benefit events nationwide, Godard said.

It has given $612,750.40 to music education programs in 42 states through 194 grants since 1996, Godard said.

Coachella Valley High School band teacher Jerry Antalik said he plans to use the grant money to purchase new music and equipment.

The school band with 55 students from grades 9 to 12 has not been able to purchase new music or drum supplies for two years because of school budget cuts, Antalik said.

“I want to thank the Mockingbird Foundation so much for helping me go ‘phishing' for some new music,” he said.

Information: www.mockingbirdfoundation.org.