Access and Belonging

Access

YOSA believes all youth deserve access to music education.

Our unwavering commitment to access creates an environment where aspiring musicians from every corner of San Antonio can attain  excellence in music.  

We celebrate diversity by fostering a community that embraces and respects all identities.

All Skill-Level Programming

YOSA offers programs for all levels, including summer camps for elementary students, audition-free camps, and six levels of string orchestras.  

Financial Aid

One out of every four YOSA musicians receive tuition assistance with 80% of all applicants receiving some type of financial aid.

Diverse Musical Styles

YOSA Orchestras perform music from a range of diverse composers, with YOSA Mariachi and YOSA Jazz and Big Band Camp highlighting unique genres. Past Classic Albums Live concerts pair a live band with the YOSA Philharmonic and have included music by Selena, Emilio Navaira, Queen, and more.  

City Wide Recruiting

YOSA actively recruits musicians from 176 schools across San Antonio and beyond, embracing a wide range of incomes, races, and backgrounds to ensure a diverse musical community. 

YOSA Invitational

Each year, more than 1,000 students from 16 local schools rehearse, perform, and record on stage at the Tobin Center for free.  

YOSA Rising Star Fellows

This program maximizes the potential of promising young musicians of color and creates pathways to top-tier higher education. 

Concert Access Programs

YOSA participates in providing the community with access to concerts through a variety of programs: 

  • My favorite YOSA moments are always the time before concerts. Everyone seems closer together, and we sort of bond over how nervous we are. I'm proud of this ensemble and how connected we've become.

    Celeste Anaya

  • Yosa has given me the opportunity to engage with people from all over San Antonio and has given me life lasting friendships.

    Jaxson Hover

  • My favorite YOSA event is Yosapalooza because it is incredible being able to perform with such a beautiful atmosphere and the multitude of people attending!

    Alicia Azar

  • YOSA has granted me wonderful friendships and opportunities to hone my skills as an orchestral player.

    Theda Leeka

  • I've made some friendships that will last for years to come, and I've honed a musically ability that has allowed me to play the music I want to play, regardless of its difficulty level.

    Gabriela Hernandez

  • I loved being exposed to genres of music I wouldn't have had the opportunity to perform if not for YOSA, it has allowed me to expand my musical horizons.

    Hector Frausto

  • Steel Drum Camp was so much fun! I really enjoyed learning a new and (VERY) different instrument as I'd barely broken out of my all-string comfort zone and learning alongside people who had also never played before!

    Alexandra Holeman

Belonging

YOSA is more than an orchestra; we are a community united by our shared passion for music.  

We strive to create a climate of care and safety, ensuring that all youth feel a deep sense of belonging. This helps musicians forge meaningful connections, collaborate effectively, and provide a space for personal growth and learning.  

 Every musician deserves more than just a stage—they deserve a supportive community where they can be part of something greater. 

Ongoing Staff Trainings

Our team engages in continuous training on developmental relationships and partnerships with The League of American Orchestra’s Catalyst Grant and Excel Beyond the Bell. 

YOSA Musician Council

Current YOSA Musicians can take on leadership roles and represent their peers to help influence the direction of our community. 

Social Gatherings

We host activities such as service days, season kick-offs, and end of season cookouts to bring YOSA families together.  

All Level Performances

All Musicians, regardless of level, get to play together for exciting events like Spurs halftime shows and YOSApalooza. YOSA Philharmonic concerts also feature opening orchestras at the Tobin Center. 

Peer to Peer Mentorship

Young string players get paired with more experienced YOSA musicians to receive valuable guidance and support through our musician mentorship program. 

YOSA Alumni Program

We celebrate our YOSA alumni and invite them to stay connected through engagement and events through our Alumni program.  

Get Involved