YOSA Orchestras serve more than 400 young musicians through multiple ensembles of graded ability. Musicians are placed in the orchestra appropriate for their ability through the annual audition process. YOSA has three advanced orchestras, six string orchestras, a flute choir and mariachi.

YOSA Orchestra musicians are conducted by leading music educators, enjoy sectional coaching from experienced music educators and professional musicians of the San Antonio Symphony, and have a great time playing exciting music with other dedicated young musicians from all over the San Antonio area. Performances and concerts take place in numerous San Antonio venues, and when public health conditions allow, all YOSA Orchestras will perform at least once per year in the renowned Tobin Center of Performing Arts.

Troy Peters, Troy Peters, YOSA Music Director, leads the elite YOSA Philharmonic, comprised of top young musicians in San Antonio. They showcase professional-level repertoire at premier venues globally, collaborating with renowned soloists and composers.

Musicians in the YOSA Symphony, conducted by Kenneth Freudigman, master a variety of advanced orchestral skills by performing unabridged pieces from the standard repertoire for full orchestra.

YOSA Wind Ensemble is conducted by Andy Post and brings together top young musicians for high-level performance of advanced wind ensemble repertoire.

The YOSA Flute Choir, conducted by Dr. Kristin Hayes, helps middle school and high school flutists develop the solo and chamber music skills necessary for success as an orchestral player.

Led by renowned mariachi musician and educator Miguel Guzmán. YOSA Mariachi will provide a unique opportunity for the finest young mariachi musicians in San Antonio to learn and perform together with peers from all over the region.

The most advanced of YOSA’s five string orchestras is conducted by Kenneth Freudigman and offers the opportunity to perform great masterpieces of string repertoire, from the Baroque era to today.

YOSA Sinfonietta Strings is conducted by Annette Solano and gives emerging string players the opportunity to hone their orchestral skills, focusing on techniques that will support future success in YOSA orchestras and other high school level opportunities.

YOSA Repertory Strings, conducted by Julie Post, introduces musicians to a variety of bowing techniques and historical styles, while also developing more advanced control of rubato, phrasing and expression.

Musicians in YOSA Capriccio Strings, conducted by Martin Sanchez, develop a higher level of stylistic refinement and expressive detail, while playing a wide variety of repertoire in a nurturing and fun environment.

YOSA’s newest string orchestra led by conductor Jason Thibodeaux offers aspiring musicians a balanced platform to further their musical development with a focus on enhancing technical proficiency while exploring various musical styles.

YOSA’s entry-level string orchestra is conducted by Kathleen Boyd and offers the chance to enjoy making music with other young musicians from throughout the city. The group includes a full complement of string instruments playing independent parts.