About YOSA
Mission
YOSA changes lives by providing shared musical experiences that unlock possibility and foster belonging for youth of all backgrounds.
-
![Young woman smiling in graduation gown holding orange diploma cover, wearing glasses and honor cords.]()
Trinity, 4 Years in YOSA
“YOSA brought me a family and a community. Before joining YOSA, I always had trouble getting out of my shell and playing in front of others. Others always encouraged me to try new things and were even by my side when times were rough. It was the power of music that brought me so much love and light for me and my family.”
-
![Young man sitting on a large rock in a park, holding a violin and bow, smiling at the camera with trees and a tall building in the background.]()
Joseph, 10 Years in YOSA
“YOSA has given me so many experiences that I would never have without it. I'm home schooled so the only time I get to play with a high level orchestra is in YOSA. I get to see so many new people. Some of my best friends I met for the first time at YOSA rehearsal. YOSA has been so great for me that I can't even explain.”
-
![Young woman with glasses and dark hair standing outdoors in front of a large tree, wearing a green and black varsity jacket with patch details, smiling at the camera.]()
Jacob, 3 Years in YOSA
"YOSA has pushed to perform as a musician at levels I had never been asked to achieve before and made me a better musician than I would've been without. Yosa has also given me countless opportunities to perform in incredible places and with incredible soloists. Yosa has also rekindled my love for classical music."
-
![A woman in a blue graduation gown and sash throwing her cap into the air in a field of yellow flowers on a sunny day.]()
Alicia, 4 Years in YOSA
“YOSA has impacted me in such a tremendous way. It has enhanced my performance abilities, my confidence, the way I express myself, and it has helped me find a voice through music.”
-
![]()
Jaziel, 6 Years in YOSA
“YOSA has given me opportunities to meet so many amazing musicians and teachers. I have created lots of friendships through the organization that will last past my years from YOSA. YOSA has also taught me valuable team skills and my role within a group of other individuals, applicable to real life circumstances.
-
![A young woman with long brown hair and a blue sweater smiling while holding a violin and bow outdoors with green plants and rocks in the background.]()
Noelle, 4 Years in YOSA
“YOSA has made me a better violinist and orchestra member. Learning new music and techniques in a fast-paced yet fun environment, all while meeting new people who share a similar passion to mine has been a significant aspect of my years playing the violin.”
Programs
YOSA provides young musicians of all backgrounds the opportunity to play music together so they can learn, grow, and thrive while connecting with the community. We provide transformative music experiences to more than 2,500 young musicians ages 8-20 through YOSA Orchestras, YOSA Summer Symphony Camp, and YOSA School Partnerships. YOSA connects motivated young musicians together and provides a world-class experience that helps youth grow creatively, academically, and socially.
-
YOSA History
YOSA has a deep community connection in San Antonio dating back to the late 1940’s. Find out more about how YOSA has changed kids’ lives through music for more than 70 years.
-
YOSA Alumni
YOSA musicians go on to perform in the world’s finest orchestras and music ensembles. They are found as teachers in conservatories and universities across the United States and abroad. They go on to become community leaders, doctors, lawyers, business professionals and entrepreneurs.
-
YOSA Team
YOSA staff, conducting faculty, and Board of Directors offer diverse skills that impact the young musicians they serve.
