Demo Day Marks First Step Toward YOSA’s First-Ever $12 Million Fine Arts Center
New Home Will Expand Access to Youth Arts & Culture Across San Antonio
June 5, 2027
San Antonio, Texas –Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) will mark a major milestone on June 5 in its nearly 50-year history with Demo Day, the symbolic first step toward a new $12 million Fine Arts Center designed to expand arts access and transform opportunities for young people across San Antonio and South Texas.
On Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m., neighborhood leaders, donors, elected officials, musicians, families, and supporters will gather at YOSA’s future home at 802 Oblate Road, located in the heart of San Antonio’s District 1 neighborhood, to celebrate the beginning of a bold new chapter for youth arts and culture.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and District 8 San Antonio City Councilwoman Ivalis Meza Gonzalez will speak about the importance of arts access, community investment, and YOSA’s long-term vision to expand programming and impact throughout the city. Judge Sakai will share his own family’s personal experience with YOSA and discuss how YOSA changes kids’ lives and the community through music.
“The project is among the first of its kind in Texas, a dedicated fine arts and cultural hub created specifically for a youth orchestra organization,” said Jerrod Price, YOSA Executive Director. “Demo Day represents far more than the start of construction and renovations. It represents the future of youth arts and culture in San Antonio.”
“For nearly 50 years, YOSA has changed kids’ lives through music, creating opportunities for young musicians to grow as artists, leaders, and individuals. It is incredibly meaningful to see YOSA enter its 50th Season by taking this historic first step toward a permanent home dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians, leaders, CEOs, business owners, teachers,” said Troy Peters, YOSA Music Director.
The new Fine Arts Center will allow all YOSA programs to be housed in one location while creating space for expanded educational programming, rehearsals, performances, and community engagement initiatives.
The new center is expected to create a lasting impact on the San Antonio community by expanding access to arts education, strengthening neighborhood engagement, and supporting youth development through music. YOSA’s growth strategy focuses on reaching more students in historically underserved communities, particularly in areas where arts programming has been reduced or eliminated due to budget constraints.
In addition to serving student musicians, the Fine Arts Center will become a community gathering space for performances, educational workshops, cultural events, and collaborations with local schools and organizations. By increasing access to high-quality arts experiences, YOSA aims to foster creativity, confidence, academic success, and community connection for young people and families across the region.
The project also represents a long-term investment in San Antonio’s cultural future — helping cultivate the next generation of artists, leaders, educators, and engaged citizens while strengthening the city’s identity as a vibrant arts and culture community.
About Youth Orchestras of San Antonio
Youth Orchestras of San Antonio provides young musicians of all backgrounds the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through music. YOSA serves more than 2,500 students ages 8 to 20 through orchestras, school partnerships and summer programs, and works to remove financial and social barriers to high-quality music education. More information is available at www.yosa.org.
Want to get involved?
For sponsorship opportunities regarding YOSA’s new home, please email YOSA Director of Development Amy House at ahouse@yosa.org.