YOSA Orchestras serve more than 550 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 two advanced orchestras, a wind ensemble, flute choir, mariachi, and six levels of string orchestras.

YOSA Orchestra musicians are conducted by leading music educators, enjoy sectional coaching from experienced music educators and professional musicians of the San Antonio Philharmonic, 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 all YOSA Orchestras will perform at least once per year in the renowned Tobin Center of Performing Arts.

YOSA Orchestras

Orchestra of young musicians playing violins and violas on stage during a performance.

YOSA Philharmonic

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.

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An orchestra performing on stage with a conductor standing in front, and empty red seats in the background.

YOSA Symphony

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.

Orchestra rehearsal with a conductor standing and leading performers in a concert hall with red seats.

YOSA Wind Ensemble

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

A music conductor leading a group of young musicians during a rehearsal in a theater.

YOSA Flute Choir

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.

A group of young musicians performing on a wooden stage with string and wind instruments, dressed in black with red accents, in a concert hall

YOSA Mariachi

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

Orchestra conductor leading musicians in a concert hall with red seating and brick walls.

YOSA Concertino Strings

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

A woman conducts an orchestra in a concert hall, surrounded by young musicians playing violins and cellos, with empty red seats in the background.

YOSA Sinfonietta Strings

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.

Orchestra performing on stage with conductor leading and musicians playing violins in a concert hall.

YOSA Repertory Strings

Youth orchestra performing on stage with conductor leading, musicians playing violins and cellos, in black clothing, surrounded by music stands, in an auditorium with red curtains.

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.

YOSA Capriccio Strings

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.

Orchestra of young musicians playing violins during a performance, seated in a row with music stands in front of them.

YOSA Intermezzo Strings

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.

A symphony orchestra practicing on stage with the conductor standing and leading the musicians, in a concert hall with red seating.

YOSA Prelude Strings

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.