YOSA School

In 1997, YOSA created the Junior String Orchestra, now with two levels called Capriccio Strings and Sinfonietta Strings. The following year, a free Neighborhood Strings Program (with loaned instruments) was offered for beginning students, moving in 2002 to the city's west side through a collaboration with Good Samaritan Community Services. In 2005, an entry-level string orchestra, Prelude Strings, was created for younger students. The Music Learning Center began in 2009, a daily after-school program inspired by the El Sistema model expanding the number of students served and supporting our Board's desire to reach more children who otherwise would have limited access to study music. The program was relaunched and rebranded as YOSA MÁS in January 2013. Today, YOSA encompasses several programs, including six orchestras: three strings-only groups, a flute choir, and two full orchestras that include woodwinds, brass, and percussion. In addition, YOSA MÁS and the Summer Symphony Camp provide quality musical experiences to young musicians in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. YOSA School Partnerships focus extensively on schools in the Roosevelt Compact, but reach out to other schools in other districts.