The Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) celebrated a significant milestone as they gathered at their new permanent home on the North Side, a former church and school located at 802 Oblate Dr. This new location marks a pivotal moment for the 50-year-old nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through music.
Jerrod Price, YOSA’s executive director, emphasized the organization’s mission to create shared musical experiences that foster belonging and unlock potential for youth from all backgrounds. “This place puts that mission on supercharge,” Price stated during the event.
The 52,000-square-foot campus, once home to Shearer Hills Baptist Church and later Legacy Traditional charter school, is undergoing interior demolition in preparation for a complete overhaul. The new facility will centralize rehearsals and performances for YOSA’s orchestral groups, which currently operate across 15 different locations in the city, including the University of the Incarnate Word and Alamo Heights High School.
Community and Cultural Investment
San Antonio Councilwoman Ivales Meza Gonzalez highlighted the broader impact of YOSA’s new home, describing it as an investment in the future of youth and the cultural fabric of San Antonio. She noted that the space is more than just a venue for music; it is a hub for creativity, learning, and collaboration.
The organization purchased the building in 2024 for $2.75 million and plans to invest an additional $12 million in renovations. These renovations will include a large rehearsal hall, formerly an octagonal-shaped chapel adorned with stained glass, and several smaller rehearsal spaces. Alta Architects, a San Antonio-based firm, is leading the redesign efforts.
Randy Hohlaus, principal at Alta Architects, explained the challenges and opportunities presented by the unique architecture of the former chapel. “You have to take care because of the shape of this to avoid having bad echoes and things that impede on the music,” he said.
Support and Vision
YOSA is in discussions with Bexar County for support, reflecting a promising public-private collaboration. Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai praised the project, noting the profound impact of music education on individuals’ quality of life. He shared personal insights from his daughter’s musical journey, underscoring the transformative power of music.
Sixteen-year-old Rene Lozano, a YOSA flutist, expressed excitement about the new facility’s potential to enhance musicians’ skills and mindset. The Fine Arts Center’s completion is anticipated in May 2027, promising a bright future for YOSA’s young musicians.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
