Every year, since 2017, the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra has presented full symphonic concerts to thousands of students across the greater San Antonio area at no charge to the schools. Through the magic of live-stream, we’ve been able to reach students and teachers who live beyond our service area so they can tune-in as well.
Click HERE for a Teacher's Point of View
“I appreciate all that you’ve done to put all this together for my students to appreciate music that much further because now it’s real to them.” Mrs. Daly, 4th grade music teacher, Wilshire Elementary School, San Antonio, Texas CLICK Here for a sample of the student concerts
Even though they volunteer their time in rehearsals and performances, the musicians of the orchestra are professional-caliber players. In fact, several of our musicians work and play in other area professional symphonies around Texas. Many of our musicians have advanced degrees in music.
CLICK HERE for a news story about the orchestra
The South Texas Symphonic Orchestra gives back to the community by presenting full concerts (complete with a 72+ member orchestra) to underprivileged and underserved communities.
CLICK HERE for a news article
The South Texas Symphonic Orchestra continues to partner with the San Antonio Food Bank, the San Antonio Youth Ballet, and the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter of San Antonio.
Rich in diversity, the orchestra welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic levels. Members of our orchestra include university and college professors, doctors, lawyers, music educators, students, mechanics, artists, stay-at-home parents, engineers, retirees, medical professionals, and lots more.
CLICK HERE for an example of our playing
Unlike other professional-caliber orchestras, the members of the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra donate their time in rehearsals and performances to bring the finest music ever written to audiences of all ages and demographics, especially those unable to afford a ticket to other performing arts agencies.
CLICK HERE for an article
“Dr. Sanders is dedicated to fostering excellence in music education and the cultural enrichment of our community” José Menéndez, Texas State Senator -District 26
“I am impressed by the dedicated mission of the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra for their investment in education.” Steve Allison, Texas State Representative, District 121
"The South Texas Symphonic Orchestra provides an impactful learning experience for our San Antonio students. These musicians are extremely talented, giving their talents to enrich our community. I remember as a young elementary student attending free concerts of our then San Antonio symphony. With public school budgets strained, this Orchestra is very much needed."
Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Texas State Senator, rit.
“Our community should invest in the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra because they are the only ones who invest in our community the way they do.” Adam Rocha, Director, San Antonio Film Festival
“The South Texas Symphonic Orchestra is a kind of miracle child in that the musicians and the conductor are all volunteers who do not ‘belong’ to an organization that has a payroll, a union, an office, and admin underlings. Yet this Orchestra makes beautiful music that consistently competes artistically with other local musical groups. The South Texas Symphonic Orchestra is the baby, the miracle child, and the grownup who makes sure everything happens as it should, and with excellence." Taddy McAlister, daughter of former San Antonio Mayor, Walter McAlister
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra for their generous contribution to our organization. At Family Violence Prevention Services of San Antonio, for 46 years our mission has been to break the cycle of violence and to strengthen families. Our collaboration with the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra allows us to continue our important mission.” Blanca Uribe, Director of External Affairs & Volunteer Relations San Antonio Battered Women and Children’s Shelter
CLICK HERE for a news article
We believe in dreaming big. Here are several ways we can make dreams come true for our community:
For a donation or grant of $30,000 we want to perform a concert series for thousands of elementary school-aged children across the greater San Antonio area at the beautiful Tobin Center at no cost to the schools. The program would be fun, educational, and participatory in other words, the students won't simply listen to great music, they will clap, they will stomp, they will sing as they learn about what to listen for in music. Ever since the bankruptcy of the San Antonio Symphony, there have been no free student concerts with a 72-piece orchestra at the Tobin Center.
For a donation or grant of $25,000, we want to perform a free concert for the senior citizens in our community at the Lila Cockrell theater. The program would include exciting music from the big band era and Frank Sinatra-style singers.
For a donation or grant of $25,000, we want to perform at the Shriner's Auditorium on Loop 1604 for an audience of military cadets at Lackland Air Force Base. One lucky cadet will be invited to conduct the orchestra from the podium, in a fun-filled way to let them know how much they are appreciated, and to thank them for their service.
