Ascend Music Program

Ascend Music Program Performance serving education in Bexar County and surrounding areas.

Formerly the Classical Music Institute, Ascend is The Orchestra San Antonio's official music education program. Ascend is a tuition-free, year-long program with the mission of expanding access to high-quality music education in partnership with schools across Bexar County. Ascend is currently partnered with Edgewood ISD, Stafford Visual & Performing Arts Elementary School and San Antonio ISD Eloise Japhet Elementary School.

08/31/2026

Music, Artist Faculty, bringing dinosaurs back to life, and Ron Weasley? 🎶🦖🪄

For this edition, students Sabrina and Kinley stepped away from class to talk about their progress in music, TOSA's Artist Faculty, and, of course, Harry Potter.

Their energetic personalities and wide-ranging interests remind us that music education builds curiosity, confidence, and creativity that can inspire students to explore their passions in science, history, reading, and so much more.

Watch the full, comedic edition of Artist x Artist on The Orchestra San Antonio YouTube channel!

08/27/2026

A perfect start to the day with Great Day San Antonio! Thank you to Roma Villavicencio and the Kens5 team for sharing our story and mission.

Shandon and Luis Primera shared their experiences within the Ascend program and what goes on day to day. Student and Artist Faculty shared how much music means and the value it brings to their lives, and how the power of music education is transferred from the classroom into the stage.

Our Artist Faculty at Ascend do more than perform at the highest level: they're equally committed to teaching and nurturing San Antonio's next generation of talent.

Watch until the end to hear what hard work at Ascend sounds like!

Our Ascend teams are excited to welcome back new and returning students for another full year of learning and fun. We’re...
08/11/2026

Our Ascend teams are excited to welcome back new and returning students for another full year of learning and fun.

We’re excited to see returning students deepen their skills and confidence as artists, while guiding new students as they begin their creative journeys with us. Not only are we excited to see them learn their instruments, but we're excited to see them learn to work together, build discipline and confidence, all while having fun!

Thank you to SAISD and Edgewood ISD for hosting us during their Meet the Teachers and for having Ascend back for another year of memories waiting to be made!

08/07/2026

"I see how much more fulfilled he is in his little heart. After this past year, there's no going back."

After learning that Ascend continues offering enrollment every year of tuition-free music education at Japhet Elementary, Annette reconsidered her plans to transfer her son to another school.

Watching him grow in confidence, develop a stronger sense of identity, and discover a love for music has made all the difference. She now encourages other families to enroll their children in The Orchestra San Antonio's official education program.

Click the link in our bio to learn how you can support Ascend's mission to nurture the next generation of musicians, and watch Annette's full testimonial on The Orchestra San Antonio's YouTube channel.

07/31/2026

Take a look back at our 25/26 season of Ascend.

From new teaching artists, new schools, plenty of firsts, fun, and friends, this year was full of special and memorable moments.

As Ascend prepares for another full year of tuition-free education, we ask for your help to make what we love even better and reach more students. Learn how to donate and get involved by visiting the link in our bio!

Your support brings tuition-free music education to San Antonio!Through Ascend, students across our city receive high-qu...
07/29/2026

Your support brings tuition-free music education to San Antonio!

Through Ascend, students across our city receive high-quality music education at no cost. Along the way, they build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

As we prepare for another year of Ascend, every gift helps provide instruments, instruction, and the resources that make this tuition-free program possible. Together, we're opening doors for students to thrive artistically, academically, and personally.

Visit the link below to learn how you can empower students through music:

https://www.theorchestra-sa.org/ascend/info

07/21/2026

These are the stories beyond learning and playing music that make Ascend special.

Artist x Artist is a conversation series between Artist Faculty from The Orchestra San Antonio's official education program and their students to share the stories behind their artistry and the connections that make music meaningful.

Before their performance at the 2026 210 Festival's Youth Program finale concert, Artist Faculty member Luis Primera and Ascend student Shandon sat down to share what Ascend means to them and how the 210 Festival supports young musicians over the summer.

Watch the full one-on-one conversation on The Orchestra San Antonio's YouTube Channel! 📺️

06/03/2026

For Antoinette and her daughter Lucretia, music has always been the heartbeat of their home. When Ascend came to Japhet Elementary, it didn't just bring music, it brought something to hold onto.

Ascend doesn't just teach students music, it transforms lives.

To watch the full clip, check YouTube channel 📺️

Congratulations to all our students and Artist Faculty for a stellar end to the school year! ✨ This year brought so much...
05/20/2026

Congratulations to all our students and Artist Faculty for a stellar end to the school year! ✨

This year brought so much growth for our students, with some even stepping into leadership roles, as concertmasters or conductors, with as little as seven months of training. Whether they're going into middle school, moving from our beginner to advanced orchestra, or new students beginning, we're ready for next year!

A heartfelt thank you to all parents and families who continue to support and encourage these students every step of the way. Their dedication and commitment are possible because you show up for them each and every day.✨

Last Saturday, Ascend filled the Mexican Cultural Institute with music, student journeys, and heart. Between their beaut...
05/14/2026

Last Saturday, Ascend filled the Mexican Cultural Institute with music, student journeys, and heart. Between their beautiful performance, students shared how Ascend has positively impacted their lives.

A heartfelt thank you to the Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio for their generous partnership and for providing our students with a remarkable stage and welcoming environment.

This is what The Orchestra San Antonio's Ascend is all about. Widening access to music education to more youth.

Address

115 Auditorium Cir
San Antonio, TX
78205

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ascend Music Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share