YOSAL is a non-profit organization committed to social change in our youth and communities through the inspiration, discipline, and performance of orchestral music.
Youth Orchestra Salinas, now in its 15th year, takes students from all over Salinas and teaches them proficiency in an instrument, guiding them towards advanced orchestra. Using the orchestra as a microcosm of society students learn about practicing, discipline, independence, leadership, and goal setting. The teachers at YOSAL are professional musicians and educators, who follow the el sistema philosophy that music can be a vehicle for social change.
Youth Orchestra Salinas operates out of Vineyard Church in east Salinas and brings students from nearly every school district in Salinas and Salinas Valley. Students in grade 1 to grade 12 attend the after school program. Families become a part of the program through contributed volunteer hours. The program is completely free and students receive an instrument, that they can take home to practice, at the beginning of the program. Students who are able to commit to the progression of the program have greater success in school, deeper civic engagement, and more opportunities for professional development later on.
YOSAL is like family to me. The people here are so kind! It is way better than school.
- Sophia Q, Salinas
