Each year, the Symphony League invites students to create original works of art in the classroom, inspired by listening to carefully selected musical pieces. These thematic selections align with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) teaching objectives, while teachers are supported with recordings and easy-to-use Teacher and Student Guides.
Student artwork is thoughtfully reviewed by a panel of judges, with 150–200 pieces typically awarded prizes. Winning selections are then proudly showcased at the Symphony League’s Student Concerts each February, where the joy of music and visual art come together.
League volunteers bring this program to life by assisting with art drop-off, coordinating judging, and setting up vibrant displays. At the concerts, they also have the special honor of supporting students as they see their work celebrated on a larger stage.
In 2026, the Symphony League received art from over 1200 students from 29 public, private and home schools in the San Antonio area. Students listened to select pieces that were included in the February student concerts and created art based on the music. Students were awarded prizes - 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place or Honorable Mention. From the 1st place winners at each school an overall Best of Show was chosen and the Best for each Music Selection and a Symphony League Presidents’ pick.
Congratulations to all participants and winners! Many 1st place winners and their art were recognized at a Symphony Viva Concert on February 8th at Travis Park Church.
Student Concerts – February 2026
The San Antonio Symphony League and Alamo City Arts’ Symphony Viva collaborated to bring live classical music concerts to local students. These concerts were part of Alamo City Arts Connect: Student Concert Series and supported the League’s 52nd Annual Paint to Music Contest. Schools incurred no cost to attend the concerts other than transportation for their students.
Alamo City Arts- Symphony Viva
Alamo City Arts is committed to inclusive education in dance, theater and music fostering a deep appreciation for the performing arts
through education and performance. Alamo City Arts’ Symphony Viva is now in its 7th season of music making. Symphony Viva strives to bring high quality music to the San Antonio Community. A program that connects them to San Antonio students is the Alamo City Arts Connect: Student Concerts. Through this program they bring different forms of quality performance arts directly to students, meeting them at various schools around the city. Along with the performance experience, each participating school is given lesson plans for the concert, learning about different components they may see and hear.
Dates and Locations
February 4, 2026- Southwest High School
February 5, 2026- Judson ISD Performing Arts Center
February 6, 2026- Clemens High School
The Concert Theme
The Music selection for the 2026 Paint to Music Contest is Scheherazade, Op. 35, a symphonic poem composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 1888. Inspired by the timeless tales of One Thousand and One Nights—also known as The Arabian Nights.
The story centers on Sultan Schahryar, who, convinced of women’s unfaithfulness, vows to execute each bride after her wedding night. To end this cycle, the wise and courageous Sultana Scheherazade offers herself in marriage. On their first night, she begins to weave a captivating tale, deliberately leaving it unfinished by dawn. The Sultan, eager to hear the ending, spares her life. Night after night,
Scheherazade continues with stories of wonder, magic, and adventure—each one ending on a cliffhanger.
After 1,001 nights, the Sultan, transformed by her courage and imagination, abandons his decree. He falls deeply in love with Scheherazade, and together they live happily ever after with their three children.
2026 Paint To Music Winning Art
Best for Music Selection:
The Story of Sinbad the Sailor
Raymond, 4th Grade
Prelude Preparatory School
Best for Music Selection:
The Festival at Baghdad
Marguerite, 3rd Grade
St. Luke's Episcopal School
Best for Music Selection:
The Story of the Kalendar Prince
Joey, 5th Grade
Briscoe Elementary
Best in Show:
The Story of the Kalendar Prince
Brayan, 4th Grade
Briscoe Elementary
SASL President's Pick
Leilani, 4th grade
Kallison Elementary
2025 Paint to Music Winners
See photos of winning students who attended the Agarita concert on March 9, 2025 here.
2023 Winners
The League selects art pieces that are printed on note cards and Fiesta medals; the sale of those cards and medals further supports the League's work.
Prints from select pieces of Paint to Music art are also occasionally displayed and auctioned, raising funds to support educational activities.
