Our second-tier orchestra which performs a difficult variety of repertoire, both popular and classical

Deana Johnson, Symphony Conductor

 

Deana Johnson, who is currently in her fifth season with YOSA, is an accomplished musician in many respects. She earned Bachelor of Music degrees in performance and music education from the Eastman School of Music, and was also awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate. Upon graduation she moved to Texas, where she earned a Master of Music degree at Baylor University and completed her doctoral course work at the University of Texas at Austin.

Her performing and teaching career has taken many paths since she moved to Texas. From 1987-1992, she was Instructor of Oboe at Southwest Texas State University. From 1995-97 she served as English Horn/Assistant Principal Oboe of the San Antonio Symphony. Since then, she has devoted herself to teaching at Rudder Middle School in the Northside I.S.D. Under her direction, the orchestra program has nearly tripled in size and enjoys sweepstake ratings at U.I.L. Teaching in the schools has been rewarding for her in many ways and it allows her to do what she enjoys most - being “mom.” She and her husband, Philip Johnson, formerly of the San Antonio Symphony and now YOSA Operations Manager, have three children, ages 17, 14, and 7.