Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced today that he successfully secured $3 million in the FY2025–26 New York State Budget for the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) to support the development of a new, state-of-the-art Youth Music Center in the Village of Scotia.

“I fought to make sure this funding was included in the final state budget because I believe in what this project represents,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “This is about more than building a music facility – it’s about investing in opportunity, equity, and the transformative power of the arts. The new ESYO Youth Music Center will give young people from all walks of life a place to grow, learn, and express themselves through music.”

The $3 million allocation will fund the installation of an acoustically sensitive, energy- efficient HVAC system—replacing outdated infrastructure from 1955 and providing a healthy, sound-optimized environment for hundreds of student musicians.

“Assemblyman Santabarbara’s leadership is a game-changer for this project,” said Rebecca Calos, Executive Director of ESYO. “With this funding, we are one step closer to opening the doors of a facility that will change lives through music. We’re not just building a center – we’re building a future for the next generation of musicians, artists, and leaders.”

Located on an 8-acre campus, the new center will house acoustically designed rehearsal spaces, classrooms, and community gathering areas. It will also expand ESYO’s free after-school CHIME program, provide subsidized private lessons for underserved families, and offer inclusive programming for students with disabilities, homeschooled youth, and early learners.