UT Tyler and East Texas Youth Orchestra Partner to Expand Music and Education

The university and youth orchestra formalize a partnership to make the Cowan Center the official home of ETYO.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The University of Texas at Tyler has partnered with the East Texas Youth Orchestra (ETYO) to support arts education and community engagement. Under the new agreement, UT Tyler's Cowan Center will serve as the official home for ETYO, and the two organizations will work together to expand opportunities for artistic growth, educational collaboration, and community outreach.

Why it matters

This partnership reflects UT Tyler and ETYO's shared commitment to the transformative power of the arts and their belief in developing the full potential of East Texas students and the broader community. It also solidifies UT Tyler's role as a cultural hub in the region, strengthening the connection between the university and the local community.

The details

The partnership formalizes an existing relationship, as ETYO has rehearsed on UT Tyler's campus each Sunday since 2015. Now, the Cowan Center will serve as the official home for ETYO, and the two organizations will collaborate to expand educational and artistic opportunities for ETYO students as well as UT Tyler students and faculty.

  • The partnership was formalized in March 2026.
  • ETYO has rehearsed at UT Tyler's campus since 2015.

The players

Julie V. Philley, MD

UT Tyler President.

Phil Ketcham

ETYO Executive Director.

Sarah Roberts

UT Tyler School of Performing Arts Director.

East Texas Youth Orchestra, Inc. (ETYO)

A nonprofit organization that provides exceptional musical experiences in arts education through a diverse set of programs and community performances.

UT Tyler

A university that offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to over 11,500 students, with a mission to improve educational and healthcare outcomes for East Texas and beyond.

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What they’re saying

“This is a proud moment for UT Tyler. This partnership reflects our shared values, mission and belief in the transformative power of the arts.”

— Julie V. Philley, MD, UT Tyler President (tylerpaper.com)

“We are so grateful that The University of Texas at Tyler has been a steady partner of the East Texas Youth Orchestra, and we are excited to be able to call the Cowan Center our home. Both ETYO and UT Tyler are deeply committed to helping the schools and students of East Texas develop to their fullest potential.”

— Phil Ketcham, ETYO Executive Director (tylerpaper.com)

“The East Texas Youth Orchestra has rehearsed on our campus each Sunday since 2015, so we are thrilled to formally solidify and celebrate a relationship that has already been so meaningful. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and continuing to serve the musical life of East Texas together.”

— Sarah Roberts, UT Tyler School of Performing Arts Director (tylerpaper.com)

What’s next

The ETYO will perform its season finale concert on Saturday, May 9 at the Cowan Center.

The takeaway

This partnership between UT Tyler and the East Texas Youth Orchestra demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting the arts and providing educational and community engagement opportunities in the region. By making the Cowan Center the official home of ETYO, the two organizations are poised to deepen their collaboration and further enrich the cultural landscape of East Texas.