Meet the North Oregon Coast Symphony
For over 29 years our symphony has provided audiences along the North Oregon coast the opportunity to listen to live and local classical music concerts. Learn more about the talented people behind the music, our mission, and history.
Our board is dedicated to promoting the North Oregon Coast Symphony's mission to bring live classical music performances to our community.
With over 30+ members the North Oregon Coast Symphony showcases the unique talents of our musicians each season.
Since 2013 Cory Pederson has led the musical direction of the North Oregon Coast Symphony and our chamber orchestra.
Our Organization
...is an all-volunteer, nonprofit symphony committed to growing into a sustainable arts organization and offering exceptional classical music concerts.
Our Mission
...is to bring live classical music performances to audiences along the North Oregon coast for the benefit of the musical arts and education in our community.
Our Musicians
...travel from a 100-mile span around the Northern Oregon and Southwest Washington Coasts to rehearse and create classical music programs for the community's enjoyment and appreciation.
Our History
1994 – Founding of the North Coast String Orchestra
Our organization’s journey began with three women living on the North Oregon coast who felt there was a need for more music education and opportunities in the region. Under the baton of conductor and violin teacher Karen McCormick, the all-strings orchestra (the North Coast String Orchestra) began with just eight members of all ages and abilities, meeting at the Nehalem Grade school to rehearse. The orchestra’s goal was to promote string education for the tri-county area, support local musicians and musical groups, and bring entertaining programs to the community.
1997 – The North Coast String Orchestra Grows to 21 Musicians
1998 – New Sounds Join the String Orchestra
The orchestra expanded, gaining woodwind and brass musicians from the surrounding communities in Oregon and SW Washington.
2004 – McCormick’s Last Year as Conductor
Ms. McCormick guided the orchestra until 2004, when she moved out of state. The group continued to grow in size and skill.
2005 – The Orchestra is Renamed to the North Oregon Coast Symphony
The organization was reformed as the North Oregon Coast Symphony (NOCS) after a year’s hiatus.
2005 – Collin Heade Joins as New Artistic Director and Conductor
Collin Heade traveled from Portland each week to lead the North Oregon Coast Symphony. He encouraged the orchestra musicians to hone their skills by choosing more challenging pieces to perform. The all-volunteer symphony became evermore committed to providing a strong arts organization for the benefit of the communities it served.
2006 – The Sandra Stromquist Memorial Scholarship Fund is Created
The NOCS Board created the Sandra Stromquist Memorial Music Scholarship Fund in 2006 after Sandy’s passing. She was a violinist playing in many local music groups in the region, including NOCS. Sandy taught general music in the Astoria School District and developed the district’s string music program.
2007 - First Scholarship Awarded
The music scholarship encourages local youth to join the organization which enhances their music education, allowing them to play with adults and more experienced musicians. The students gain valuable skills and musical knowledge, not always provided in public school settings. To date 23 scholarships have been awarded.
2007 – The North Oregon Coast Symphony Files as a Non-profit Organization
As a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization since October 2007, local volunteer musicians have continued to provide live classical music for the North Oregon coastal region.
2013 – Cory Pederson Named New Music Director and Conductor
North Oregon Coast Symphony’s leadership changed again in 2013 when Cory Pederson was selected to take over as conductor. Mr. Pederson’s creativity and enthusiasm to try new things has carried the organization through the last few years and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
2019 – The North Oregon Coast Symphony Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
2022 – The North Oregon Coast Symphony Moves Rehearsal Space
The orchestra outgrew their rehearsal space of almost 20 years and now meets at the Seaside Recreational Center in Seaside, Oregon. This has assisted the organization in gaining more musicians. The NOCS is committed to being a sustainable arts organization, offering live classical music concerts, chamber ensembles, music education, and ongoing opportunities for community members to perform orchestral and chamber music requiring a conductor. A benefit for our musicians is the contacts and relationships with other musicians that can lead to performance opportunities beyond the orchestra.
Our Symphony Supports
The community by offering live symphonic and chamber orchestral concerts, along with opportunities for trios and quartet at events.
The musical arts by providing opportunities for community members to become involved in our organization as musicians or support staff.
The musical education of K-12 students by encouraging growth and offering musical scholarships for young musicians.
Support the Musical Arts on the Oregon Coast!
Your tax-deductible contribution today will help the North Oregon Coast Symphony fulfill its mission to play exceptional classical music performances, support our talented artists and musicians, and provide musical education scholarships in our community.
