North Oregon Coast Symphony

The North Oregon Coast Symphony (NOCS) is a non-profit, all-volunteer symphony orchestra that has been serving the North Oregon coastal region with live classical music performances for over 29 years. The organization's journey began in 1994 with the founding of the North Coast String Orchestra by three women who recognized the need for more music education and opportunities in the area. Initially comprising just eight members of varying ages and abilities, the orchestra was led by conductor and violin teacher Karen McCormick and rehearsed at the Nehalem Grade School. Its primary goal was to promote string education in the tri-county area, support local musicians and musical groups, and deliver entertaining programs to the community. The orchestra experienced growth in 1997, expanding to 21 musicians, and further diversified its ensemble in 1998 by incorporating woodwind and brass players from the surrounding communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. After McCormick's departure in 2004, the group continued to evolve in both size and skill, leading to its reformation as the North Oregon Coast Symphony in 2005 following a year's hiatus. Under the new leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor Collin Heade, who joined in 2005, the symphony began tackling more challenging pieces, furthering its commitment to fostering a robust arts organization. In 2006, the NOCS Board established the Sandra Stromquist Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the late Sandy Stromquist, a local violinist and music educator. The scholarship was first awarded in 2007, aimed at encouraging local youth to enhance their music education by playing alongside more experienced musicians within the organization. NOCS officially filed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in October 2007, continuing its tradition of providing live classical music to the North Oregon coast. The symphony saw another change in leadership in 2013 when Cory Pederson was named the new Music Director and Conductor, bringing creativity and enthusiasm that helped the organization navigate through challenges, including the COVID-19 Pandemic. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019, NOCS has remained dedicated to its mission of offering exceptional classical music concerts, chamber ensembles, music education, and opportunities for community members to perform orchestral and chamber music. In 2022, the symphony moved its rehearsal space to the Seaside Recreational Center in Seaside, Oregon, to accommodate its growth and attract more musicians. NOCS supports the community through live symphonic and chamber orchestral concerts and provides opportunities for small ensembles to perform at various events. It also promotes the musical arts by offering engagement opportunities for community members as musicians or support staff and contributes to the musical education of K-12 students by offering scholarships for young musicians. The North Oregon Coast Symphony continues to invite new musicians to join its ranks, with over 30 regular members and open chairs for various instruments. It encourages public support through tax-deductible contributions to help fulfill its mission of playing exceptional classical music, supporting talented artists and musicians, and providing musical education scholarships in the community.