Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Performance

For at least the past decade, HS music programs throughout the state have fallen victim to budget cuts, leaving few organized opportunities for youths to learn how to play a musical instrument let alone participate in an orchestra. In response to this lack of support for HS orchestra programs and the impending and looming additional budget reductions, the festival board provides a set of unique opportunities to help revitalize and sustain HS orchestras. Established in 2016, we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The festival currently presents three major events each year: 1) a 4-day April festival for HS orchestras, 2) a Chamber Music Concert Series with HS students and professional musicians playing side-by-side, and 3) a Composers’ Symposium Series for HS students. The 2026-27 school year is our 10-year anniversary season and due to high demand, we plan to expand. Our expansion plan includes adding another 4-day festival (Astoria, November 2026) for the 10-year anniversary season – and beyond. The Board strategically identifies rural and high need schools to (a) ensure that orchestras from around the state participate and (b) ensure that students who may experience inequity based on family income have the opportunity to participate. We do not want any school to feel they cannot participate if they can't raise sufficient funds. The festival pays for all expenses (e.g., lodging, food, instructors). Schools only pay their bus transportation to and from the festival. Goals for the Clatsop county community are: • Provide opportunities for community members to engage with the artists and ensure greater access to quality music experiences. • Promote well-being, inspire learning, and strengthen the fabric of our coastal communities. • Unlock the transformative power of music to enhance the quality of life and livability in Clatsop county. • Complement & support the efforts of Clatsop county’s public & private music educators. • Provide two FREE classical music concerts for the Clatsop community. • Enhance Astoria’s prominence as an “arts hub” of the coast. During the 4-day festival three of the HS orchestras perform Friday evening in a FREE concert along with a performance by a university or guest orchestra. Saturday evening three of the six HS orchestras perform and the combined festival orchestra (all six HS orchestras) perform together in a FREE concert as the 4-day festival’s finale. The festival’s instructors are: Hector Aquero, Drake University, Dr. Dan Allcott, University of Tennessee and Adam Flatt, Colorado Ballet. The festival dates are: November 5-8, 2026.