The OCYSF also runs a winter chamber series and composer's symposium for high school students. The Festival is an outgrowth of ideas that formed in the Newport Symphony’s board and the Festival’s artistic leadership comes from the Music Director Adam Flatt, who has extensive experience leading youth musicians at the highest level. The Festival, established in 2016, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed with the Oregon Cultural Trust. The Festival presents three major events each year: 1) a 4-day April Festival for high school orchestras, 2) a Winter Chamber Music Concert Series with high school students and professional musicians playing side-by-side, and 3) a Composers’ Symposium for high school students. The Festival has established and is building a high school orchestra community based in Newport, centered on young musicians, artistic exploration and collaborative performance that lead to recognition of the power of music throughout one’s life.
