SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Memorial Day Weekend

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

We don’t have rehearsal this coming Sunday (5/24), and then we have only 2 weekend rehearsals left before our concert (!!!), plus our weeknight rehearsals.

Please make sure to be practicing our entire repertoire, prioritizing difficult sections, but strategically covering everything.

Important information and reminders below.

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

2!!

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Recap – Sunday, May 10, 2026

• 4:30pm-5:00pm: Japan Tour meeting
• 5:00pm-5:45pm: Elaina Stuppler’s HEADLINES
• 5:45pm-6:30pm: Tchaikovsky Rococo with Margaux

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Plan for Sunday, May 24, 2026

• NO REHEARSAL
• Next rehearsal: Sunday, May 31

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Weeknight Rehearsals & Concert Call Sheet

• Thursday 6/11 – 7pm-9:30pm
• Friday 6/12 – 7pm-9:30pm
• Saturday 6/13 – 7pm-9:30pm
• Sunday 6/14 – call sheet

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Beethoven: violin 1 and cello/bass: Extra coaching on 5/31

Please add to your calendars. 1st violins and cello/bass sections: Sunday, May 31, 3:30pm-5:00pm.

• 1st violins: 3rd movement (with Tomás Cotik)
• Cello/bass: recitativos in 4th movement (with me)

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RVSP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

A few of you have already RSVP’d. Thank you. The rest of you, please fill out this form (we need to hear from everybody whether you can do it or not). Here’s the full information.

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REGISTRATION is open for next season. Do it ASAP, please.

IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR NEXT SEASON. If you register before our last concert, you will not need to audition. If you miss this deadline of June 14, you will have to take a regular MYS audition to return to your spot in the group.

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Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

Every spring we gather feedback to help shape the growth of MYS. This survey is a great way to impact next year’s program.

Every parent/guardian and student is encouraged to submit the survey.

We want to hear about your experience in your ensemble(s). How was your conductor? How was the amount and level of the music you studied? How did your ensemble help you toward your musical goals?

This survey also asks about tuition, rehearsal and concert venues, music theory, and the highlight of your year.

The survey closes on Thursday, June 18. Click here to take the survey.

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MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

---

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

I will have a bit more bandwidth during the summer to teach private lessons. Lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (My instruments are violin and viola, but I may also be available for coaching sessions for other instruments). Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

---

Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

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Soren Holbrook (viola) accompanied by Concert Orchestra | The Reser | May, 2026 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 17, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

That was a fun rehearsal on Sunday, May 10th. I enjoyed watching a bunch of you conduct sections of the first movement of the Beethoven Symphony. A few reminders below:

SCHEDULE

• As per our season calendar, we have a different rehearsal time this week as well: 4:30pm-6:30pm. Plus, part of that time will be used for our Japan tour informational meeting (4:30pm-5:00pm).
• Then, next week, there is no rehearsal on Sunday, May 24 because of Memorial Day Weekend.
• After that, we have normal rehearsals on Sunday, May 31; Sunday, June 7, and then weeknight rehearsals on Thursday 6/11, Friday 6/12, Saturday 6/13.

RSVP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

• A few of you have already RSVP’d. Thank you. The rest of you, please fill out this form (we need to hear from everybody whether you can do it or not)

REGISTRATION

Finally, another reminder: IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR NEXT SEASON. If you register before our last concert, you will not need to audition. If you miss this deadline of June 14, you will have to take a regular MYS audition to return to your spot in the group.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

3!!

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Recap – Sunday, May 10, 2026

• 7:00pm-8:15pm: Beethoven, Mov 1 (with guest conductors from the orchestra!)
• 8:15pm-8:25pm: break
• 8:25pm-9:00: Beethoven, Mov 2

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 17, 2026

• 4:15pm: arrival – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA
• 4:30pm-5:00pm: Japan tour meeting
• 5:00pm-5:45pm: HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler
• 5:45pm: trumpets, low brass and percussion dismissed
• 5:45pm-6:30pm: Tchaikovsky – Variations on a Rococo Theme with Margaux Hicks.
• 6:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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Added coaching session for Beethoven: violin 1 and cello/bass

Please add to your calendars. 1st violins (Beethoven) and cello/bass sections: we’ll add a coaching on Sunday, May 31, 3:30pm-5:00pm.

• 1st violins: 3rd movement
• Cello/bass: recitativos in 4th movement

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MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

VIOLAS! Check our updated seating, please. (I *just* realized you can add GIFs to these posts… this one’s from this classic clip)

[edit (5/12, 1:50pm) – VIOLINS: I’ve also updated your seating. Check it out. Thanks.]

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

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RVSP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

A few of you have already RSVP’d. Thank you. The rest of you, please fill out this form (we need to hear from everybody whether you can do it or not). Here’s the full information.

---

Japan Tour Meeting on May 17

You should have received an email on Friday, May 8th from MYS Executive Director Diana Scoggins about an informational tour meeting on Sunday, May 17 at 4:30pm. Below is part of the text for your convenience:

As many of you know, MYS has a long tradition of traveling internationally. Past trips have included Poland/Czech Republic, China, Italy/Austria and most recently Spain/Portugal. Amazingly, the next tour is soon upon us.  We are thrilled to announce that MYS is planning to travel to Japan June 29-July 10, 2027. In addition to four concert performances, we have some wonderful sights and activities lined up. Some may even involve an occasional high-speed bullet train! 

Please join me at All Saints in the Symphony rehearsal space at 4:30pm on Sunday, May 17. We will meet for 30 minutes to preview the tour itinerary, important dates, and anticipated costs. Concert Orchestra musicians please join us if you are interested as there may be opportunity to travel with Symphony. We will need several adult chaperones to accompany us, so parents, if you are interested, please be sure to attend. 

The meeting will be available via Zoom (we will send out a link next week) and will be recorded. Any hardcopy materials will also be emailed to you. 

Every time MYS students travel together abroad to share their music, it is life-changing for everyone involved. We are excited to do everything we can to make it an absolutely amazing experience!

---

Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

Every spring we gather feedback to help shape the growth of MYS. This survey is a great way to impact next year’s program.

Every parent/guardian and student is encouraged to submit the survey.

We want to hear about your experience in your ensemble(s). How was your conductor? How was the amount and level of the music you studied? How did your ensemble help you toward your musical goals?

This survey also asks about tuition, rehearsal and concert venues, music theory, and the highlight of your year.

The survey closes on Thursday, June 18. Click here to take the survey.

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

---

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

I will have a bit more bandwidth during the summer to teach private lessons. Lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (My instruments are violin and viola, but I may also be available for coaching sessions for other instruments). Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

---

Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

Throwback to our concert back in the fall | November, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

Oregon Symphony Collaboration: New Addition to Symphony Orchestra Calendar

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

The Oregon Symphony has invited MYS Symphony Orchestra and the Young Composers Project to be their partners for an upcoming event on Tuesday, June 9th, as part of their EMERGING COMPOSER FELLOWSHIP program.

We will be joined by Oregon Symphony musicians to rehearse and record a brand new piece by their inaugural Emerging Composer Fellow Grace Miedziak. We will have two sessions, one in the morning (just us), to rehearse the piece on our own, and one in the afternoon, when Oregon Symphony musicians will join every section of our orchestra.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Location: MYS building – 3880 SE Brooklyn St.

– 10am-12:30pm: MYS-only rehearsal

(please bring a packed lunch)

– 2pm-4:30pm: MYS + Oregon Symphony session

It’s an honor that the Oregon Symphony has specifically selected MYS for this. I believe it speaks highly of the quality of our program.

We’ve added this event to our updated season calendar.

We’ll need everyone to confirm your availability by filling out this short form. Students: please double-check with your families before signing up.

Best,

Dr. G.

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More about the Oregon Symphony’s EMERGING COMPOSERS FELLOWSHIP

The Emerging Composer Fellowship offers an annual residency with the Oregon Symphony to a college- or graduate-level student in music composition. The Fellow receives institutional support, including a stipend, mentorship, and a reading session of the piece, as they compose a new work. The fellowship culminates in a finished piece of new music performed onstage by the Oregon Symphony. The Emerging Composer Fellowship is a collaboration with the Young Composers Project (YCP) of Fear No Music and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony.

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Please RSVP!

We’ll need everyone to confirm your availability by filling out this short form. Students: please double-check with your families before signing up.

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Grace Miedziak

2025/26 Emerging Composer Fellow

Grace Miedziak is a composer, producer, and vocalist based in Los Angeles. At seventeen, Miedziak received her first orchestral commission from the Portland Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and her later work, Coil & Venom (2023), was premiered by the USC Thornton Symphony. Her cello piece, Trout and the Hatch, was performed by Oregon Symphony principal cellist Nancy Ives, and she was also commissioned by Chamber Music Northwest to compose two string quartets. She has composed for National Public Radio, scored for the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and assisted composer Steve Hackman on major events such as the Democratic National Convention, NBC’s Live Wicked special, and Netflix’s Jingle Bell Heist. As a vocalist, Miedziak has toured internationally with USC Chamber Singers, performed with Voces8, and recorded for soundtracks and theme parks across the United States. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Composition at UCLA, she is developing a one-hour dance collaboration concert featuring all original music for her thesis project.

Grace Miedziak

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Oregon Symphony with Music Director David Danzmayr

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 10, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for another productive rehearsal on Sunday, May 3. It was the last Sunday with sectionals. From now until our concert on June 14, it’s tutti the whole time.

Please note that as per our season calendar, we have a different rehearsal time on Sunday, May 10: 7pm-9pm. The following week (5/17) is also different. Please double-check your calendars.

Trombones & tuba: you won’t be needed this Sunday. As you’ll see below, we’ll be focusing on movements 1 and 2 of Beethoven.

Finally, another reminder: IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR NEXT SEASON. If you register before our last concert, you will not need to audition. If you miss this deadline of June 14, you will have to take a regular MYS audition to return to your spot in the group.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

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Recap – Sunday, May 3, 2026

• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals
  • Strings with RGR
    • Beethoven, Movement 1 (from D to end of movement)
  • Woodwinds & Brass with Robert Wakeley
    • HEADLINES
    • Beethoven Movement 4 (pavilion)

• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: HEADLINES
• 7:45pm: low brass dismissed
• 7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Mov 4

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 10, 2026 (no low brass needed)

• 6:45pm: arrival – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA
• 7:00pm-8:00pm: Beethoven, Mov 1
• 8:00pm-8:10pm: break
• 8:10pm-9:00: Beethoven, Mov 2
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

---

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

I will have a bit more bandwidth during the summer to teach private lessons. Lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (My instruments are violin and viola, but I may also be available for coaching sessions for other instruments). Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

---

Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

Throwback to our ensemble photo back in the fall | October, 2025 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 3, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Great rehearsal on Sunday. THANK YOU, woodwinds, for being well prepared for the 3rd movement of Beethoven. It makes such a gigantic difference when we can really play and get into the music. Kudos also to the first violins for their work on the extended melodic variations in movement 3. Keep up the good work. And really, congrats to everyone. I was very pleased with our collective work on Sunday.

We’ll have our last week of sectionals this coming Sunday (strings with me and winds/brass with Mr. Wakeley). After that, it’s tutti all the way to our concert on June 14.

And speaking of June, IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR NEXT SEASON. Please remember: if you register before our last concert, you will not need to audition. If you miss this deadline of June 14, you will have to take a regular MYS audition to return to your spot in the group.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

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Recap – Sunday, April 26, 2026

• 5:30pm-6:45pm – sectionals and coachings
  • Strings & Woodwinds with RGR – Beethoven, mov 3
  • Horns with Lizzie Uptown – Beethoven, movs 3 and 4
  • Trumpets with Steve Conrow – Beethoven, mov 4; HEADLINES
  • Low brass with Chris Shuttleworth – HEADLINES; Beethoven, mov 4
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm – tutti work:
  • Mov 4 of Beethoven
  • Mov 2 of Beethoven

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 3, 2026

• 5:15pm: arrival – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals
  • Strings with RGR
    • Beethoven, Movement 1
    • HEADLINES (cafeteria)
  • Woodwinds & Brass with Robert Wakeley
    • HEADLINES
    • Beethoven Movement 4 (pavilion)

• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: HEADLINES
• 7:45pm: low brass dismissed
• 7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Mov 4 & 1
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

---

Bring your friends to MYS

If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

---

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at the new MYS facility, or via Zoom. (I may also be available for private coaching sessions for other instruments, but my specific instrumental training is upper strings.) Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

---

Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

MYS Musicians at MYS Gala | April 17, 2026 | Castaway Portland | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

I hope you’re having a great week. I’m still walking on air from the MYS gala on Friday night, and a wonderful “Prelude” performance by MYSfits before Yo-Yo Ma’s recital at the Schnitz last night.

Please continue being strategic with your practicing. We’re playing A LOT of music at this last concert. Specifically, the Beethoven symphony is a great challenge with the promise of an unforgettable reward. Keep up the good work, and learn all this music in your heart. Go beyond your individual part. Listen to recordings, explore the full score, go deep.

Nice work on Sunday with HEADLINES, by the way. Continue learning it and getting it very confidently under your fingers.

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

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Recap – Sunday, April 19, 2026

• 5:30pm-6:45pm – sectionals and coachings
  • Woodwind coachings
    • Flutes and clarinets with Zach Galatis (Beethoven mov 2)
    • Bassoons with Victoria Racz (Beethoven mov 2) – oboes were absent
  • Brass with Robert Wakeley on HEADLINES
  • Strings with me on Beethoven, mov 1 (detailed work from the beginning of the movement to m. 138).
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm – tutti work:
  • HEADLINES: we played through the whole piece, did some slow work in the middle section, played a tempo from S to the end.
  • Mov 1 of Beethoven

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 26, 2026

• 5:15pm: arrival – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals, brass coachings
  • Strings & Woodwinds with RGR – Beethoven, mov 3 (cafeteria)
  • Horns with Lizzie Uptown – Beethoven, movs 3 and 4 (annex)
  • Trumpets with Steve Conrow – Beethoven, mov 4; HEADLINES (pavilion)
  • Low brass with Chris Shuttleworth – HEADLINES; Beethoven, mov 4 (music room)

• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Movs 2 & 4
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

---

Bring your friends to MYS

If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

---

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at the new MYS facility, or via Zoom. (I may also be available for private coaching sessions for other instruments, but my specific instrumental training is upper strings.) Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

---

Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

MYSfits performing before Yo-Yo Ma’s recital | April 20, 2026 | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Photo by MYS