Welcome (or welcome back) to 2026-2027 MYS Concert Orchestra. I very much look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, September 13 at our new building!
In the meantime, I wanted to share a few important pieces of information. Please see below.
Best,
Dr. G.
2026-2027 Season Calendar
You can always access our season calendar by clicking on the button on the sidebar of any of these blog posts (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device). For your convenience, here’s a direct link.
PLEASE add every single rehearsal and performance to your calendars ASAP.
Things to note:
Concert Orchestra’s new rehearsal time is 5:15pm-8:30pm. This will allow more time for weekly sectionals and a longer break.
Pay special attention to our PRE-CONCERT REHEARSALS, which take place the day before each concert.
String sections will have coachings on one Thursday evening each term. 10/1, 12/17 and 4/8.
Please prioritize our rehearsals as you plan for other conflicting activities. Communicate your conflicts to your other activities as early as possible.
There is a maximum of 3 allowed absences per term. If you know you’ll have more than 3 planned absences, please reach out to me directly ASAP.
Leadership Audition for Fall Term
If you’re interested in a leadership position for the fall term, or if you’d simply like to share your musical growth/progress with me, you may do so by submitting an optional leadership audition, due on Tuesday, September 1st by end of day.
I will send a link to a Google form to send your audition on Wednesday, August 26.
For this audition, please record a minimum of 3 minutes of your best playing. Any repertoire is good. Piano accompaniment is not required. Videos of recent summer performances are good too (recorded after June 1, 2026).
weekend rehearsals left before next concert:
9
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 violas, basses, clarinets and percussion.
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,
Dr. G.
[Me and my family (Sarah and Alma) at the entrance of a trail near the Oregon Sand Dunes | August, 2026]
Welcome (or welcome back) to 2026-2027 MYS Symphony Orchestra. I very much look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, September 13 at our new building!
In the meantime, I wanted to share a few important pieces of information. Please see below.
Best,
Dr. G.
2026-2027 Season Calendar
You can always access our season calendar by clicking on the button on the sidebar of any of these blog posts (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device). For your convenience, here’s a direct link.
PLEASE add every single rehearsal and performance to your calendars ASAP.
Things to note:
Our regular rehearsal time has been expanded to 5pm-8:30pm. This will allow more time for weekly sectionals and a longer break.
Pay special attention to our PRE-CONCERT REHEARSALS, which take place in the days leading up to each concert. Dates and times are different from last year, and there’s a Monday night rehearsal in the fall. Pre-concert rehearsals on Saturdays are a different times too.
String sections will have coachings on 1 Thursday evening each term. 9/24, 12/10 and 4/22.
Please prioritize our rehearsals as you plan for other conflicting activities. Communicate your conflicts to your other activities as early as possible.
There is a maximum of 3 allowed absences per term. If you know you’ll have more than 3 planned absences, please reach out to me directly ASAP.
Leadership Audition for Fall Term
If you’re interested in a leadership position for the fall term, or if you’d simply like to share your musical growth/progress with me, you may do so by submitting an optional leadership audition, due on Tuesday, September 1st by end of day.
I will send a link to a Google form to send your audition on Wednesday, August 26.
For this audition, please record a minimum of 3 minutes of your best playing. Any repertoire is good. Piano accompaniment is not required. Videos of recent summer performances are good too (recorded after June 1, 2026).
2026-2027 Concerto Competition
Symphony Orchestra musicians are eligible to enter our Concerto Competition. All information can be found on this page. Below are important dates to keep in mind (these are also on our Season Schedule):
November 20: deadline to have repertoire pre-approved by Dr. G.
November 27: registration and teacher approval forms due
December 4: audition videos due
December 8: finalists announced
January 8: live, in-person finals, open to the public
2026-2027 Repertoire
You can find the latest draft of our season repertoire on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device). Here’s a direct link for your convenience.
The repertoire might still change, especially as we plan for our Japan tour on June of 2027. Thanks to those of you who sent me repertoire suggestions.
weekend rehearsals left before next concert:
9
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 violas, basses, clarinets and percussion.
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,
Dr. G.
[pictured: Hobbit Beach near Florence, OR | August, 2026]
To the phenomenal MYS Symphony Orchestra and our incredible collaborators,
Now that I have descended back to cloud 5 or 6, I am able to take a few moments to write a note about our unforgettable concert last Sunday (6/14/26).
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS. Oh my goodness. I went into this final concert term knowing that putting this program together was going to be a challenge. Playing Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is a giant undertaking for ANY orchestra (including professional ensembles). But you all truly exceeded my already-high expectations. Not only did you do incredible work in the Beethoven, but you also rocked HEADLINES and the Tchaikovsky cello piece (bravi Elaina and Margaux!!)
I know that I will never forget Sunday’s concert. It is easily among my favorite performances ever (not only with MYS, but all-around), alongside MYS’s concert in Austria in 2019, and our Beethoven 6th Symphony in Portugal in 2024. So, thank you for that.
This entire season has been pretty stellar. I remember addressing the audience before our fall concert. I spoke about how we were about to climb some of the highest peaks of symphonic literature. Since then, it has been truly inspiring to witness the growth of the ensemble from the fall (Brahms Symphony No. 1), through the winter (Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6) and ending with the concert on Sunday.
To our incredible collaborators: THANK YOU! What a privilege to share the stage with our Fantastic Four vocal soloists: Gregory, Brandon, Jasmine and Abigail. Your artistry, trust, openness and generosity were truly inspiring for everyone. And the Oregon Chorale…. wow! you sounded like twice as many. Your sound was beautiful and powerful. Your passion, joy, enthusiasm were contagious and elevated everyone’s performance. THANK YOU.
Thank you as well to our incredible group managers (Gloria, Jennifer, Katrina), the exceptional MYS executive/admin team (Diana, Mark, Sarah, Kyra and Cheri), our passionate Board of Directors, and every single family member who supported our young musicians: from driving to and from rehearsals and private lessons, to the roaring applause at the end of Sunday’s performance.
Towards the end of our Beethoven rehearsal process, I found myself telling the orchestra several times that “the greatest danger is to stop listening.” I’ve been thinking about that a lot: this idea is crucial to music, but also to absolutely everything we do in life. I suspect that many of you will remember our Sunday concert for a very long time, if not forever. But if you are to remember only one thing from the experience (and from the whole season), let it be that very thought. The greatest danger is to stop listening. Take that with you to all future musical experiences, and to all future endeavors.
Finally, this was my 10th season with MYS. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of young musicians to do it with. I’m proud of each and every one of you. If you are off to college, please stay in touch. I hope to see a bunch of you re-joining the orchestra for our Japan tour. For the rest of you, have a wonderful summer and see you in the fall!
With deep gratitude,
Dr. G.
MYS Symphony Orchestra graduating seniors, 2026 | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Call | June 14, 2026 | Photo by MYS
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.
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.
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.
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.
Soren Holbrook (viola) accompanied by Concert Orchestra | The Reser | May, 2026 | Photo by MYS
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!!
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, Mov2
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.
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
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).
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.
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
CONGRATS!! Really wonderful work on Sunday at our final concert of the season. Thank you for your hard work, commitment, trust and growth. It was my privilege to work with you this year.
We performed three concerts at three iconic local venues: the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Newmark Theatre and The Reser Center for the Arts.
We tackled music that challenged your technical skills, deepened our ensemble work and empowered neglected and up-and-coming voices, including works by a pioneering female composer and by local young composers in collaboration with local young animators. We also enjoyed standard symphonic repertoire, accompanied a brilliant soloist (one of your own), and premiered yet another piece by a local young composer:
Ethel Smyth’s Symphony for Small Orchestra and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 6 in the fall;
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 (mov 1) and original music by Young Composers Project students for a brand new animated film by Portland Art Museum students in the winter, and finally…
A brand new piece by student composer Jacobi Esparza (also through YCP), a contemporary viola concerto by Russian/Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov, and Gustav Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets.
This is no small accomplishment. I hope you feel proud of your work.
A giant THANK YOU to our group managers Ivy and Alicia. Your help every week was absolutely indispensable and greatly appreciated.
What’s next? Tests, end-of-school-year projects and deadlines, I’m sure. After that, I hope you’ll have some time to rest, unwind and reset, and then, I cannot wait to see you back at MYS in the fall.
MYS is going to Japan!! I hope many of you will be able to join our tour in the summer of 2027. In the meantime, please make sure to register for next season and schedule your audition (live or via self-submitted video).
As you may know, you’ll have the option of selecting a live in-person audition or a self-recorded video audition. I hope to see many of you in Symphony Orchestra next year.
Come hear MYS Symphony Orchestra’s final concert
Please plan to come hear MYS Symphony’s Season Finale concert on Sunday, June 14.
Elaina Stuppler: HEADLINES (world premiere) – part of our collaboration with Young Composers Project.
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (Margaux Hicks, cello – winner of the MYS Concerto Competition, Strings)
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, with the Oregon Chorale and soloists from the Portland Opera.
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.
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!
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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
Oregon Symphony with Music Director David Danzmayr
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
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, Mov4
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, Mov2
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
CONCERT Orchestra Notes for May 10, 2026 (Spring Concert!)
Dear Concert Orchestra,
I’m really proud of the work we’ve done together this year. I’ve really enjoyed working with you and I’m inspired by the artistic growth you’ve demonstrated.
I’m excited about our concert coming up on Sunday, May 10. Between now and then, please do slow, mindful practicing of all of our repertoire.
See you at noon at The Reser (please be on time!).
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
0!!
Recap – May 3, 2026
2:00pm-3:30pm:
tutti work on Viola Concerto (with soloist)
tutti work on Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm: break
3:45pm-5:00pm:
tutti work on Jupiter
Sound Check/Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 10
Please arrive by 12:00 noon, as per our call sheet.
There is NO NEED to bring a music stand to The Reser.
Arrival: 12:00pm – SIGN IN with a Group Manager at the door. Follow signs to Green Room.
12:30pm-1:45pm: On-stage sound check/rehearsal in program order:
Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
Jupiter
Please refer to our call sheet for guidelines regarding checking out and leaving between rehearsal and the concert; as well as call time back at The Reser and performance times.
As you may know, you’ll have the option of selecting a live, in-person audition or a self-recorded video audition. I hope to see many of you in Symphony Orchestra next year.
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 see you at the concert!
Dr. G.
Throwback to our ensemble photo back in the fall | October, 2025 | Photo by MYS
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
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
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, Mov4 & 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
