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
Thank you for a productive rehearsal on Sunday, April 26. I was glad we were able to work on all three pieces. We have only one more full rehearsal before our concert on Sunday, May 10. Please be very strategic this week with your practicing. I want to see (and hear) everybody playing with full confidence and ownership.
Remember the moments in rehearsal when you sounded GREAT (there were many of them). Our goal is for each of you to hold yourself to that standard of excellence *on your own* – meaning, for example, not waiting for your conductor to ask you to play forte if the page already asks for it. You’re responsible for your individual performance for the benefit of the team, for the benefit of our audience, and ultimately for the benefit of the music itself. Together, we are building, preparing and wrapping a GIFT for the many people who will come to hear you play. Make the best gift you possible can. How do you do that? PRACTICE!
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
1!!
Recap – April 26, 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:
more tutti work on Movimientos de la Muerte
tutti work on Jupiter
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 3
Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.
Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:00pm: Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
3:00pm-3:30pm: Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm-3:45pm: break
3:45pm-4:15pm: more Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
4:15pm-5:00pm: Jupiter
MYS CONCERT 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).
Call Sheet for Spring Concert (Sunday, May 10)
You can find the call sheet here. Please read it carefully. A couple of highlights:
Call time at The Reser is 12 noon
Rehearsal on stage: 12:30pm-1:45pm
Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library
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 “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.
Availability for private lessons
I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, 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)
Dr. G.
MYS Symphony & Concert Orchestra students at Madras, OR Outreach Concert | April 22, 2026 | Photo by MYS
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.
weekend rehearsals left before concert:
6
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
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
Sunday 4/19 was our last date of sectional rehearsals for the year. We only have 2 rehearsals left before our concert on Sunday, 5/10.
Please place special focus this week on practicing your part for Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte. Please listen to (and play along with) the reference audio on our YouTube playlist. Percussion, woodwinds and most brass will have to download a practice copy. Here are direct links for your convenience: woodwinds, brass, percussion.
Soren Holbrook (viola) will join us on Sunday for the Viola Concerto. Please be sure to practice this piece as well, and listen to the audio, also on our YouTube playlist.
Please find our full rehearsal plan below.
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
2!!
Recap – April 19, 2026
2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals
strings worked with Darian Todd on Jupiter
winds+brass worked with Robert Wakeley on Ichmouratov Viola Concerto and Jupiter
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti:
Jupiter
Ichmouratov Viola Concerto
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 26
Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.
Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:00pm: Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
3:00pm-3:30pm: Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm3:45pm: break
3:45pm-4:30pm: more Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
4:30pm-5:00pm: Jupiter
Parts for Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
Percussion, woodwinds and most brass will have to download a practice copy to practice this week. Here are direct links for your convenience: woodwinds, brass, percussion. We’ll have hard copies on Sunday.
Strings should have hard copies already, but if you weren’t at rehearsal on Sunday, you can find the bowed parts here.
MYS CONCERT 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).
Call Sheet for Spring Concert (Sunday, May 10)
You can find the call sheet here. It will also be included in Mark’s email with announcements on Wednesday.
Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library
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 “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.
Availability for private lessons
I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, 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)
Dr. G.
MYS Concert Orchestra in Concert | Feb 22, 2026 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by MYS
Great to see you on Sunday, April 12 after our long spring break. We had a productive rehearsal, which included work on the Beethoven symphony, and our first read-through of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme (without soloist).
We have woodwind coaches from the Oregon Symphony coming this Sunday (4/19), and the tutti rehearsal will include HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler. As always, please see below for a detailed rehearsal plan.
String players: please sign up for our day trip and outreach tour to Madras, OR, on Wednesday, April 22. Details below. If you’re able to join us for this, please plan to come earlier this Sunday (5pm-5:45pm) for a quick rehearsal. All other string players: we’ll have a later start this Sunday (6pm).
Best,
Dr. G.
weekend rehearsals left before concert:
7
Strings: please sign up for Madras Outreach Tour (Wednesday, April 22)
A reminder from my recent e-mail:
As you may know, each spring, MYS ensembles perform 15 outreach concerts at low-income and under-served schools in the Portland metropolitan area and southwest Washington. This is an important part of our mission: we believe that every student deserves access to music education, regardless of socio-economic circumstance.
This year, we would like to assemble a large string ensemble made up of players from both Symphony and Concert Orchestras, for our outreach trip to Madras, OR on Wednesday, April 22 (coming up soon!). I would like to have as many of you as possible. It will be a fun day of sharing the gift of music and making community.
The trip will include lunch at a pizza place and two performances for hundreds of local elementary school students.
I will select about 15 minutes of easy music (grade 3 or so), and we’ll have a short rehearsal on Sunday, April 19 from 5pm to 5:45pm (between Concert and Symphony rehearsals).
If you’re interested and available, please 1) check in with your family, and 2) fill out this commitment form. Please respond by end of day tomorrow (Wednesday 4/15).
MYS Students in a 2025-2026 Outreach Concert | Photo by MYS
Recap – Sunday, April 12, 2026
5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals and string coachings on Beethoven
Each string section worked with a coach from the Oregon Symphony.
Violin 1 – Beethoven: movement 3 (Chien Tan, music room)
Brass with Robert Wakeley: HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler (pavilion)
Flutes& Clarinets with Zach Galatis: Beethoven, mov 2 + spots in mov 4 if time allows (music room)
Oboes& Bassoons with Victoria Racz: Beethoven, mov 2 + spots in mov 4 if time allows (annex)
—
5:45pm: arrival for string players who are not playing the Madras outreach concert
6:00pm–6:45pm: strings sectional with RGR: Beethoven, mov 1 (cafeteria)
—
6:45pm-7:00pm: break
—
7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti – HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler
7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Mov 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)
It was great to see you again on Sunday, April 12 after our long spring break. I was quite happy with our rehearsal. I thought the read-through of the Viola Concerto went quite well, and we’ve made good progress on Jupiter. It was great to have a fuller brass section with Symphony Orchestra guests.
We are done with small-group coachings for the year, and this Sunday will be our last day of sectionals. Also, the tutti portion of rehearsal will include Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte, so please be sure to practice that, and listen to the reference audio on our YouTube playlist.
String players: please sign up for our day trip and outreach tour to Madras, OR, on Wednesday, April 22. Details below. If you’re able to join, please plan to stay until 5:45pm this Sunday for a special rehearsal for the outreach tour.
Everybody else: rehearsal will end a bit earlier (4:45pm).
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
3!!
Recap – April 12, 2026
2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
each string section worked with a coach
winds/brass worked with Robert Wakeley
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti:
Jupiter read-through and work from the beginning to about rehearsal #8
Viola Concerto read-through and light work
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 19
Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.
Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals:
Winds/Brass/Percussion with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria): Jupiter and Viola Concerto
Strings with Darian Todd (pavilion): Jupiter
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-4:45pm: tutti with RGR:
Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
Jupiter from #8 to end.
4:45pm – end of regular rehearsal
5:00pm-5:45pm: special rehearsal for Outreach Tour to Madras, OR (Symphony and Concert Orchestra string players)
Strings: please sign up for Madras Outreach Tour (Wednesday, April 22)
A reminder from my recent e-mail:
As you may know, each spring, MYS ensembles perform 15 outreach concerts at low-income and under-served schools in the Portland metropolitan area and southwest Washington. This is an important part of our mission: we believe that every student deserves access to music education, regardless of socio-economic circumstance.
This year, we would like to assemble a large string ensemble made up of players from both Symphony and Concert Orchestras, for our outreach trip to Madras, OR on Wednesday, April 22 (coming up soon!). I would like to have as many of you as possible. It will be a fun day of sharing the gift of music and making community.
The trip will include lunch at a pizza place and two performances for hundreds of local elementary school students.
I will select about 15 minutes of easy music (grade 3 or so), and we’ll have a short rehearsal on Sunday, April 19 from 5pm to 5:45pm (between Concert and Symphony rehearsals).
If you’re interested and available, please 1) check in with your family, and 2) fill out this commitment form. Please respond by end of day tomorrow (Wednesday 4/15).
MYS Students in a 2025-2026 Outreach Concert | Photo by MYS
MYS CONCERT 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).
Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!
Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library
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 “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.
Availability for private lessons
I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, 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)
I hope you had a nice Spring Break and Easter weekend. I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday, April 12.
Before the break, we had some productive work on Beethoven and a great reading of Elaina Stuppler’s HEADLINES.
Please see below for our rehearsal plan for this weekend. Brass players: please look at the rehearsal plan carefully, and make sure you understand when you’re called based on each piece’s instrumentation. Let me know if you have any questions. Violin 1: note that you’ll work on movement 3 of Beethoven with Chien Tan from the Oregon Symphony. Please practice all of those exposed passages. Cello/Bass: you’ll work on the recitativos of movement 4 with Marilyn De Oliveira from the Oregon Symphony. Make sure to prepare.
Best,
Dr. G.
weekend rehearsals left before concert:
8
Recap – Sunday, March 22, 2026
5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals on movements 2 and 3 of Beethoven
Strings with RGR
Winds/brass with Mr. Wakeley
6:45pm-7:00pm: break
7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti reading of HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler
7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti work on movement 2 of Beethoven
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 12, 2026
Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:30pm-6:45pm: wind/brass sectional, string coachings on Beethoven.
Winds/brass with RGR – Beethoven: movement 3 (cafeteria)
Violin 1 – Beethoven: movement 3 (Chien Tan, music room)
Cello/bass – Beethoven: movement 4: recitativos, letter K onwards (Marilyn De Oliveira, pavilion)
6:45pm-7:00pm: break
7:00pm-8:00pm: tutti – Beethoven, Mov 4
8:00pm-8:30pm: tutti – Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme.
Note: from this piece, we’re playing:
Intro and theme
Variations 1, 2, 3, 8 and coda
Variations 4 through 7 are cut
There are no trumpets, low brass or percussion in this piece
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…
A few small changes in our part assignments PDFs. Please review each page. – 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 Students at the Keller Fountain | August 2026 \ photo by Sheepscot Creative
I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break and Easter holiday. I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday. Please remember that this is a shorter concert term. The concert is in just about a month! Please be sure to practice your parts at home and be fully prepared for each remaining rehearsal.
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
4!!
Recap – March 22, 2026
2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti: Guest conductor Jonathan DeBruyn: Jupiter and Ichmourachov’s Viola Concerto.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 12
Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.
Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter:
Winds/Brass with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria)
Percussion with Kevin Schlossman (corner conference room)
Strings:
1st violins with coach (music room)
2nd violins with coach (annex)
violas with coach (altar society)
cellos + bass with coach (pavilion)
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti with RGR: Ichmourachov’s Viola Concerto, Jupiter
5:00pm – end of rehearsal
MYS CONCERT 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).
Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!
Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library
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 “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.
Availability for private lessons
I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, 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)
Dr. G.
MYS Students at the Keller Fountain | August 2026 \ photo by Sheepscot Creative
Thank you so much for your work with Zoe Schlussel, who gave a wonderful workshop on Body Mapping on Sunday, 3/15. I hope that this training will help you prevent playing-related injuries in the long term. If you want more information, resources, or private lessons on Body Mapping, you can reach out to Zoe directly at zoe.schlussel@gmail.com.
We ***do*** have rehearsal this Sunday, with sectionals (strings with me, brass with Heidi Aispuro), and coachings (each woodwind section with a coach). Please see below for details.
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
5
Recap – March 8, 2026
2:00pm-2:50pm: Tutti reading session of Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
2:50pm: break
3:00pm-4:00pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 22
Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.
Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter:
Strings with RGR
Brass with Heidi Aispuro
Flutes with Robert Wakeley
Clarinets with Lisa Lipton
Oboes with coach
Bassoons with coach
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti: Guest conductor Jonathan DeBruyn will lead rehearsal on Jupiter and Ichmourachov‘s Viola Concerto.
4:00pm – end of rehearsal
MYS CONCERT 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).
Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!
MYS Concert Orchestra SPRING BREAK
Spring Break for Concert Orchestra will be on Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, April 5. There will be no rehearsals on these dates. Please note that these are different weekends compared to our Saturday rehearsals. The reason is that April 5th is Easter Sunday, so we shifted the break for our Sunday ensembles to avoid having 3 Sundays off in a row. This would have created a disproportionate negative impact on music preparation for our concerts.
Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library
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 “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.
Availability for private lessons
I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, 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)
Dr. G.
Zoe Schlussel leading her Body Mapping workshop | March 15, 2026
