Category: Symphony Orchestra

MYS Symphony Orchestra Posts

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – October 13, 2026

Posted on by mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – October 13, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for your work in rehearsal on Sunday, October 11.

Please remember to always sign in when you arrive for rehearsal. A bunch of you were there on Sunday, but you’re marked on our attendance sheet as absent because you didn’t sign in.

On that note, please remember that attendance is crucial for a successful rehearsal process leading up to each of our concerts. A few people have been out sick, which is understandable and expected (thanks for staying home if you might be contagious.) Outside of illness, please prioritize rehearsals and make sure you have our upcoming pre-concert rehearsals on your calendar! As I’ve said before, I’d like to avoid people coming to me or emailing me the week before the concert to tell me they can’t come to these rehearsals. Also, please remember to arrive by 4:45pm, for an on-time 5pm downbeat.

Please practice with a metronome! Start at slower tempos and make sure you can play your part accurately and comfortably. Then, increase the tempo very gradually to gain facility. See below under “HOW TO PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME.”

Also, a reminder that this coming Sunday (10/18) is our concert dress check and ensemble photo. Please come in concert dress (all black), and make sure a Group Manager OKs your attire.

Finally, our concert is in just about a month from today. The days are going to FLY BY, so let’s make sure everyone’s individual parts are fully learned by now, so we can spend the next 4 weeks bringing our ensemble playing to the highest possible level.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for 10/18, and more details.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, October 11

  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:50pm: we read through Skye Neal’s Coalesce. Thanks for a great read-through of this piece. Skye will send us final PDFs this week, and we’ll have hard copies in rehearsal on Sunday.
    • 5:50pm-6:15pm: we worked on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 2
    • 6:15pm-6:30pm: we worked a bit on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide. Mostly m. 207 to the end, under tempo. We need to make sure to clean up m.255-m.271. Please practice with a metronome.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals, woodwind coachings
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik @ Contrabassment – movement 1 of Shostakovich and Candide
    • Woodwinds worked with coaches from the OS on select spots in Shostakovich and general ensemble playing skills.
    • Brass worked with Kim Minson (OS) on on select spots in Shostakovich and general ensemble playing skills.

HOW TO PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME

Metronome practice is crucially important. You should be practicing with a metronome regularly (i.e. every day).

A basic strategy for metronome practice is the following:

  1. Select a specific passage you want to work on (not too short, not too long).
  2. Make sure you have good fingerings/bowings, plans for articulation, dynamics, etc.
  3. Select a VERY slow tempo, at which you can play the passage very accurately and comfortably, with polish and ease, and without stopping.
  4. Repeat a few times (MINDFULLY!! – this means you’ll be trying as best as you can to focus on what you’re doing. Your mind might wander, and that’s OK. Bring your focus back to the music each time it happens. DO NOT practice while watching videos, etc).
  5. If you’re able to play the passage 2 or 3 times (accurately, comfortably, with polish and ease, without mistakes, and without stopping), increase the metronome tempo by 1 o 2 clicks. Go back to step 4, and repeat until you reach performance tempo.

Example with Bernstein’s Candide:

Select your passage (e.g. woodwinds m.64 to m.83; or strings m.260 to m.271). Start slow (in 4, [eight note = 120]). Increase the metronome tempo gradually until you might want to switch to “in 2.” For example, once you get to eight note = 160, switch to [half note = 55], and continue increasing the tempo until you reach performance tempo.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 18

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in – WEAR YOUR CONCERT CLOTHES!
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:10pm: Group photo 📸
    • 5:10pm-6:10pm: Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movements 1 and 4
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Amanda Grimm (OS Principal Viola) @ Contrabassment – Shostakovich – all movements (coach’s choice)
    • Woodwinds and Brass with James Shields @ Fireside Room – Shostakovich – all movements (coach’s choice)

Leadership Auditions due October 27

Our optional leadership auditions are due October 27th, as per our season calendar. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

The list of excerpts and instructions have been posted here.

You can submit your audition on this form.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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.

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 MYS, 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.

MYS Musicians in downtown Portland | Fall 2026 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Optional Leadership Audition Information

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Optional Leadership Audition Information

Please submit your audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, October 27

Instructions:

  • Please create one single video with all required excerpts. Cuts are not allowed within excerpts. You may do separate takes for each excerpt and stitch them together into a single video.
  • An audible metronome must be used for your videos.
  • Please record the part that you are playing during the current concert term (Fall 2026. E.g. if you play 2nd flute, please record 2nd flute; if you play violin 2, please record violin 2).
  • Upload your video to YouTube and make sure to set the video privacy to “unlisted.”
  • Submit your audition on this Google form.

Audition Excerpts (from Bernstein’s Candide Overture and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5)

Flute 1

  • Bernstein: m.63 to m.81 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, pick-up to [59] to [61] (quarter = 120)
    • Mov 4, [115] to [116] (half = 64)

Flute 2

  • Bernstein: m.25 to m.38 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 1 before [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, 2nd of [98] with pick-up to [101] (quarter = 104)

Piccolo

  • Bernstein: m.148 to m.172 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [110] to [111] (half = 72)

Oboes (both parts)

  • Bernstein: m.26 to m.46 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, 7 after [107] to downbeat of [109]

Clarinet 1

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 4 before [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Clarinet 2

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 1 before [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

E-flat Clarinet

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [49] to 4 before [51] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Bassoons (both parts)

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 4 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [50] to 4 before [52] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Horns (all parts)

  • Bernstein: m.190 to m.201 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [36] to downbeat of 2nd of [38] (quarter = 66)
    • Mov 2, [72] to 5 before [74] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [128] to [130] (quarter = 116)

Trumpets (all parts)

  • Bernstein: m.123 to m.138 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [27] to downbeat of [29] (quarter = 126]
    • (1st and 2nd trumpets) Mov 2, [70] to [71] (quarter = 138)
    • (3rd trumpet) Mov 2, 1 before [73] to end (quarter = 138, skip rests)
    • Mov 4, beginning to [98] (quarter = 88, ignore accelerando)

Low brass (all parts)

  • Bernstein: m.247 to end (skip 10 bar rest) (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, 4th of [29] (with pick-up if applicable) to downbeat of [32] (quarter = 126, ignore stringendo)
    • Mov 1, 1 before [33] to 4th of [35] (quarter = 138)
    • (trombones) Mov 4, beginning to [98] (quarter = 88, ignore accelerando)
    • (tuba) Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Violins (both parts)

  • Bernstein: m.261 with pick-up to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 5 after [54] to [56] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [113] to [115] (half = 70]

Viola

  • Bernstein: m.83 to m.118 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, 1 after [15] to [17] (quarter = 92)
    • Mov 2, [55] to [56] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [110] to [111] (half = 72)

Cello

  • Bernstein: m.260 with pick-up to m.278 (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [55] to [56] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 3, [90] to [92] (quarter = 62)
    • Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Bass

  • Bernstein: pick-up to m.8 to m. 21 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [22] to [23] (quarter = 126)
    • Mov 2, beginning to [49] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – October 6, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – October 6, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for a wonderful rehearsal on Sunday, October 4. It really felt like we started to tap into the intense emotional content of the 3rd movement of Shostakovich. Candide is coming along as well.

I will post the excerpts for our optional leadership auditions (due October 27th) tonight. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, our plan for 10/11, leadership auditions and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, October 4

  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-6:00pm: we worked on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 3. We focused on digging deep into the emotional content of the music. After a read-through, we worked on [81] to 1 before [83], and [88] to the end.
    • 6:00pm-6:30pm: we worked on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide. Beginning to [134-ish], and slow work at [64].
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals, brass coachings
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 3 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds with Jeff Garza, horns with Kim Minson, trumpets with Elizabeth Sotelo and low brass with JáTtik Clark (Fireside Room) – movement 3 of Shostakovich and other spots.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 11

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:30pm: Read-through of Skye Neal’s Coalesce (Young Composers Project)
    • 5:30pm-6:10pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 2
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: woodwind coachings by sections – spots in all movements (coaches’ choice)
    • Flutes with Adam Eccleston in Jazz Room (basement level)
    • Oboes with Kenneth Bader in Room 206 (2nd floor)
    • Clarinets with James Shields in Room 108 (1st floor)
    • Bassoons with Kai Rocke in Room 207 (2nd floor)
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – Candide Overture
    • Brass with Kim Minson (Fireside Room) – Shostakovich – all movements (coach’s choice)

Leadership Auditions due October 27

As I mentioned above, our optional leadership auditions due October 27th, as per our season calendar. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

The list of excerpts and instructions have been posted here.

You can submit your audition on this form.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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.

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 MYS, 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.

MYS Symphony Orchestra violinists work with Erin Furbee, Assistant Concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony | Thursday 9/24, 2026 | photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Great rehearsal on Sunday, 9/27. The 4th movement of Shostakovich got off to a good start, and it was good to do a little under-tempo work on Bernstein. Also, we had very productive string section coachings on Thursday, 9/24.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, our plan for 10/4, and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 27

  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:20pm: we started with an icebreaker activity – a central part of the work that we do at MYS is building community. I hope that you met some new people and that you will continue forming friendships that may last a lifetime!
    • 5:20pm-6:10pm: we worked on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 4
      • We read through the entire movement (great job!) and then we worked from the beginning to around [108].
      • Please make sure that the first 3 bars of the poco a poco accelerando push forward significantly (from quarter = 88 to quarter = 104), and then it’s a long build to rehearsal no. [104] (quarter = 132)
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: we worked on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide. Did some under-tempo work from the begininng to around [76].
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 3 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds and brass with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room) – movement 3 of Shostakovich

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 4

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-6:00pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 3 (musicians who don’t play this movement are welcome to arrive at 5:45pm)
    • 6:00pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: brass coaching by sections – spots in all movements (coaches’ choice)
    • Horns in Room 206 (2nd floor) with Kim Minson
    • Trumpets in Jazz Room (basement level) with Elizabeth Sotelo
    • Low brass in 108 (1st floor) with JáTtik Clark
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: percussion sectional in room 108 of Candide, led by Evan.
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals including brass coaching by sections
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 2 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds with Jeff Garza (Fireside Room) – movement 2 of Shostakovich

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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.

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 MYS, 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.

MYS Musicians in downtown Portland | August 30, 2026 | photo by Sheepscot Creative

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive first tutti rehearsal on Sunday, September 20. It was great to have everybody in the room and play through the first movement of Shostakovich and Bernstein’s Candide Overture.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, Thursday evening string sectionals, and plans for Sunday, September 27.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 20

  • 5:00pm-6:10pm: Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, movement 1.
    • We read through the entire first movement. Good work! After that, we spent some time rehearsing:
      • [32] to [44]
      • played again (under tempo and with softer dynamics) from [22] to about [32]
  • 6:10pm-6:30pm: Bernstein Overture to Candide
    • We watched/listened to a video of Leonard Bernstein conducting a live performance of the piece, with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1989.
    • We then played a “stumble-through” of the whole piece, mostly in tempo. It’s fast!!!
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: Sectionals on movement 4 of the Shostakovich Symphony:
    • Strings @ Contrabassment with Tomás Cotik.
    • Woodwinds & brass @ Fireside Room with James Shields.

STRING COACHINGS – Thursday, September 24

  • 6:45pm: arrival and check-in
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: string coachings
    • Candide Overture & Shostakovich spots (movs. 1, 2 & 4)
      • Violin 1 with Erin Furbee @ Fireside Room
      • Violin 2 with Adam Lamotte @ Contrabassment
      • Viola with Charles Noble @ Jazz Room (pls include mov. 1 #15)
      • Cellos with Marilyn de Oliveira @ Performance Hall
      • Basses with Jason Schooler @ Room 108 (206 also available if preferred)

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 27

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:20pm: icebreaker activity
    • 5:20pm-6:10pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 4
      • NOTE: tempi in this movement will be the ones printed. The accelerando poco a poco in m. 3 bars before [98] is a long one, culminating at the Allegro at [104]. The various metronome markings along the way are “checkpoints” as we get faster VERY GRADUALLY.
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals including brass coaching by sections
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 3 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds and brass with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room) – movement 3 of Shostakovich

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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.

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 MYS, 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.

Orchestra Nova Northwest had a full week of rehearsals at MYS. It’s wonderful to be able to host other local performing arts organizations at our new space | 9/19/26 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Hi all,

Great to see you on Sunday. I’m excited for our first tutti rehearsal coming up this week.

Please remember to plan your practicing strategically so that you are fully prepared for each rehearsal. Also, please write your name on your sheet music!! I forgot to remind you to do this on Sunday.

Keep an eye out for Mark’s Weekly Announcements tomorrow (Wednesday).

Finally, please see below for important rehearsal notes.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

8

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 13

  • We spent the first portion of rehearsal time together with Concert Orchestra musicians in our Performance Hall. We introduced our Group Managers and Coaches, and talked about expectations for the season, including:
    • Arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of rehearsal.
    • Sign in upon arrival by initialing next to your name on the sign-in sheet.
    • Add all concerts and rehearsals to your calendars, including additional rehearsals the few days before concerts, and any Thursday evening rehearsals for strings (check the Season Calendar linked on the side bar – or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device).
    • Please communicate absences in advance, and keep in mind that the maximum number of absences allowed per term is three. (That said, ideally, you’ll have zero absences).
    • Remember that MYS is NOT a hyper-competitive environment. Rather, it is a nurturing environment where STUDENTS SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND INSPIRE ONE ANOTHER. That said, there is a clear expectation of being prepared for each rehearsal (meaning you have to practice and learn your part at home and with your private teacher).
    • Please always bring a pencil (and use it!), a full spill-proof water bottle and a music stand.
  • After our welcoming meeting, we watched the documentary on Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 from the Keeping Score series, by Michael Tilson Thomas with the San Francisco Symphony. I’ve added this documentary to our Audio/Video Reference Playlist, which is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device.)
  • After the break, we split into sectionals. Everybody worked on movement 1 of the symphony:
    • Strings went downstairs to the Contrabassment and worked with Tomás Cotik.
    • Woodwinds, brass and percussion went to the Fireside Room and worked with Adam Eccleston.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 20

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-6:10pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 1
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: read Bernstein’s Overture to Candide (!!)
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals on: Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 4
    • NOTE: tempi in this movement will be the ones printed. The accelerando poco a poco in m. 3 bars before [98] is a long one, culminating at the Allegro at [104]. The various metronome markings along the way are “checkpoints” as we get faster VERY GRADUALLY.
      • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment)
      • Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with James Shields (Fireside Room)

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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.

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 MYS, 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.

Dr. Ed Protzman working with our Concert Band | 9/12/26 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

Hi all,

I hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend. Our first rehearsal of the year is this Sunday! (September 13). We’re excited to see you very soon.

Thank you to those of you who submitted optional leadership auditions. It was wonderful to hear you play.

Please read this entire post carefully, and see you soon!

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

9

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 13

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in at MYS (3880 SE Brooklyn St.) (main sanctuary door)
  • 5:00pm: make a name tag, find your folder, double-check part assignments, grab your sheet music, write your name on your sheet music
  • 5:15pm-5:30pm: welcoming remarks (together with Concert Orchestra musicians)
  • 5:30pm-6:30pm: documentary on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 1
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment)
    • Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room)

Roster & Part Assignments

Part assignments for Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and for Bernstein’s Overture to Candide have been posted. Part assignments were made based on optional leadership auditions, performance in past seasons with MYS and new student auditions. These assignments are always subject to change. You’ll note there are rotations between pieces. My part assignments are not rankings. I rotate positions of leadership and try to create balanced sections.

If you’re unhappy with your part assignment, you can always show me your progress at the next set of optional leadership auditions (due October 27 for Winter part assignments).

You can find our Fall Part Assignments by clicking on the button on the sidebar of this page (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device.) The first page contains alphabetical listings of each section. Part assignments begin on page 2 (one page per each piece in the concert).

PLEASE let me know if you spot any obvious errors or accidental omissions.

Download PDF Parts to practice before Sunday

After consulting the Part Assignments document, please navigate to our Online Music Library (the password is playmys), and find PDF practice parts for the Shostakovich Symphony. Make sure to start practicing the first movement at home before rehearsal this Sunday.

Feel free to also download your part for Bernstein’s Candide Overture, though we will not be playing that this week.

If you have a digital tablet and a page-turning pedal, you’re welcome to use them for rehearsals and concerts. However, please make sure to ALSO have your paper parts as a back-up. You never know when technology might fail you. And it tends to fail in the worst possible moments :-/

Please remember that it is your responsibility to show up well-prepared to every rehearsal. This means that you need to practice at home, listen to recordings, and get to know the music as best as you can.

.

The information below is from my previous post. I’m leaving it here for your convenience. It’s all important information relevant to this weekend and the whole year:

.

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.

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.

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.

Our team has been hard at work putting the final touches on our rehearsal space. New lights and acoustical panels have gone up. See you soon! | 9/8/26

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Hello everyone!

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]

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes: post-6/14/26 concert

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes: post-6/14/26 concert

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

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

Posted on by mys-staff

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

READING SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

From Amir:

The readings will include Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Brahms’s Tragic Overture, and Haydn’s Farewell Symphony, as well as two pieces premiered by MYS through the Authentic Voice Commission and several other works.

This is meant to be a fun and casual reading. No need to heavily prepare; just show up and enjoy playing this wonderful music!

Details

Location: Concert School of Music (9150 SW Pioneer Ct H, Wilsonville, OR 97070)

11:00am-1:00pm
Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 7
Haydn – Symphony No. 45 “Farewell”

2:00-4:30pm
Elaina Stuppler – Locks, Lights, Out of Sight
Brahms – Tragic Overture
Amir Avsker – Freedom Overture
Steven James – Barbarisms

6:00-8:30pm
Verdi – Prelude to Act I of La Traviata
Elgar – Cello Concerto
Bruch – Kol Nidrei
Beethoven – Symphony No. 5

Please contact Amir directly if you’re interested in participating: amir.avsker@gmail.com