SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Posted on September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 by mys-staff

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Posted on September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Hi everyone,

What a joyful way to start our season! Thank you for being a part of our first ever set of rehearsals at our new space.

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 Symphony 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 day 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 split into sectionals.
- Strings went downstairs to the Contrabassment and worked with Vijeta Sathyaraj.
- Woodwinds, brass and percussion went to the Fireside Room and worked with Adam Eccleston.

After the break, the full orchestra worked with me (RGR) on Les Toréadors and a tiny bit on Habanera.
- Les Toréadors:
  - Strings: bow placement is essential. Most of the fast, short stuff should be played in the lower half.
  - Tutti: dynamic contrast is super important. Make sure to practice dynamics as well as rhythm and notes.
  - Cellos and basses: pay special attention to 4 bars before [B]. This should be 100% ready to go next week.
  - Woodwinds and strings: please pay special attention to 8 bars before [E]. This should also be 100% ready to go next rehearsal.
- Habanera:
  - Trumpets and clarinets: we’ll figure out your parts for this movement. We’ll look for parts in B-flat for you. I’ll be in touch this week about this. Clarinets: in the meantime, see if you can borrow an A clarinet at school or from your teacher(s), or rent one. You’ll 100% need one when you join Symphony Orchestra eventually. Trumpets: this might also be a good opportunity to practice transposing. Feel free to add names of transposed notes with pencil on your parts.
  - The habanera rhythm in the bass line will be played with a slightly delayed 16th note. Almost closer to the last note in a sextuplet.
  - We only spent about 2 minutes on this movement. Essentially, just a read-through.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 20

5:00pm: arrival & check-in
- Please go directly to your sectional rooms. The sign-in sheets will be in each room (Contrabassment and Fireside Room).

5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals! – work on Danse Bohème, and if there’s extra time revisit spots in Les Toréadors and Habanera.
- Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj (violin, Oregon Symphony) @ Contrabassment.
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Kimberly Minson (horn, Oregon Symphony) @ Fireside Room.

6:30pm-7:00pm: break

7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
- Les Toréadors: review 4 bars before [B] and 8 bars before [E].
- Habanera: I’ll explain the fermata 3 after [D] and 2 before the end.
- Danse Bohème: work through entire movement. Note my tempos below:
  - beginning: quarter = 100
  - 4th bar of [I]: quarter = 126
  - 1 before [N]: quarter = 138
  - 2 before [P]: quarter = 152

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).

MYS Online Music Library

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).

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing!

Dr. G.

MYS Conductor Erica Boland in rehearsal with Interlude Orchestra at our new building | 9/12/26 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

Posted on September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 by mys-staff

CONCERT 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 CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 13

5:00pm: arrival & check-in at MYS (3880 SE Brooklyn St.) (main sanctuary door)
5:00-5:15pm: 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 Symphony Orchestra musicians)
5:30pm-6:30pm: sectionals on Bizet’s Carmen Suites: movements Habanera and Les Toréadors (not to be confused with Chanson du Toréador)
- Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment)
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room)
6:30pm-7:00pm: break

7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with Dr. G on Habanera and Les Toréadors.

Roster & Part Assignments

Part assignments for Bizet’s Selections from Carmen Suites No. 1 and No. 2 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. 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. Page 2 contains part assignments.

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. Make sure to start practicing the two movements I listed above (Habanera and Les Toréadors) before rehearsal this Sunday.

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).

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.

Bring your friends to MYS

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. The “Fellowship Hall” aka the Contrabassment has a shuffleboard court. Does anybody know how to play? | 9/8/26

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

Posted on September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 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).

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.

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

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

Availability for private lessons

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Posted on August 21, 2026August 26, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Hello everyone!

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

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

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

[Me and my family (Sarah and Alma) at the entrance of a trail near the Oregon Sand Dunes | August, 2026]

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Posted on August 21, 2026August 26, 2026 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

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

I will send a link to a Google form to send your audition on Wednesday, August 26.

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

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

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

[pictured: Hobbit Beach near Florence, OR | August, 2026]

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

Posted on June 17, 2026June 17, 2026 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 June 12, 2026June 12, 2026 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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Sunday, June 7

Posted on June 2, 2026June 2, 2026 by mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Sunday, June 7

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for a productive rehearsal on May 31st. It was great to see you all again after our Memorial Day weekend break.

Concert week is here!!! I’m excited to close out this great season with our biggest concert of the year.

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

1!!

Recap – Sunday, May 24, 2026

3:30pm-5:00pm: Beethoven coachings:
- 1st violins (mov 3, with Tomás Cotik)
- cellos/basses (mov 4 recitativos with RGR)

5:30pm-7:05pm:
- Beethoven, mov. 4
break
7:05pm-8:30pm:
- Beethoven, movs. 2, 3 and a bit of 1

Rehearsal plan for Concert Week (June 7 – June 14)

I made a separate post with our rehearsal plans for the week. You can find it here.

Part Assignments, PDFs and audio reference for OREGON SYMPHONY session on June 9

Part assignments: see the last page of this PDF.
PDF parts available here. We’ll bring hard copies on Sunday, 6/7
Audio reference available here.
Times:
- 10am-12:30pm – MYS-only rehearsal
- 12:30pm-2:00pm – lunch (please bring lunch from home, or be sure to be back on time if you leave campus)
- 2:00pm-4:30pm – session with OS musicians

You can also find other important information on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device).

Concert Call Sheet

Sunday 6/14 – call sheet

REGISTER for next season before our 6/14 concert

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.

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

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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.

MYS Symphony Orchestra Musicians | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Call | November, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Sunday, May 31

Posted on May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 by mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Sunday, May 31

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday. We’ll cover the entire Beethoven Symphony. It will be an important rehearsal to take stock of where we are as we approach the home stretch of the season.

Beethoven 1st violins and cellos/basses: please remember your extra coachings at 3:30pm.

Also, tonight (Tuesday, May 26), I’ll be conducting Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 (chamber orchestra version) with the 45th Parallel Universe Chamber Orchestra, made up of Oregon Symphony Musicians. MYS students (and their families!) get in for free. Just mention the “MYS family pass” at the door. 7:00pm at First United Methodist Church. More information here.

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

2!!

Recap – Sunday, May 24, 2026

no rehearsal (Memorial Day Weekend)

Plan for Sunday, May 31, 2026

3:15pm: arrival for Beethoven 1st violins & cellos/basses
3:30pm-5:00pm: Beethoven coachings:
- 1st violins (mov 3, music room with Tomás Cotik)
- cellos/basses (mov 4, cafeteria with RGR)

5:15pm: arrival for everyone else – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.

5:30pm-7:00pm:
- Beethoven, mov. 4
- Beethoven, mov. 3
7:00pm-7:15pm: break
7:15pm-8:30pm:
- Beethoven, mov 2
- Beethoven, mov 1
8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

Part Assignments, PDFs and audio reference for OREGON SYMPHONY session on June 9

Part assignments: see the last page of this PDF.
PDF parts available here. We’ll bring hard copies this Sunday.
Audio reference available here.

You can also find other important information on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device).

Weeknight Rehearsals & Concert Call Sheet

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

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

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

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

RVSP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

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

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

Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

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

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra Musicians | Keller Fountain | August, 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative