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.

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:

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

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

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

PDF Practice Parts

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

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

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

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

Dr. G.

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 19, 2026May 19, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Memorial Day Weekend

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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

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

Important information and reminders below.

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

2!!

Recap – Sunday, May 10, 2026

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

Plan for Sunday, May 24, 2026

NO REHEARSAL
Next rehearsal: Sunday, May 31

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

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

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.

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:

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.

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 17, 2026

Posted on May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 17, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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

SCHEDULE

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

RSVP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

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

REGISTRATION

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

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

3!!

Recap – Sunday, May 10, 2026

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

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 17, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RVSP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

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

Japan Tour Meeting on May 17

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

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

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

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

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

Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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.

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

Oregon Symphony Collaboration: New Addition to Symphony Orchestra Calendar

Posted on May 7, 2026May 21, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Oregon Symphony Collaboration: New Addition to Symphony Orchestra Calendar

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Location: MYS building – 3880 SE Brooklyn St.

– 10am-12:30pm: MYS-only rehearsal

(please bring a packed lunch)

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

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

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

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

Best,

Dr. G.

More about the Oregon Symphony’s EMERGING COMPOSERS FELLOWSHIP

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

Please RSVP!

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

RVSP form – PLEASE FILL OUT whether or not you can participate

Grace Miedziak

2025/26 Emerging Composer Fellow

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

Grace Miedziak

Oregon Symphony with Music Director David Danzmayr

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 10, 2026

Posted on May 5, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 10, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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

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

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

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

Recap – Sunday, May 3, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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.

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 3, 2026

Posted on April 28, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for May 3, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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

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

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

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

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, Mov 4 & 1
8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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

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

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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

Bring your friends to MYS

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

Availability for private lessons

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

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

Dr. G.

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Posted on April 21, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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

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

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

Best,

Dr. G.

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:

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

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 19, 2026

Posted on April 14, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 19, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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)
  - Violin 2 – Beethoven: mov 4 (Keiko Araki, annex)
  - Viola – Beethoven: mov 4 (Brian Quincey, corner conference room)
  - Cello/bass – Beethoven: movement 4: recitativos, letter K onwards (Marilyn De Oliveira, pavilion)
- Winds/brass worked with me on the 3rd movement of Beethoven
6:45pm-7:00pm: break
7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti work:
- Mov 4 of Beethoven (until around m. 763).

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 19, 2026

4:45pm: arrival for string players who are playing the Madras outreach concert – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:00pm-5:45pm: rehearsal for Madras outreach string players (cafeteria)

—

5:15pm: arrival for woodwinds, brass – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:30pm-6:45pm: woodwind coachings, brass sectional
- 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:

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

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 12, 2026

Posted on April 7, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 12, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

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)
- Violin 2 – Beethoven: mov 4 (Keiko Araki, annex)
- Viola – Beethoven: mov 4 (Brian Quincey, corner conference 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:

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

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 22, 2026

Posted on March 17, 2026March 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 22, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Congratulations to those of you who performed at the MYS Community Concert on Sunday, 3/15. Also, thank you for your flexibility regarding our modified rehearsal time last week, and for your work on Body Mapping with Zoe Schlussel. I hope this knowledge 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, and it’s an important one: we’ll be reading Elaina Stuppler’s piece HEADLINES, and starting work on movements 2 and 3 of the Beethoven symphony. After this weekend, we will have 2 Sundays off for spring break and Easter (3/29 and 4/5).

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

9

Rehearsal Recap – March 15, 2026

4:30pm-5:40pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel.
5:50pm-6:30pm: reading of movement 1 of Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 22, 2026

Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
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 movements 2 and 3 of Beethoven
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:

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

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra basses & guests | Newmark Theatre \ March 1, 2026