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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Oregon Symphony with Music Director David Danzmayr

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.

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.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

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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

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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.

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

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

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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

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

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

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

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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.

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

Dr. G.

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

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.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

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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

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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.

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

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

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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

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

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

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

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

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.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

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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

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 26, 2026

• 5:15pm: arrival – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals, brass coachings
  • Strings & Woodwinds with RGR – Beethoven, mov 3 (cafeteria)
  • Horns with Lizzie Uptown – Beethoven, movs 3 and 4 (annex)
  • Trumpets with Steve Conrow – Beethoven, mov 4; HEADLINES (pavilion)
  • Low brass with Chris Shuttleworth – HEADLINES; Beethoven, mov 4 (music room)

• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Movs 2 & 4
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

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

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

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

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

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

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

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

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

MYSfits performing before Yo-Yo Ma’s recital | April 20, 2026 | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Photo by MYS

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.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

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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

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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).

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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:

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

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

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

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

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.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

8

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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

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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:

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

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

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

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

MYS Students at the Keller Fountain | August 2026 \ photo by Sheepscot Creative

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.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

9

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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

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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:

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

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

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

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 15, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

What a thrill to be at the beginning of a rehearsal process that will conclude with an unforgettable performance of Beethoven’s great Symphony No. 9.

We got off to a good start on Sunday 3/8 with work on the iconic 4th movement. The strategic practicing skills that we have developed working on Brahms Symphony No. 1 (45 min) and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 (46 min) will be more important than ever as we work on Beethoven’s 9th (65 min).

And every minute of work will be rewarded with a deeply impactful concert on June 14, 2026. I cannot wait.

Please remember that this coming Sunday (3/15) we have a modified rehearsal schedule (4:30pm-6:30pm) due to the MYS Community Concert happening at All Saints at 7pm. Also, we’ll be welcoming a special guest: Zoe Schlussel, who will be giving a workshop on Body Mapping. More information about this below.

Finally, all are encouraged to stay and support your peers at the concert upstarts starting at 7pm. MYSfits and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform.

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

10

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Rehearsal Recap – March 8, 2026

• First half: sectionals on mov. 4 of Beethoven
  • Strings with RGR
  • Winds/brass with Robert Wakeley

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Arrival: 4:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 4:30pm-5:30pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel
• 5:30pm-5:40pm: break
• 5:40pm-6:30pm: Beethoven, movement 1
• 6:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
• (highly encouraged:) 7:00pm – stay for MYS Community Concert upstairs in the church

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What is Body Mapping?

“Taught in universities, colleges, conservatories, and private studios world-wide, Body Mapping encourages wellness, enhances musicians’ expressive possibilities, and fosters music making without limitations. Body Mapping invites us to replace our faulty body maps with anatomically correct maps in order to reduce tension and allow for effortless and expressive movement.

In Body Mapping, one learns to gain access to one’s own body map through self-observation and self-inquiry. The student corrects his or her own body map by assimilating accurate information provided by kinesthetic experience, the use of a mirror, anatomical models, books, pictures, and teachers. One learns to recognize the source of inefficient or harmful movement and how to replace it with movement that is efficient, elegant, direct, and powerful based on the truth about one’s structure, function, and size.” (excerpt from here).

PSU‘s Zoe Schlussel has generously offered to give this workshop to our students free of charge. We’re very grateful, and I’m very excited to have you work with her this Sunday.

---

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

[update 3/11/26: there are changes in the cello and violin 2 sections. I have corrected a couple of errors] – Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

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PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

Thank you to PSU and Zoe Schlussel for bringing this important workshop to MYS students!

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 8, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for March 8, 2026; as well as new part assignments and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

11

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Recap – March 1, 2026

• Great concert! We’ll talk more in person

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 15, 2026

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: Beethoven, movement 4
  • Strings in cafeteria with RGR
  • Winds/brass in pavillion with Robert Wakeley
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm:
  • Debriefing about concert
  • Listen to Beethoven Symphony
  • Play through sections of movement 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…

New repertoire, new part assignments. First, a reminder: my part assignments are *not* rankings. I take many factors into consideration. In this case, a few of those factors are: your leadership audition, winter attendance records, ensemble and repertoire needs, rotation of leadership opportunities, balanced sections and more.

I’m trying a new document format for this term. You’ll find a PDF with 4 pages. The first one is a general roster of the orchestra, in alphabetical order, by section. Then, each piece that we will be playing has its own page, with different string and wind/brass assignments. Please let me know if you spot any accidental omissions or errors.

To find the PDF, click on the button on the side bar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on your phone) that says “S.O. SPRING 2026 ROSTER & PART ASSIGNMENTS.”

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Newmark Theater, 3/1/26 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for CONCERT WEEK (February 26 – March 1)

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for your work (and flexibility) last Sunday, February 22nd.

Below is our rehearsal plan for concert week, including our weeknight rehearsals.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

0

---

Recap – February 22, 2026

• First half of rehearsal: James Lee’s “Gganbu” and Reinecke Flute Concerto
• Second half: Tchaikovsky mov 1 (with Amir), and mov 3 (with me)

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Rehearsal Plan for Thursday, February 26, 2026

• Arrival: 6:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: Lee: Gganbu
• 7:45pm-8:00pm: break
• 8:00pm-9:30pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 4 and 1
• 9:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Friday, February 27, 2026

• Arrival: 6:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: Reinecke
• 7:45pm-8:00pm: break
• 8:00pm-9:30pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 3 and 2
• 9:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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Rehearsal Plan for Saturday, February 28, 2026

• Arrival: 6:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 7:00pm-7:20: Lee: Gganbu
• 7:20pm-7:45pm: Reinecke
• 7:45pm-8:00pm: break
• 8:00pm-9:30pm: Tchaikovsky, whole symphony in order
• 9:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 1, 2026

• Call sheet (!!!!!)
• 11:00am: Arrival for Percussionists and Group Managers
• 11:30am: Arrival for everyone else – EVERYBODY SIGN IN AT STAGE DOOR
• Rehearsal in REVERSE concert order:
  • 12:00pm-1:00pm: Tchaikovsky (all movements in order)
  • 1:00pm-1:25pm: Reinecke
  • 1:25pm-1:45pm: Lee: Gganbu

• 3:30pm – return to Newmark (sign back in by 3:30pm)
• 4:00pm – concert

---

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

A couple of small changes in the cello and 2nd violin sections. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

PDF Practice Parts

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

---

Bring your friends to MYS

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

---

Availability for private lessons

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

---

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

Dr. G.

---

MYS Symphony Orchestra in concert at Newmark Theatre | January, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell