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.
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)
- Strings with RGR
- 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:
“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.
Throwback to our ensemble photo back in the fall | October, 2025 | Photo by MYS