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:

“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)