Hello Friends!
May has arrived, bringing warmer evenings, packed calendars, and the feeling that summer is just around the corner. And through it all, like a trusty metronome, the music plays on!
OUR 82nd SEASON
We’re excited to share the concert dates for our 82nd season! As the search for our next Music Director continues, each concert will feature one of our finalist candidates on the podium, making this a season you truly won’t want to miss. Be sure to mark your calendars!
October 17, 2026
December 19 & 20, 2026
March 20, 2027
May 22, 2027
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Richland High School and the Richland School District for helping make our upcoming season possible through their support and scheduling partnership.
MCYSO CONCERT: Turn It Up! Jubilant Frequency
Turn It Up! That’s what the amazing young musicians of our stellar youth symphony intend to do Monday, June 1 at Hanford High School as they take the stage for their final concert of the year. Featuring works by Márquez, Saint-Saëns, Bartók, and more, it will be a high-voltage celebration of rhythm, dance and joy! Free admission, donations are accepted and good vibes are included!
Know a young musician who would love to join the Mid-Columbia Youth Symphony? We would love to welcome them! Simply complete the Audition Form on our website (and located here) and then email [email protected] to request an audition time. Auditions will be held in late May, early June and again in the fall. Whether your student is looking to grow as a musician, make new friends, or simply experience the joy of making music together, MCYO is a wonderful place to belong.
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
Our orchestra wouldn’t exist without the incredible musicians who bring the music to life. In our Musician Spotlight, we’re introducing the people behind the music. This month, we’re spotlighting our principal viola, Aaron Clark!
How long have you been playing viola? I started playing violin when I was 5, but picked up viola in college when I had a teacher tell me I’d make a better violist.
How long have you played with MCS?
I occasionally subbed as a high schooler, but became a seated member in 2019.
Favorite place you’ve performed? A memorable and cool experience I had was as a high schooler. My teacher, Philip Simpson, would often find gigs for our school’s string quartet, and one time we played out at LIGO for a special event. We were outside in the dark, and I still remember the feeling of creating music in the middle of nowhere.
Favorite piece you’ve performed?
The Rite of Spring by Stravinsky. I was in college and was just getting used to the viola. The music was challenging but so rewarding. It was a fun experience I’ll never forget.
Piece you’ve always wanted to perform? Mahler Symphony No. 2. I’ve missed playing it twice because I joined orchestras that had performed it right before I got there!
Where else can people see you perform? This summer, I’ll be in the pit orchestra for My Fair Lady with Mid-Columbia Musical Theater this June at Kamiakin High School. In August you can again see me in a pit, this time for Yes&’s production of Guys & Dolls at the John Dam Plaza in Richland.
Quick piece of advice? Make mistakes confidently!
Favorite wild animal? Probably a cheetah. I love that they can run so fast.
Thank you, Aaron, for being featured in our newsletter and for being a member of the MCS! Make sure to cheer for him at all his upcoming performances! Stay tuned for our next Musician Spotlight. Who would you like to meet next?
THE GREAT MAESTRO SEARCH:
MCS’s Journey to Find Our Next Music Director
The search for our next Music Director heats up as the five candidates will visit the Tri-Cities for live rehearsal interviews. Musicians will have the opportunity to work and chat with them a bit. Candidates will have the opportunity to get to know us and our amazing community. Afterward, the three finalists who will each lead one concert in our upcoming season will be selected. We invite you to join us for each concert next season to experience our finalists firsthand. As valued members of our community, your input is very important to this journey.
Stay tuned and help us decide who ultimately will pick up the baton!
We would like to extend our gratitude to the Richland Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for donating the church building at cost for both the conductor interview rehearsals and MCS rehearsals throughout the upcoming season.
REMEMBERING RANDY HUBBS
We in the Southeastern Washington music community were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Randy Hubbs. It would be difficult to find a musician in our region whose life was not touched in some way by Randy’s musicianship, mentorship, kindness, and genuine friendship.
From his years teaching at Pasco High School to helping build Columbia Basin College’s outstanding music program, Randy consistently went above and beyond for his students, colleagues, and community. He performed with the Mid-Columbia Symphony over the years, and it is a testament to his influence that several of his former students currently perform with the symphony as well. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.
Our community will not be the same without him, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
As always, thank you for being part of our musical family! Be sure to keep your eyes and ears tuned and you might just hear some music in the wind. We are grateful for every moment of music and connection we share with this community. There is so much ahead, and we can’t wait to experience it with you!
Yours in Music & Friendship,
Marella McGreal
MCS Board Member & Principal Bass