Hi all,
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday (11/16) at our modified rehearsal time of 4:30pm-6:30pm. The reason for the different rehearsal time is that there is an MYS Community Concert at 7pm at All Saints, upstairs in the Sanctuary. I highly encourage all of you to go check it out. MYSfits will perform alongside guests from GRAMMY Award-winning A Far Cry, and both of our Jazz Ensembles will perform as well.
Best,
Dr. G.
Recap – November 6 to November 9, 2025
We had our weeknight rehearsals and concert including music by Max Evans-McGlothin, Giancarlo Castro D’Addona and Johannes Brahms. We’ll debrief in person on Sunday.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, November 16, 2025
- Arrival: 4:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
- 4:30pm-5:15pm: concert debriefing
- 5:15pm-6:30pm: Tchahikovsky, Symphony No. 6 – reading of as much of the symphony as time allows.
- 6:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
- 7:00pm – MYS Community Concert (upstairs in Sanctuary)
Tchaikovsky Part Assignments
I’ve created part assignments for the Tchaikovsky symphony based on leadership auditions, fall term attendance, and engagement and preparation during fall term rehearsals. These part assignments are subject to change. They can be accessed by clicking the button on the sidebar of this blog (or bottom of the page if you’re on mobile), labeled “S.O. Winter 2025-2026 Part Assignments.”
I will create and communicate part assignments for James Lee’s piece (Young Composers Project) and Reinecke Flute Concerto next week.
MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
I’ve updated our YouTube playlist with reference audio/video. Click the button on the sidebar (or bottom of the page if on mobile) for a couple of recordings of Tchaikovsky that I like. I’ll keep adding videos in the next couple of weeks.
String Players: represent MYS at this Oregon Chorale program
A couple of spots still available!
Represent MYS in a couple of performances with the Oregon Chorale in December: the Oregon Chorale will be the choir joining MYS Symphony Orchestra in June 2026 for our performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them.
They are looking for a small string ensemble to join them for their holiday concerts. Please click here for details and to sign up.
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.
Recruit for 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, french horns and one trombone. 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 on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at my home studio in SE Portland, 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 Portland Overture Strings with conductor Darian Todd | The Reser, November 8, 2025