Dear Concert Orchestra,
Thank you for a productive rehearsal and a fun holiday celebration on Sunday 12/21. Below is a recap of what we did, as well as a request during your break.
Best,
Dr. G.
Recap – December 21, 2025
- We spent most of our rehearsal doing very detailed work on the exposition of the 1st movement of the Mozart Symphony (about 90 minutes). We prioritized work on intonation and style.
- After a short break, we read through the exposition of the 4th movement, considerably under tempo.
- Starting at 4:30pm, he had our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along, until 6:00pm, alongside MYS Symphony Orchestra.
Request for holiday break
Our next rehearsal will be on Sunday, January 11th. I will send an email on Tuesday, January 6th with a specific rehearsal plan.
In the meantime, and during your holiday break, please:
- Make sure to rest.
- Prioritize slow practice with metronome (both 1st and 4th movements of the symphony).
- Go over everything we did in rehearsal for the exposition of the 1st movement (as it relates to style and articulation), and transfer any applicable notes to the development and recapitulation.
- Do a lot of listening! Find different recordings of the Mozart Symphony and listen to as many as you can, as regularly as you can. Familiarity goes a long way.
MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
Nothing new this week. I will let you all know when we receive the final materials for the Young Composers Project Cartoon Music.
Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library
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 “C.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 violas, clarinets, trumpets and percussionists, but all are welcome.
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 the MYS building 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 happy holidays!
Dr. G.
MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell