CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 11, 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026January 7, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Happy New Year! How is it 2026 already??

Our next concert is on Sunday, February 22nd (4pm, Newmark Theatre). That means we only have 6 more rehearsals before the performance. I’ll add a “countdown” to this post, in big letters, below.

Between now and the concert, please plan your practicing very strategically. I know you are all very busy with school and other extracurriculars. Time management is essential. It will be extremely important to practice regularly and mindfully. Plan and set goals for each practice session.

This coming Sunday (Jan 11), we have coachings during the first half of rehearsal, and tutti during the second half. Please see below for our detailed rehearsal plan.

I look forward to seeing you all again on Sunday.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

6

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.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.

Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm:
- Strings coachings on Mozart, mov 1
  - Violin 1 with Eri Ishigaki (Music Room)
  - Violin 2 with Chris Fotinakis (Annex)
  - Violas with Darian Todd (Altar Society)
  - Cellos + bass with Andrew Harmon (Pavillion)
- Woodwinds sectional @ cafeteria: Mozart, mov 1 (Adam Eccleston)
3:15pm-3:30pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 (and movement 4 if time allows).

MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

No changes this week. Please check the items linked on the sidebar (or bottom of the page if on a mobile device) if you need to consult anything.

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.

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 don’t forget to bring a music stand)