CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026
Dear Concert Orchestra,
Thanks for a great rehearsal on Sunday, January 11th.
Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 18, the list of excerpts for the leadership auditions for the spring, and more.
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert:
5
Recap – January 11, 2026
- Woodwinds sectional: James Shields work with the woodwinds on Mozart. The session covered music theory concepts (including functional harmony) and how they impact phrasing, dynamics, etc.
- String coachings: each section worked with a coach on Mozart.
- Tutti: we continued polishing the 1st movement of Mozart. We placed emphasis on listening and playing together.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 18
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 sectional @ cafeteria Mozart, mov 1 (Eric Alterman)
- Woodwinds sectional @ cafeteria: Mozart, mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
- 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
- 3:30pm-4:30pm: YCP Cartoon Music
- 4:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 (mostly just a play-through), Mozart, mov 4 (exposition)
Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts
I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.
As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 3 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.
Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).
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)
Dr. G.
MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell