SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 15, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for your work with Juan Felipe Molano, Music Director of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. It was great to hear you play through the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony with him. I learned a few things from the experience.

Congrats to any of you who are Seahawks fans! And thank you for being at rehearsal despite having to miss most of the game.

Leadership auditions are due today (Tuesday, 2/10). I look forward to watching all the videos.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for Feb 15 and more information.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

2!

---

Recap – February 8, 2026

• First half of rehearsal: 1st movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 with Juan Felipe Molano from SYSO.
• Second half:
  • 3rd movement of the symphony (under-tempo play-through)
  • Reinecke Flute Concerto, mov 1, with soloist Dana Sparling.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 15, 2026

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-7:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 1 and 2
• 7:00pm-7:15pm: break
• 7:15pm-8:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 4
• 8:00pm-8:30pm: Lee (“Gganbu”)
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

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 today (!!) Tuesday, February 10th.

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 SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

A couple of small changes in the cello section. Cellists: please review them. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

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.

---

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 percussionists. 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 for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at the new MYS facility, 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 Symphony Orchestra members watching Super Bowl LX before rehearsal | 2/8/26

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 15, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Great work on Sunday 2/8. Please make sure to practice Retep Finds a Way (aka “Cartoon Music”) along with the video on our YouTube playlist, or using a metronome at the very least. Continue polishing the Mozart, and continue shifting your “bandwidth” towards listening to all the other parts as much as you can.

Also, Leadership Auditions are due today! I look forward to listening to your recordings.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

rehearsals left before concert:

1

---

Recap – February 8, 2026

• First half of rehearsal: we worked on the “Cartoon Music” along with the video. We made a few changes at the very end of a couple of the movements, and practiced the transitions. Again: it’s crucial to practice this one with a metronome, or along to the YouTube video of the short film with the music.
• Second half: we worked on the Mozart symphony, starting with a run-through, followed by detailed work on the whole movement, and ending with another run-through.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 15

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-2:45pm: YCP Cartoon Music (in preparation for rehearsal, please practice along to the YouTube video for this piece). Our YouTube playlist is linked on the sidebar.
• 2:45pm-3:30pm: Mozart
• 3:30pm-3:45pm: break
• 3:30pm-4:00pm: run-through in concert order: Mozart & Cartoon Music
• 4:00pm-4:20pm: review spots as needed in both pieces
• 4:20pm-4:45pm: final run-through
• 4:45pm-5:00pm: visit by YMA leadership

---

Reminder: Sunday, March 1st: Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm

As I mentioned last week, instead of our originally-planned shorter rehearsal on Sunday, March 1st, I’d like to ask all Concert Orchestra students to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre. Tickets are free for MYS students and can be purchased on the MYS website. If you can’t come to this concert, please fill out a regular absence form as usual.

To receive the free MYS Student ticket for concerts at the Schnitzer or Newmark, you must both:

• Select “MYS Student” ticket type and
• In the cart, enter the coupon code: mysstudent

Note: Free student tickets are not available for Dress Circle (Schnitzer) or 1st Balcony Boxes and Rows A & B (Newmark). MYS Student tickets may be redeemed on the MYS website or may be requested in person at the Newmark or Schnitzer Box Office; they are not available online via the Portland’5 website.

---

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 TODAY (Tuesday, February 10th)

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 Students, Fall 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 8, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Two more rehearsals before our concert on February 22nd. I’m feeling good about where we are in our process. This is an important point in your practicing journey for this repertoire: It’s time to dig deeper into individual mastery of your part, find and polish details (dynamics, articulation, etc), be extremely demanding of your own intonation, and improve accuracy through mindful repetition (with a metronome). In rehearsal, you should now be directing most of your attention into listening to everybody around you, and prioritizing ensemble cohesion.

I’ll be with you the whole time this Sunday and the next. Please see our detailed rehearsal order below.

Important: I learned that our Spring concert date (Saturday, May 16th) conflicts with the OSAA 6a State Band Competition. If you’re in a school band that could be in the finals, would you please let me know by e-mail ASAP?

Best,

Dr. G.

---

rehearsals left before concert:

2

---

Recap – February 1, 2026

• First half of rehearsal: Mozart with Mr. Todd
• Second half: “Retep” (Cartoon Music). We started with the credits (which we didn’t rehearse the week before), and worked our way backwards through the whole piece. We made good progress. Again: it’s crucial to practice this one with a metronome, or along to the YouTube video of the short film with the music.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 8

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: YCP Cartoon Music (in preparation for rehearsal, please practice along to the YouTube video for this piece). Our YouTube playlist is linked on the sidebar.
• 3:30pm-3:45pm: break
• 3:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart

---

Reminder: Sunday, March 1st: Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm

As I mentioned last week, instead of our originally-planned shorter rehearsal on Sunday, March 1st, I’d like to ask all Concert Orchestra students to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre. Tickets are free for MYS students and can be purchased on the MYS website. If you can’t come to this concert, please fill out a regular absence form as usual.

To receive the free MYS Student ticket for concerts at the Schnitzer or Newmark, you must both:

• Select “MYS Student” ticket type and
• In the cart, enter the coupon code: mysstudent

Note: Free student tickets are not available for Dress Circle (Schnitzer) or 1st Balcony Boxes and Rows A & B (Newmark). MYS Student tickets may be redeemed on the MYS website or may be requested in person at the Newmark or Schnitzer Box Office; they are not available online via the Portland’5 website.

---

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. 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.

---

Screenshot from “Retep Finds a Way” – PAM CUT + YCP + MYS 2025-2026 Collaboration

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for another fun rehearsal on Sunday, Jan 25. We only have 4 more weekend rehearsals before our concert on March 1st, and the month of February always flies by. And once more: please make sure our evening rehearsals leading up to the concert are on your calendar.

At this point, you should be covering our entire program in your practice sessions (not everything in one day, but everything throughout the week). Make sure you have enough mastery of your individual parts so that in rehearsal (and at the performance) you can be free to listen and FEEL.

Also, a reminder to NOT leave your leadership audition for the last minute. Details below.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for Feb 1 and more information.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

---

Recap – January 25, 2026

• Sectionals:
  • Winds/brass worked with Mr. Wakeley on movement 1 (Allegro vivo to the end), and a bit of movement 2
  • Strings worked with me on movement 1 (L to end), and most of movement 2
• Tutti: we spent 45 minutes on the 2nd movement of Tchaik., and 45 minutes on the Reinecke Flute Concerto with soloist Dana Sparling.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 1, 2026

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals (last Sunday of sectionals in the winter term)
  • Tchaikovsky, Movement 3
    • Strings @ cafeteria (RGR)
    • Woodwinds+brass @ pavilion (Robert Wakeley)
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:00pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 4
• 7:45pm-8:30pm: James Lee’s Gganbu – please practice along to the YouTube video with the audio for this piece.
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

Keeping this here from last week, in case you missed it:

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 4 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 SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

No changes this week. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

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.

---

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 percussionists. 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 Symphony Orchestra | Fall 2025 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Last Sunday (Jan 25) was the last weekend with sectional rehearsals in the winter term. We are now only three rehearsals away from our concert on 2/22.

This coming Sunday (Feb 1st), you will work with MYS conductor Darian Todd during the first half of rehearsal, and then with me in the second half. Please read below for more details.

Also, please remember to mark your calendars for Sunday, March 1st: instead of our planned shortened rehearsal (as per our rehearsal schedule PDF), I’m asking that you please plan to attend the Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre. Tickets are free for MYS students. If you can’t come to the concert, please fill out a regular absence form. More information below.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

rehearsals left before concert:

3

---

Recap – January 25, 2026

• Sectionals: woodwinds worked with Robert Wakeley and strings with Casey Bozell. Both sectionals covered the 1st movement of Mozart Symphony No. 40, mov. 1.
• Tutti: we spent our tutti time on YCP’s “Cartoon Music,” aka “Retep finds a way.” Please continue learning and practicing this piece. It will be crucial to practice this one with a metronome, or along to the YouTube video of the short film with the music.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 1

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-3:30pm: tutti: Mozart Symphony with Mr. Todd
• 3:30pm-3:45pm: break
• 3:45pm-5:00pm: YCP Cartoon Music (in preparation for rehearsal, please practice along to the YouTube video for this piece). Our YouTube playlist is linked on the sidebar.

---

Sunday, March 1st: Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm

As I mentioned above, instead of our originally-planned shorter rehearsal, I’d like to ask all Concert Orchestra students to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre. Tickets are free for MYS students and can be purchased on the MYS website. If you can’t come to this concert, please fill out a regular absence form as usual.

To receive the free MYS Student ticket for concerts at the Schnitzer or Newmark, you must both:

• Select “MYS Student” ticket type and
• In the cart, enter the coupon code: mysstudent

Note: Free student tickets are not available for Dress Circle (Schnitzer) or 1st Balcony Boxes and Rows A & B (Newmark). MYS Student tickets may be redeemed on the MYS website or may be requested in person at the Newmark or Schnitzer Box Office; they are not available online via the Portland’5 website.

---

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 | Fall 2025 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

We had a productive rehearsal on Sunday, January 18, despite a few absences because of All State and illness.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 25. I’m also including information from last week about our upcoming leadership auditions (due Feb. 10). — Note for Concert Orchestra brass players: you will be considered to join Symphony Orchestra permanently with your leadership audition for this group.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

---

Recap – January 18, 2026

• Sectionals: winds/brass worked with Mr. Wakeley and strings worked with me. Both sectionals covered the 1st movement of Tchaikovsky until about letter [M].
• Tutti: we spent 45 minutes on the Reinecke Flute Concerto, and 45 minutes on the final draft of the YCP piece by James Lee.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 25, 2026

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals
  • Tchaikovsky, Mov 1 from letter [L], then work on Mov 2.
    • Strings @ cafeteria (RGR)
    • Woodwinds+brass @ pavilion (Robert Wakeley)
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 2
• 7:45pm-8:30pm: Reinecke, with soloist – note: I’ve added Dana’s recent performance on this piece to our YouTube playlist (linked on the sidebar of this post, or bottom of the page if on mobile). Please listen to it and use it to practice for rehearsal.
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

Keeping this here from last week, in case you missed it:

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 4 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 SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

No changes this week. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

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.

---

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 percussionists. 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 Symphony Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

Hi everyone,

Thanks for a productive rehearsal on Sunday 10/5. I thought the reading of Max’s piece went pretty well, and we did important work on the 3rd movement of Giancarlo’s piece. Additionally, we’re always excited to have Oregon Symphony musicians coach our sections.

Please read on for a 10/5 rehearsal recap, our plan for 10/12 and more.

Note: we’ll welcome soloist Adam Eccleston on Sunday. Please prioritize your practice as per our plan below.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

Rehearsal Recap – October 5, 2025

• First half of rehearsal: woodwinds worked with Oregon Symphony musicians on Brahms: flutes with Zach, clarinets with Lisa, bassoons with Kai and oboes with Marty. Brass worked with Adam, and strings with me.
• Strings: we worked on the 1st movement of the Brahms Symphony. We did detailed work on the introduction, exposition (m. 38 to first ending) and recapitulation (L to P) of the movement. We didn’t get into the development or coda.
• After the break, we read Max’s piece and did slow work on Giancarlo’s 3rd movement (slow work on rhythm). We didn’t get to the 2nd movement of the flute concerto.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 12, 2025

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm – sectionals
  • Strings with RGR in cafeteria – work on Brahms – mov 1 (sections we didn’t do on 10/5) and mov 4.
  • All woodwinds and brass with Adam Eccleston in pavilion – work on Castro D’Addona – movements 1 and middle section of movement 2
• 6:45pm-7:00pm – break (everybody back to cafeteria)
• 7:00pm-7:45pm – Castro D’Addona (movement 1) with soloist Adam Eccleston
• 7:45pm-8:30pm – Brahms, movement 4
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

Concerto Competition registration deadline is tomorrow! Videos are due Friday.

The deadline for pre-approval of repertoire (by me), registration form and teacher approval form is TOMORROW (Wednesday, October 8). This webpage on our website has all you need to know about our Concerto Competition. I hope many of you will participate. Video entries are due Friday, October 10, and the live final round is October 24.

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

There are a few adjustments to our part assignments/seating rosters this week. Please double-check your sections. These changes are due to attendance and/or planned absences. Even if absences are due to sickness or other conflicts, adjustments are made to ensure balanced sections and confident leadership. Thanks for your understanding.

---

Registration for YMA opens on Saturday 10/11

If you’re interested in going to YMA this summer, early registration is encouraged. 2026 YMA registration opens on Saturday, October 11 at 9am. There’s financial aid available for qualifying families. Registration must be submitted by a legal parent or guardian. More info on their website here.

---

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.

---

Adam Eccleston

Hi everyone,

Thanks for a very productive rehearsal on 10/5. I’m feeling good about our progress. Thank you for your practicing and preparation. I know it requires a significant amount of planning, time management and discipline (all excellent skills to develop).

Thank you also to all family members and teachers who support our students. They (and we) couldn’t do it without you.

Please see below for a recap of 10/5 and our rehearsal plan for 10/12.

Thanks!

Dr. G.

---

Rehearsal Recap – 10/5/25

• First half of rehearsal: Strings worked with Casey, brass with Adam, double reeds with Marty, clarinets with Lisa and flutes with Robert. We all focused on the Smyth Symphony, which gets better every week.
• Second half of rehearsal: we spent the entirety of the tutti portion of rehearsal on Smyth. We played through the full movement first (with some necessary stops), and then did detailed work from the beginning to letter M (coda). Please remember to practice with a metronome. Our tempo main tempo for this piece is dotted quarter = 122. The tempo of the coda is dotted quarter = 120.

Please watch this short video about Dame Ethel Smyth. You may also learn more about her on this website.

---

Rehearsal Plan – 10/12/25

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 right at 1:30pm to open the space.

• 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 2:00pm-3:15pm:
  • All strings with Casey in the Cafeteria – Smyth (detailed work: K to end), Brahms as needed.
  • All woodwinds and brass with Adam in the Pavilion – Smyth (detailed work: D to G), Brahms as needed.
    
• 3:15pm-3:30pm – break (everyone back to cafeteria)
  
• 3:30pm-4:00pm – Brahms: whole piece
• 4:00pm-4:30pm – Smyth: whole piece
• 4:30pm-5:00pm – Holst: Jupiter: beginning to No. 5

---

Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst.

We’ll bring hard copies of the Jupiter parts this coming Sunday. For the time being, you can access practice PDFs here. Note: these PDFs are of the entire Planets suite. At this point, we’re only planning to play Jupiter.

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

• There are a few adjustments to our part assignments/seating rosters this week. Please double-check your sections. These changes are due to attendance. Even if absences are due to sickness or other conflicts, adjustments are made to ensure balanced sections and confident leadership. Thanks for your understanding.

• I’ve added a couple of recordings of Jupiter to our YouTube playlist. Check them out, add them to your regular listening, and feel free to find your own favorite recordings. Find the link on the sidebar of this blog.

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Registration for YMA opens on Saturday 10/11

If you’re interested in going to YMA this summer, early registration is encouraged. 2026 YMA registration opens on Saturday, October 11 at 9am. There’s financial aid available for qualifying families. Registration must be submitted by a legal parent or guardian. More info on their website here.

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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.

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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.

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Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand)

Dr. G.

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Dame Ethel Smyth | photo credit unknown (found at https://www.ethelsmyth.org/)