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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 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)

Dr. G.

---

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

Hi everyone,

Well, Sunday’s rehearsal was “one of those,” wasn’t it? I found myself having to give a “speech.” The level of preparation of many members of the orchestra fell quite short of the expectations that were set on day 1. I hope it was clear that my words come from a place of trust and kindness. You all have earned a spot in this orchestra through your hard work. Please continue honoring your commitment to the group by practicing regularly and always being fully prepared for every single rehearsal. That’s how we make it fun, enjoyable and productive.

So, again; please, please, please: you must be prepared for rehearsal. Look at my rehearsal plan on Tuesday and plan your practicing based on it. Come Sunday, you should:

• know what we’re rehearsing
• have practiced what we’re rehearsing
• have listened to recordings of what we’re rehearsing
• have all necessary materials (printed sheet music, mutes, accessories, auxiliary instruments)
• have the correct instrument (relevant to transposing instruments), or the correct printed parts for your instrument

Of course, you can always dig even deeper: read about the composers and pieces we’re playing, listen to other compositions by the same composer, watch videos about the composers and the music, consult a full score (available in our digital music library), mark your part with information from the score, etc, etc, etc… The more you can do, the more you’ll get out of the music and the experience of playing it.

Finally, as per our season schedule, I am due to announce winter term leadership audition excerpts this week. Expect another email from me on Thursday with this information. These short video auditions will be due on Tuesday, October 28.

Alright, see below for a rehearsal recap and rehearsal plan for Sun, Oct. 5.

Best,

Dr. G.

---

Rehearsal Recap – September 21, 2025

• First half of rehearsal: Horns had a coaching with Jeff Garza from the Oregon Symphony, while trumpets and low brass had a coaching with Joe Klause. I worked with the strings and woodwinds on movements 2 and 3 of the Brahms Symphony. We read both movements, and then did some detailed work on movement 2 (beginning to right before letter C).
• It was in the midst of the first half of rehearsal that I spoke to the orchestra about commitment to the ensemble, and the expectation of regular practice at home and excellent preparation for each rehearsal.
• After the break, we enjoyed a solo violin performance and Q/A with Simone Porter, who is the Oregon Symphony’s new Artist in Residence.
• After our time with Simone, the tutti orchestra worked on the 3rd movement of Brahms (beginning to m. 108). It went better than the first half of rehearsal.

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 5, 2025

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm – coachings and sectionals
  • Strings with RGR in cafeteria – work on Brahms – mov 1
  • Brass with Adam Eccleston in pavilion – work on Castro – rhythmically tricky spots in whole piece
  • Flutes with Zach Galatis – work on Brahms (coach’s choice from whole symphony)
  • Oboes with Martin Hebert – work on Brahms (coach’s choice from whole symphony)
  • Clarinets with Lisa Lipton – work on Brahms (coach’s choice from whole symphony)
  • Bassoons with Kai Rocke – work on Brahms (coach’s choice from whole symphony)
• 6:45pm-7:00pm – break (everybody back to cafeteria)
• 7:00pm-7:30pm – “Erin’s First Sabbath” by Max Evans-McGlothin (YCP piece). You picked up your parts on Sunday. Please practice! I’ve posted the computer-generated audio on our YouTube playlist.
• 7:30pm-8:30pm – 3rd and 2nd movements of Castro‘s Flute Concerto.
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

---

Come hear me play viola with Oregon Symphony musicians

I’ll be playing viola with Oregon Symphony musicians at the upcoming ChatterPDX concert on Sunday, October 5 at 10:30pm. We’ll be performing Tchaikovsky’s String Sextet “Souvenir de Florence.” Details and tickets here. I hope to see many of you there.

---

Brahms: 1st Violin fingerings from San Francisco Symphony

Our coach from Sunday (Eri) shared this with me. If you play 1st violin in the Brahms Symphony, feel free to check out these fingerings, and transfer them to your parts if you like them.

---

Reminder: Concerto Competition

This is coming fast!! The first deadline for pre-approval is Monday, October 6 Wednesday, October 8. You must email me with your music selection(s) by this date. This webpage on our website has all you need to know about our Concerto Competition. I hope many of you will participate. Your completed forms (registration and teacher approval) are due by Wednesday, October 8. Video entries are due Friday, October 10, and the live final round is October 24.

---

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

No updates to any of these documents this week. Be sure to visit the YouTube playlist (now for Giancarlo’s piece and Max’s piece). Feel free to create your own playlists on your favorite streaming service. The important thing is that you LISTEN regularly and frequently.

---

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.

---

Oregon Symphony Artist in Residence Simone Porter performs for MYS Symphony Orchestra | Sep 28, 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

Hi all,

Good work on Sunday 9/28.

As per our season schedule, I am due to announce winter term leadership audition excerpts this week. Expect another email from me on Thursday with this information. These short video auditions will be due on Tuesday, October 28.

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

Thanks!

Dr. G.

---

Rehearsal Recap – 9/28/25

• First half of rehearsal: I worked with the woodwinds, Eric Alterman worked with the full string section and Heidi Aispuro coached our brass section. Work focused on Smyth. With the woodwinds, we worked in detail from the beginning of the piece to letter K.
• Second half of rehearsal: we read the whole Smyth piece with the full orchestra, and then worked backwards from the end to letter I. We were able to put in some focused, detailed work. We also spoke about expectations for this ensemble. Namely, practice at home consistently and strategically, and ALWAYS show up to rehearsal well prepared.
• We spent the last 30 minutes of rehearsal on the Brahms dance. We worked on the Vivo sections first, increasing the tempo gradually. Then, we worked on letter C, letter B, and the opening of the piece, where the tempo fluctuates.

---

Rehearsal Plan – 10/5/25

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: D to K).
  • Brass with Adam in the Pavilion – Smyth (whole piece)
  • Oboes + bassoon coaching with Marty Hebert (Annex) – Smyth (whole piece)
  • Clarinets coaching with Lisa Lipton (Altar Society) – Smyth (whole piece)
  • Flutes coaching with Robert Wakeley (Music Room) – Smyth (whole piece)
    
• 3:15pm-3:30pm – break (everyone back to cafeteria)
  
• 3:30pm-4:30pm – Smyth: whole piece
• 4:30pm-5:00pm – Brahms: whole piece

---

Come hear me play viola with Oregon Symphony musicians

I’ll be playing viola with Oregon Symphony musicians at the upcoming ChatterPDX concert on Sunday, October 5 at 10:30pm. We’ll be performing Tchaikovsky’s String Sextet “Souvenir de Florence.” Details and tickets here. I hope to see many of you there.

---

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

There is a small update in seating order for first violins. Please click the relevant button on the sidebar of this blog (“C.O. Fall 2025 Part Assignments.”)

As I mentioned above, I’ll write again on Thursday with the excerpts for the leadership audition.

Also, we’ll add parts for Jupiter in the coming days, as well as temporary part assignments for that piece.

---

Spring term challenge piece: Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst.

We’ll play Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst. I hope that we can start work on this piece during the fall term, but this will depend on how quickly we make progress on Smyth and Brahms. It’s not too early to start listening to this piece! Find and save your favorite recordings.

---

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 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)

Dr. G.

---

MYS students near the Schnitz (August, 2025) | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

Hi all,

Thank you for your work on Sunday 9/21. I enjoyed working with the violas, and I was grateful to all the coaches, including Adam Eccleston, who subbed for me during the tutti portion of rehearsal. I’m fully back this coming Sunday, and look forward to working with the full orchestra again.

Please see below for a recap and our rehearsal plan for 9/28.

Thanks!

Dr. G.

---

Rehearsal Recap – 9/21/25

• We had coachings for the string sections, and winds/brass worked with Adam. I spent time with the violas on the Smyth Symphony (letter D to the end).
• Adam conducted the full orchestra during the second half of rehearsal.

---

Rehearsal Plan – 9/28/25

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 Eric in the Cafeteria – further work on Smyth (D to the end). Emphasis on rhythm and dynamics.
  • Woodwinds with me in the Pavilion – Smyth (whole piece)
  • Horns coaching (location TBD) – Smyth and Brahms as needed
  • Low brass coaching (location TBD) – Smyth and Brahms as needed
    
• 3:15pm-3:30pm – break (everyone back to cafeteria)
  
• 3:30pm-4:30pm – Smyth: whole piece
• 4:30pm-5:00pm – Brahms: whole piece

---

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

No updates to any of these documents this week. You can always find the most updated versions on the sidebar of this blog.

---

Spring term challenge piece: Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst.

Thank you for your suggestions. We’ll play Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst. I hope that we can start work on this piece during the fall term, but this will depend on how quickly we make progress on Smyth and Brahms. It’s not too early to start listening to this piece! Find and save your favorite recordings.

---

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.

---

Register for Music Theory (there’s still time!)

Our intermediate and advanced Music Theory classes take place on Tuesday evenings, starting September 30. This class is STRONGLY recommended for everyone. More information and registration here.

---

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)

Dr. G.

---

MYS students near the Newmark Theatre (August, 2025) | Photo by Sheepscot Creative