Author: mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for 10/12/25

Posted on by mys-staff

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 10/12/25

Posted on by mys-staff

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/)

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Audition Excerpts

Posted on by mys-staff

All members of the orchestra are expected to submit their audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, October 28.

Instructions:

  • Please create one single video with all required excerpts. Cuts are not allowed within excerpts. You may do separate takes for each excerpt and stitch them together into a single video.
  • An audible metronome must be used for your videos.
  • Upload your video to YouTube and make sure to set the video privacy to “unlisted.”
  • Submit your audition on this Google form.

Audition Excerpts

Flute 1 and 2

Please record from the part you’ll be playing at the concert.

  • Brahms, mov 1: m. 313 to L (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: m. 260 (with pick-up) to m. 284 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 1: L to M (eight note = 136)

Oboe

Please record all oboe excerpts from the oboe 1 part.

  • Brahms, mov 1: D to m. 145 (dotted quarter = 100)
  • Brahms, mov 2: m. 18 (with pick-up) to m. 43 (quarter = 48) (skip the 14 bars of rest; just pause as needed between solos)
  • Castro, mov 1: L to M (eight note = 136)

Clarinet

Please record the Brahms excerpts from the 1st clarinet part, and the Castro excerpt from the part you’ll be playing at the concert.

  • Brahms, mov 3, clarinet 1: beginning to m. 23 (quarter = 80)
  • Brahms, mov 4, clarinet 1: m. 260 (with pick-up) to m. 284 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 1: L to M (eight note = 136)

Bassoon 1, 2 & Contra

Please record from the part you’ll be playing at the concert.

  • Brahms, mov 1: K to m. 360 (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: m. 257 to m. 284 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 1: L to M (eight note = 136)

Horn

Please record the Brahms excerpts from the 1st horn part, and the Castro excerpt from the part you’ll be playing at the concert.

  • Brahms, mov 2: E (with pick-ups) to m. 105 (quarter = 48)
  • Brahms, mov 4: B to 3 before C (quarter = 60)
  • Castro, mov 1: L to M (eight note = 136)

Trumpet

Please record from the part you’ll be playing at the concert.

  • Brahms, mov. 1: m. 313 (with pick-up) to L (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov. 3: m. 101, take first ending, end at m. 87
  • Castro, mov 1: D with pick-ups (thinking in 4; dotted eight note = 136)
  • Castro, mov 1: m. 63 to m. 70 (eight note = 136)

Trombone

Please record from the part you’ll be playing at the concert.

  • Brahms, mov 1: E to m. 186 (from adapted part; dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: C to m. 61 (from original part; quarter = 66)
  • Castro, mov 1: L to M (eight note = 136)
  • Castro, mov 2: 4 after C (quarter = 86)

Violin 1

  • Brahms, mov 1: K (with 1 note pick-up) to downbeat of M (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: 1 before D (with pick-up) to downbeat of 132 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 2: m. 152 (with pick-ups) to P (dotted half (aka each bar) = 72)

Violin 2

  • Brahms, mov 1: K to downbeat of M (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: 1 before D (with pick-up) to downbeat of 132 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 2: m. 155 (with pick-up) to downbeat of P (dotted half (aka each bar) = 72)

Viola

  • Brahms, mov 1: K to downbeat of M (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: K to m. 249 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 1: m. 80 to downbeat of M (dotted quarter = 68)

Cello

  • Brahms, mov 1: K to downbeat of M (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 4: K to m. 248 (quarter = 132)
  • Castro, mov 2: m. O to 187 (dotted half (aka each bar) = 72)

Bass

  • Brahms, mov 1: E to m. 189 (dotted quarter = 108)
  • Brahms, mov 2: m. 47 (with pick-up) to m. 60 (quarter = 48)
  • Castro, mov 1: K to downbeat of M (dotted quarter = 68)

CONCERT Orchestra: Audition Excerpts

Posted on by mys-staff

All members of the orchestra are expected to submit their audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, October 28.

Instructions:

  • Please create one single video with all required excerpts. Cuts are not allowed within excerpts. You may do separate takes for each excerpt and stitch them together into a single video.
  • An audible metronome must be used for your videos. The tempos are as follows:
    • Smyth: dotted quarter = 112
    • Brahms (vivo tempo): quarter = 148
  • Upload your video to YouTube and make sure to set the video privacy to “unlisted.”
  • Submit your audition on this Google form.

Audition Excerpts

Flute 1

  • Smyth: H to m. 233
  • Smyth: m. 263 to M
  • Brahms: letter G to end

Flute 2

  • Smyth:  H to m. 233
  • Smyth: m. 263 to M
  • Brahms: (piccolo part): 8 before H to end

Oboes (both parts)

  • Smyth: letter B to m. 53
  • Smyth: m. 261 to M
  • Brahms: 11 before H to end

Clarinets (both parts)

  • Smyth: letter H to m. 228
  • Smyth: m. 263 to M
  • Brahms: letter G to end

Bassoon 1

  • Smyth: letter H to m. 233
  • Smyth: m. 263 to M
  • Brahms: letter G to end

Horns (all parts)

  • Smyth: m. 68, take 1st ending and repeat, end at m. 8
  • Smyth: m. 182 to letter G
  • Brahms: H to end

Trombones (both parts)

  • Smyth: m. 68, take 1st ending and repeat, end at m. 8
  • Smyth: m. 182 to letter G

Tuba

  • Smyth: m. 179 to letter G
  • Brahms: H to end

Violin 1

  • Smyth: m. 106 to downbeat of m. 142
  • Smyth: m. 265 to downbeat of M
  • Brahms: letter G to end (play your assigned divisi)

Violin 2

  • Smyth: m. 109 to downbeat of m. 142
  • Smyth: m. 263 to downbeat of M
  • Brahms: letter G to end (play your assigned divisi)

Viola

  • Smyth: m. 105 to downbeat of m. 142
  • Smyth: m. 263 to downbeat of M
  • Brahms: letter G to end (play your assigned divisi)

Cello

  • Smyth: m. 67, take 2nd ending, end at m. 86
  • Smyth: 2 before E to downbeat of m. 142
  • Brahms: letter C (take repeat and finish at second ending) – quarter note = 69

Bass

  • Smyth: m. 35 to m. 51
  • Smyth: 2 before E to downbeat of m. 137
  • Brahms: letter H to end

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for 10/5/25

Posted on by mys-staff

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 10/5/25

Posted on by mys-staff

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 9/28/25

Posted on by mys-staff

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – 9/16/25

Posted on by mys-staff

Hi everyone,

Thanks for a productive rehearsal on Sunday 9/14. Please see below for a rehearsal recap, rehearsal plan for 9/21 and more.

Cheers,

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Recap – 9/14/25

  • We had our first set of sectionals: the winds were with Adam and the strings were with me. Strings worked on the 4th movement of Brahms, from the beginning to around letter N.
  • The tutti portion of rehearsal focused on Brahms (4th mov), from letter N to the end. We also read the first movement of Giancarlo’s flute concerto. I thought it was a pretty good read-through! Please continue to familiarize yourselves with this movement, particularly the rhythmically challenging elements. @Woodwinds: I owe you a simplified version of the rhythm at letter L. I’ll get to that soon, but in the meantime, try to wrap your heads around that passage on your own.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 21, 2025

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm
    • Please focus on Brahms: movement 1 – practice and listen to recordings!
      • Violin 1 in Music Room with Eri Ishigaki
      • Violin 2 in Altar Society Room with Raúl Gómez-Rojas
      • Viola with Haojian Wang in Conference Room 1
      • Cello and bass with Karen Schulz-Harmon in Pavilion
      • Winds and Brass with Adam Eccleston in Cafeteria
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm – break (strings: come back to cafeteria)
  • 7:00pm-8:00pm – Brahms: movement 1 – goal tempi: opening: eight note = 84; Allegro: dotted quarter = 98
  • 8:00pm-8:30pm – Castro D’Addona: movement 2 – just as last week, please practice this at home. Listen to the music as part of your preparation. Use my YouTube playlist for reference.
  • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

Need celesta (piano) player for Castro

If anybody in the orchestra is a highly advanced piano player, and you’d like to play the celesta part in the Flute Concerto, please let me know! I’d love to fill this part with someone who’s already in the orchestra. Here’s the part for your perusal. —- Or, alternatively, if you have a friend at school who is a great piano player, please give me their name and email and I’ll reach out with an invitation.

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 (especially for Giancarlo’s piece, in this case). 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.

Register for Music Theory

Our intermediate and advanced Music Theory classes take place on Monday or Tuesday evenings, starting September 29 or 30. This class is STRONGLY recommended for everyone. More information and registration here.

Reminder: Concerto Competition

This is coming fast!! The first deadline for pre-approval is Monday, October 6. 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.

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.

MYS students at the Keller Fountain (August, 2025) | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – 9/16/25

Posted on by mys-staff

Hi all,

Good work on Sunday 9/14. Thanks for your preparation. Please see below for this week’s notes.

Thanks!

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Recap – 9/14/25

  • We had our first week of sectionals. Strings worked with Casey in the pavilion, and winds/brass worked with Adam in the cafeteria.
  • We spent most of our time during the tutti portion of rehearsal on the exposition of the Smyth Symphony. We found that the syncopations that start around m. 65 can be tricky. Please practice these with a metronome. You could start by setting your metronome to ~140 (with an accent every three beats if possible), and practice these syncopations making sure you’re changing notes on the 3rd and 6th beats (right before the accented one). Once you’re comfortable, increase the metronome speed by a few clicks and repeat the process. Eventually, you’ll want to switch the metronome to ~60 or so, and play the music “in two.” So, the triple subdivision will be internal (in your head).
  • Please also make sure to practice all the dynamic changes: subito dynamics, crescendos, diminuendos, etc.
  • Towards the end of rehearsal, we spent a little time on Brahms, starting at letter F. Please make sure you’re VERY aware of the difference between 3 bars before G and 2 bars before H. Remember that the tempo doesn’t change anymore after letter F.

Rehearsal Plan – 9/21/25

This coming Sunday will be the first weekend with coachings. We will have separate coaches for each string section (violin 1, violin 2, violas, cello+bass). The following week (9/28) will be the brass’s turn, and the following (10/5) the woodwinds’ turn.

  • Please arrive by 1:45pm at All Saints: 601 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97232. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm.
  • 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 2:00pm-3:15pm:
    • Violin 1 in Music Room with Eri Ishigaki
    • Violin 2 in Altar Society Room with Chris Fotinakis
    • Viola in Conference Room 1 with Raúl Gómez-Rojas
    • Cellos and bass in Pavilion with Eric Alterman
    • Winds/brass sectional in Cafeteria with Adam Eccleson
      • Please focus on Smyth: letter D to the end of the piece – our goal tempo for this piece will be dotted quarter = 112. For this rehearsal, be prepared to play accurately at dotted quarter = 90.
  • 3:15pm-3:30pm – break (strings: come back to cafeteria)
  • 3:30pm-4:30pm – Smyth: letter D to end, dotted quarter = 90
  • 4:30pm-5:00pm – Brahms: letter [F] (“Vivo”) to end – we’ll keep the same plan as last Sunday for Brahms: our goal tempo for the “vivo” sections of this piece will be quarter = 148. For this rehearsal, be prepared to play accurately at quarter = 120.

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

There is a small update to our Part Assignments document (violin 1). No updates this week to our schedule or repertoire list.

You can always find the most updated versions of these documents on the sidebar of this blog.

Reminder: suggestions for our spring term challenge piece

One final reminder to suggest pieces for our spring term challenge piece. Below are the overall requirements for this piece. If you think of anything, please email me and I’ll add your suggestion to my list! If there are 2 or 3 suitable options, I might have you all vote. Please send your ideas by Friday this week (9/19).

  • Duration: about 10 minutes maximum (this can be a single movement of a larger piece, a stand-alone concert piece, or a combination of a few shorter movements).
  • Instrumentation: full symphony orchestra (woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings). Harp and piano are welcome too.
  • Difficulty: realistic for the ensemble. We want it to be challenging, but not overwhelmingly difficult. If in doubt, send me your suggestion anyway and I’ll let you know.

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

Our intermediate and advanced Music Theory classes take place on Monday or Tuesday evenings, starting September 29 or 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 at the Keller Fountain (August, 2025) | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

MYSfits Updates – 9/16/25

Posted on by mys-staff

Hi MYSfits,

Great work on Sunday at our Sunday Parkways performance. Really fantastic work in only two rehearsals. Please read on for important updates.

Repertoire Update

Our performance at All Classical on September 25 is just around the corner. For this performance, we will only play Holst (all four movements). Please prioritize this in your practicing this week.

After our All Classical performance, we will add two more pieces to prepare for our concert with A Far Cry in November: Lyric by George Walker, and a movement of Songs of the River Po, by local composer Deena T. Grossman.

Thursday, 9/25 – All Classical Thursdays @ Three arrival details

From our friends at All Classical:

  • Location: All Classical Radio, 222 SW Columbia St. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97201
  • Arrival time for soundcheck: 1:00 PM. Your group will perform on the first half of the show.
  • Parking: There are several *paid* parking options near KOIN:
    • KOIN Center Parking – 151 SW Clay St; located on the right side of the street between 1st and 2nd Aves
    • Street Parking – pay via the Parking Kitty app
  • Video/photography: While photography is allowed during the show, taking videos of any kind is not permitted (by audience or performers). You are welcome to record video footage during soundcheck. Thank you for your understanding.

Parents/families: you may reserve tickets to attend this free performance here. 

Updates to MYSfits calendar in November

A few changes to our calendar in November:

  • New: rehearsal with A Far Cry on Wednesday, 11/12, 6pm-9pm
  • Time change: rehearsal with A Far Cry on Friday, 11/14: now 7pm-9:30pm
  • Cancelled: rehearsal with A Far Cry on Saturday, 11/15

I’ve reflected these changes on the calendar that’s linked on the sidebar of this blog. Please update your calendars accordingly. 

Thanks,
Dr. G.

MYSfits at All Classical Radio – November 21, 2024 | Photo by MYS

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