SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Sunday, June 7

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for a productive rehearsal on May 31st. It was great to see you all again after our Memorial Day weekend break.

Concert week is here!!! I’m excited to close out this great season with our biggest concert of the year.

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

1!!

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Recap – Sunday, May 24, 2026

• 3:30pm-5:00pm: Beethoven coachings:
  • 1st violins (mov 3, with Tomás Cotik)
  • cellos/basses (mov 4 recitativos with RGR)

• 5:30pm-7:05pm:
  • Beethoven, mov. 4
• break
• 7:05pm-8:30pm:
  • Beethoven, movs. 2, 3 and a bit of 1

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Rehearsal plan for Concert Week (June 7 – June 14)

I made a separate post with our rehearsal plans for the week. You can find it here.

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Part Assignments, PDFs and audio reference for OREGON SYMPHONY session on June 9

• Part assignments: see the last page of this PDF.
• PDF parts available here. We’ll bring hard copies on Sunday, 6/7
• Audio reference available here.
• Times:
  • 10am-12:30pm – MYS-only rehearsal
  • 12:30pm-2:00pm – lunch (please bring lunch from home, or be sure to be back on time if you leave campus)
  • 2:00pm-4:30pm – session with OS musicians

You can also find other important information on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device).

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Concert Call Sheet

Sunday 6/14 – call sheet

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REGISTER for next season before our 6/14 concert

IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR NEXT SEASON. If you register before our last concert, you will not need to audition. If you miss this deadline of June 14, you will have to take a regular MYS audition to return to your spot in the group.

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Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

Every spring we gather feedback to help shape the growth of MYS. This survey is a great way to impact next year’s program.

Every parent/guardian and student is encouraged to submit the survey.

We want to hear about your experience in your ensemble(s). How was your conductor? How was the amount and level of the music you studied? How did your ensemble help you toward your musical goals?

This survey also asks about tuition, rehearsal and concert venues, music theory, and the highlight of your year.

The survey closes on Thursday, June 18. Click here to take the survey.

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Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

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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.

---

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

I will have a bit more bandwidth during the summer to teach private lessons. Lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (My instruments are violin and viola, but I may also be available for coaching sessions for other instruments). 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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

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MYS Symphony Orchestra Musicians | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Call | November, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Sunday, May 31

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday. We’ll cover the entire Beethoven Symphony. It will be an important rehearsal to take stock of where we are as we approach the home stretch of the season.

Beethoven 1st violins and cellos/basses: please remember your extra coachings at 3:30pm.

Also, tonight (Tuesday, May 26), I’ll be conducting Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 (chamber orchestra version) with the 45th Parallel Universe Chamber Orchestra, made up of Oregon Symphony Musicians. MYS students (and their families!) get in for free. Just mention the “MYS family pass” at the door. 7:00pm at First United Methodist Church. More information here.

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

2!!

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Recap – Sunday, May 24, 2026

• no rehearsal (Memorial Day Weekend)

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Plan for Sunday, May 31, 2026

• 3:15pm: arrival for Beethoven 1st violins & cellos/basses
• 3:30pm-5:00pm: Beethoven coachings:
  • 1st violins (mov 3, music room with Tomás Cotik)
  • cellos/basses (mov 4, cafeteria with RGR)

• 5:15pm: arrival for everyone else – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.

• 5:30pm-7:00pm:
  • Beethoven, mov. 4
  • Beethoven, mov. 3
• 7:00pm-7:15pm: break
• 7:15pm-8:30pm:
  • Beethoven, mov 2
  • Beethoven, mov 1
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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Part Assignments, PDFs and audio reference for OREGON SYMPHONY session on June 9

• Part assignments: see the last page of this PDF.
• PDF parts available here. We’ll bring hard copies this Sunday.
• Audio reference available here.

You can also find other important information on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device).

---

Weeknight Rehearsals & Concert Call Sheet

• Thursday 6/11 – 7pm-9:30pm
• Friday 6/12 – 7pm-9:30pm
• Saturday 6/13 – 7pm-9:30pm
• Sunday 6/14 – call sheet

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Beethoven: violin 1 and cello/bass: Extra coaching on 5/31

Please add to your calendars. 1st violins and cello/bass sections: Sunday, May 31, 3:30pm-5:00pm.

• 1st violins: 3rd movement (with Tomás Cotik)
• Cello/bass: recitativos in 4th movement (with me)

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RVSP to Oregon Symphony Collaboration on June 9

Most of you have already RSVP’d. Thank you. The rest of you, please fill out this form (we need to hear from everybody whether you can do it or not). Here’s the full information.

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REGISTRATION is open for next season. Do it ASAP, please.

IT’S TIME TO REGISTER FOR NEXT SEASON. If you register before our last concert, you will not need to audition. If you miss this deadline of June 14, you will have to take a regular MYS audition to return to your spot in the group.

---

Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

Every spring we gather feedback to help shape the growth of MYS. This survey is a great way to impact next year’s program.

Every parent/guardian and student is encouraged to submit the survey.

We want to hear about your experience in your ensemble(s). How was your conductor? How was the amount and level of the music you studied? How did your ensemble help you toward your musical goals?

This survey also asks about tuition, rehearsal and concert venues, music theory, and the highlight of your year.

The survey closes on Thursday, June 18. Click here to take the survey.

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

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.

---

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

I will have a bit more bandwidth during the summer to teach private lessons. Lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (My instruments are violin and viola, but I may also be available for coaching sessions for other instruments). 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.

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MYS Symphony Orchestra Musicians | Keller Fountain | August, 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

---

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

---

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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