CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Posted on January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

We had a very productive rehearsal on Sunday, January 18. Thank you to Mr. Wakeley and Mr. Alterman for their work with you in our sectionals. It was great to tackle the Cartoon Music as well.

Flutes! Please check the part assignments PDF for an update to the Cartoon Music assignments (linked on sidebar, or bottom of the page if on a mobile device).

Please see below for a recap of our last rehearsal, and our plan for January 25.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

4

Recap – January 18, 2026

Sectionals: woodwinds worked with Robert Wakeley and strings with Eric Alterman. Both sectionals covered the 1st movement of Mozart Symphony No. 40, mov. 1.
Tutti: we spent most of our time on YCP’s “Cartoon Music,” aka “Retep finds a way.” As we get closer to the concert, we will begin rehearsing this piece alongside the video to which we need sync.
We also spent a bit of time near the end of rehearsal working on intonation and articulation (Mozart, m. 139-160).

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 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 at 1:30pm to open the space.

Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm: last set of sectionals this term.
- Strings sectional @ cafeteria Mozart, mov 1 (Casey Bozell)
- Woodwinds sectional @ pavilion: Mozart, mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
3:15pm-3:30pm: break
3:30pm-4:15pm: YCP Cartoon Music (in preparation for rehearsal, please practice along to the YouTube video for this piece). Our YouTube playlist is linked on the sidebar.
4:15pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 & mov 4 (exposition)

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

In case you missed it, I’m leaving this here form last week:

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…

Flutes: please check our updated assignments for “Retep finds a way.”

Please check the items linked on the sidebar (or bottom of the page if on a mobile device) if you need to consult anything.

Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (I may also be available for private coaching sessions for other instruments, but my specific instrumental training is upper strings.) Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

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

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Posted on January 13, 2026January 20, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for a fun rehearsal on Sunday, January 11. We didn’t get to the flute concerto, but I thought we did very important work on the 4th movement of the Tchaikovsky symphony.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 18, as well as information and excerpts for 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:

6

Recap – January 11, 2026

Winds/brass sectional: we worked on the 3rd movement of the symphony. We covered letter [I] to 4 after [K], and [T] to the end. Brass: remember that you have power in numbers, so, loud dynamics should generally be one dynamic level softer.
String coachings: each section worked with a coach on the 3rd movement of the symphony.
Tutti: we did deep, satisfying work on the 4th movement of the symphony.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 18, 2026

Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals
- Strings sectional @ cafeteria: Tchaikovsky, Mov 1 (RGR)
- Woodwinds+brass sectional @ pavilion: Tchaikovsky, Mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
6:45pm-7:00pm: break
7:00pm-7:45pm: Reinecke Flute Concerto (no soloist)
7:45pm-8:30pm: Gganbu by James Lee
8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due 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…

I have updated the YouTube playlist with the audio of the final version of Gganbu by YCP composer James Lee. Please use it to prepare for Sunday. The playlist 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

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Leadership Audition Information

Posted on January 13, 2026January 20, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Leadership Audition Information

All members of the orchestra are expected to submit their audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, February 10.

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 (unless indicated otherwise). Tempos are specified for each excerpt.
Upload your video to YouTube and make sure to set the video privacy to “unlisted.”
Submit your audition on this Google form.

Audition Excerpts (all from Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6)

Flute 1

Mov 1, m. 239 (with pick-up) to downbeat of [P] – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 305 to m. 317 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 3, [Ee] to m. 315 – metronome @ 150

Flute 2

Mov 1, m. 241 to downbeat of [P] – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 305 to m. 317 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 3, [Ee] to m. 315 – metronome @ 150

Flute 3/Piccolo

Mov 1, [N] (with pick-up) to m. 268 – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 305 to m. 317 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 3, [Ee] to m. 315 – metronome @ 150

Oboes (both parts)

Mov 1, m. 161 to m. 197 – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 201 to m. 221 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, m. 108 to m. 130 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Clarinet 1

Mov 1, m. 54 to m. 67 – metronome @ 116
Mov 1, m. 153 to m. 160 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 1, m. 239 (with pick-up) to downbeat of [P] – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 326 (with pick-ups) to m. 336 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Clarinet 2

Mov 1, m. 54 to m. 67 – metronome @ 116
Mov 1, m. 238 to downbeat of [P] – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, [Ee] to m. 315 – metronome @ 150
optional: both 1st clarinet solos in 1st movement (m. 153 and m. 326)

Bassoons (both parts)

Mov 1, m. 183 (with pick-up) to 199 – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 316 (with pick-up) to end of movement – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, m. 23 to 36 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

[note for Concert Orchestra brass: you will be considered to join Symphony Orchestra permanently with this audition]

Horns 1 & 3

Mov 1, m. 226 to 245 – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 229 to 274 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, m. 107 to letter K (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Horns 2 & 4

Mov 1, m. 226 to 245 – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 229 to 274 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, m. [B] to m. 36 (2ND HORN ONLY, no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 4, m. 98 to m. 137 (rest for only about 1 bar at H) (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Trumpets (both parts)

Mov 1, 5 after [C] to 1 before [D] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 1, 3 after [O] to 3 before [Q] – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, [Y] to m. 282 – metronome @ 150

Trombone 1

Mov 1, 5 before [N] to 4 after [P] (skip the 9 bars of rest before [O]) – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 336 to 339 – metronome @ 80
Mov 3, [Y] to m. 282 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, [L] to [M] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Trombone 2

Mov 1, m. 244 to 4 after [P] (skip the 9 bars of rest before [O]) – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 336 to 339 – metronome @ 80
Mov 3, [Y] to m. 282 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, [L] to [M] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Trombone 3

Mov 1, m. 238 to 8 after [P] (skip the 9 bars of rest before [O]) – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 336 to 339 – metronome @ 80
Mov 3, m. 268 to m. 315 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, [L] to [M] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Tuba

Mov 1, m. 260 (with pick-up) to 83 before [Q] – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 273 to m. 315 – metronome @ 150
Mov 4, [L] to [M] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).

Violin 1

Mov 1, [H] (with pick-up) to m. 187 – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 305 to [T] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 3, beginning to [B] – metronome @ 150 (prioritize light bow stroke, NOT in the upper half)
Mov 3, [Ee] to [Ii] – metronome @ 150

Violin 2

Mov 1, m. 161 to m. 187 – metronome @ 144
Mov 1, m. 305 to [T] (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 3, [A] to m. 31 – metronome @ 150 (prioritize light bow stroke, NOT in the upper half)
Mov 3, [Ee] to [Ii] – metronome @ 150

Viola

Mov 1, m. 19 to m. 42 (beat 3) – metronome @ 116
Mov 1, m. 86 to m. 88 (no metronome, tempo and phrasing based on rehearsals).
Mov 1, [H] to downbeat of m. 190 – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 14 to m. 29 – metronome @ 150 (prioritize light bow stroke, NOT in the upper half)
Mov 3, [Ee] to [Ii] – metronome @ 150

Cello

Mov 1, m. 175 (with pick-up) to downbeat of m. 201 – metronome @ 144
Mov 2, beginning to m. 16 (take the 1st ending and repeat, end at 2nd ending) – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 178 (beat 3) to m. 194 – metronome @ 150
Mov 3, [Gg] to downbeat of [Kk] – metronome @ 150

Bass

Mov 1, m. 175 (with pick-up) to downbeat of m. 201 – metronome @ 144
Mov 3, m. 114 to m. 138 – metronome @ 150
Mov 3, m. 330 to end of movement – metronome @ 150

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Posted on January 13, 2026January 20, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thanks for a great rehearsal on Sunday, January 11th.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 18, the list of excerpts for the leadership auditions for the spring, and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

5

Recap – January 11, 2026

Woodwinds sectional: James Shields work with the woodwinds on Mozart. The session covered music theory concepts (including functional harmony) and how they impact phrasing, dynamics, etc.
String coachings: each section worked with a coach on Mozart.
Tutti: we continued polishing the 1st movement of Mozart. We placed emphasis on listening and playing together.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 18

Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.

Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm:
- Strings sectional @ cafeteria Mozart, mov 1 (Eric Alterman)
- Woodwinds sectional @ pavilion: Mozart, mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
3:15pm-3:30pm: break
3:30pm-4:30pm: YCP Cartoon Music
4:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 (mostly just a play-through), Mozart, mov 4 (exposition)

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

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

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

CONCERT Orchestra: Leadership Audition Information

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra: Leadership Audition Information

All members of the orchestra are expected to submit their audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, February 10.

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 tempo for the Mozart symphony (1st movement) is half note = 100
Upload your video to YouTube and make sure to set the video privacy to “unlisted.”
Submit your audition on this Google form.

Audition Excerpts (all from Mozart, Symphony No. 40, Movement 1)

Flute

m. 69 to m. 105 (no repeat)
m. 228 to m. 260

Oboes (both parts)

m. 85 to m. 105 (no repeat)
m. 114 to m. 138
m. 273 to m. 284

Clarinet 1

m. 45 to m. 66
m. 81 to m. 101 (no repeat)
m. 269 to m. 287

Clarinet 2

m. 85 to m. 101 (no repeat)
m. 153 to m. 166
m. 273 to m. 287

Bassoon 1

m. 45 to m. 76
m. 115 (with pick-up) to downbeat of m. 134
m. 228 to m. 260

Bassoon 2

m. 85 to m. 105 (no repeat)
m. 115 (with pick-up) to downbeat of m. 134
m. 191 to m. 210

Violins (both parts)

m. 21 (with pick-up) to m. 54
m. 85 (with pick-up) to m. 100
m. 104 (with pick-up) to m. 126 (2nd quarter)
m. 184 (with pick-up) to m. 225

Viola

m. 1 to m. 20 (prioritize even, light bow stroke – NOT in the upper half)
m. 105 to downbeat of m. 134
m. 185 to m. 210

Cello

m. 85 to m. 95
m. 115 (with pick-up) to downbeat of m. 134
m. 191 to m. 210

Bass

m. 44 to m. 70
m. 198 to m. 210

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 11, 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026January 11, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Happy New Year! How is it 2026 already??

Our next concert is on Sunday, March 1st (4pm, Newmark Theatre). That means we only have 7 more weekend rehearsals before the performance. Don’t let the sound of “March” fool you. February always flies by. I’ll add a “countdown” to this post, in big letters, below.

Between now and the concert, please plan your practicing very strategically. I know you are all very busy with school and other extracurriculars. Time management is essential. It will be extremely important to practice regularly and mindfully. Plan and set goals for each practice session.

This coming Sunday (Jan 11), we have coachings during the first half of rehearsal, and tutti during the second half. Please see below for our detailed rehearsal plan.

I look forward to seeing you all again on Sunday.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

Recap – December 14, 2025

4:30pm-6:10pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
6:25pm-7:50pm: We spent quite a bit of time on the 2nd movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony. Please make sure to practice what we did in rehearsal to optimize your retention levels. I was still beating in 5 during most of our work. As we continue finding more flow, I plan to go into two beats per bar (subdivision 2+3). We prioritized intonation, and I plan to continue being demanding in this regard.
7:55pm-8:30pm: we did some work on movement 4. Not much. We discussed how one of the most important elements in this movement is to push and pull together, as indicated by the incalzando and animando instructions.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals/coachings
- Strings coachings on Tchaikovsky, Mov 3
  - Violin 1 with Keiko Araki (Music Room)
  - Violin 2 with Darian Todd (Altar Society)
  - Violas with Brian Quincey (Annex)
  - Cellos + bass with Marilyn DeOliveira (Pavillion)
- Woodwinds+brass sectional @ cafeteria: Tchaikovsky, Mov 3
6:45pm-7:00pm: break
7:00pm-8:00pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 4 (tutti)
8:00pm-8:30pm: Reinecke Flute Concerto (no soloist)
8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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

Our YouTube reference playlist now includes a recording of the Reinecke Flute Concerto and the mock audio of James Lee’s piece “Gganbu.” Please click “S.O. VIDEO/AUDIO REFERENCE PLAYLIST” (button on sidebar) and listen to the playlist constantly as part of your preparation. Also, don’t limit yourself to only the recordings included in the playlist (of Tchaikovsky and Reinecke.) Branch out and listen to as many other versions as you can. You might find your very own favorite.

PDF Practice Parts

Bring your friends to MYS

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 11, 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026January 7, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Happy New Year! How is it 2026 already??

Our next concert is on Sunday, February 22nd (4pm, Newmark Theatre). That means we only have 6 more rehearsals before the performance. I’ll add a “countdown” to this post, in big letters, below.

This coming Sunday (Jan 11), we have coachings during the first half of rehearsal, and tutti during the second half. Please see below for our detailed rehearsal plan.

I look forward to seeing you all again on Sunday.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

6

Recap – December 21, 2025

We spent most of our rehearsal doing very detailed work on the exposition of the 1st movement of the Mozart Symphony (about 90 minutes). We prioritized work on intonation and style.
After a short break, we read through the exposition of the 4th movement, considerably under tempo.
Starting at 4:30pm, he had our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along, until 6:00pm, alongside MYS Symphony Orchestra.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 11, 2026

Please arrive by 1:45pm. We can always use extra hands to help set up the room if you are able to get there closer to 1:30pm. I will arrive at 1:30pm to open the space.

Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
2:00pm-3:15pm:
- Strings coachings on Mozart, mov 1
  - Violin 1 with Eri Ishigaki (Music Room)
  - Violin 2 with Chris Fotinakis (Annex)
  - Violas with Darian Todd (Altar Society)
  - Cellos + bass with Andrew Harmon (Pavillion)
- Woodwinds sectional @ cafeteria: Mozart, mov 1 (Adam Eccleston)
3:15pm-3:30pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 (and movement 4 if time allows).

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

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Holiday Break 2025-2026

Posted on December 23, 2025January 20, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive rehearsal and a fun holiday celebration on Sunday 12/21. Below is a recap of what we did, as well as a request during your break.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 21, 2025

4:30pm-6:10pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
6:25pm-7:50pm: We spent quite a bit of time on the 2nd movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony. Please make sure to practice what we did in rehearsal to optimize your retention levels. I was still beating in 5 during most of our work. As we continue finding more flow, I plan to go into two beats per bar (subdivision 2+3). We prioritized intonation, and I plan to continue being demanding in this regard.
7:55pm-8:30pm: we did some work on movement 4. Not much. We discussed how one of the most important elements in this movement is to push and pull together, as indicated by the incalzando and animando instructions.

Request for holiday break

Our next rehearsal will be on Sunday, January 11th. I will send an email on Tuesday, January 6th with a specific rehearsal plan.

In the meantime, and during your holiday break, please:

Make sure to rest.
Prioritize slow practice with metronome (for fast, difficult passages).
Don’t forget about the flute concerto! Make sure to practice this one as well.
Do a lot of listening! Find different recordings of the Tchaikovsky Symphony and listen to as many as you can, as regularly as you can. Familiarity goes a long way. Same for the flute concerto.

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

Nothing new this week. I’ll let you know as soon as get new materials for the YCP piece.

PDF Practice Parts

Bring your friends to MYS

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 happy holidays!

Dr. G.

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – Holiday Break 2025-2026

Posted on December 23, 2025January 20, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive rehearsal and a fun holiday celebration on Sunday 12/21. Below is a recap of what we did, as well as a request during your break.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 21, 2025

We spent most of our rehearsal doing very detailed work on the exposition of the 1st movement of the Mozart Symphony (about 90 minutes). We prioritized work on intonation and style.
After a short break, we read through the exposition of the 4th movement, considerably under tempo.
Starting at 4:30pm, he had our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along, until 6:00pm, alongside MYS Symphony Orchestra.

Request for holiday break

Our next rehearsal will be on Sunday, January 11th. I will send an email on Tuesday, January 6th with a specific rehearsal plan.

In the meantime, and during your holiday break, please:

Make sure to rest.
Prioritize slow practice with metronome (both 1st and 4th movements of the symphony).
Go over everything we did in rehearsal for the exposition of the 1st movement (as it relates to style and articulation), and transfer any applicable notes to the development and recapitulation.
Do a lot of listening! Find different recordings of the Mozart Symphony and listen to as many as you can, as regularly as you can. Familiarity goes a long way.

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

Nothing new this week. I will let you all know when we receive the final materials for the Young Composers Project Cartoon Music.

Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library

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 violas, clarinets, trumpets and percussionists, but all are welcome.

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing and happy holidays!

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for December 21, 2025

Posted on December 16, 2025December 16, 2025 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Only one more rehearsal before our winter break. Don’t forget to stay later after rehearsal for our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along with Symphony Orchestra, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Please see below for more details about this event. Also, please note that we will start work on the 4th movement of the Mozart Symphony (!!!). Please practice at home before rehearsal. Details below.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 14, 2025

We had sectionals with Kevin Lefohn (strings) and Adam Eccleston (woodwinds) on the Mozart symphony.
We spent most of the tutti portion of rehearsal reading through the Cartoon Music by YCP composers. Thank you so much for your written feedback to the composers on the parts. I will let you know when we receive the final PDF materials and we will make them available digitally, for you to practice over the winter break.
We also spent a little bit of time on the Mozart symphony towards the end of rehearsal.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 21, 2025

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-3:00pm: (tutti) Mozart Symphony, Movement 1
3:00pm-3:15pm: break
3:15pm-4:15pm: (tutti) Mozart Symphony, Movement 4 (!!!) – we’ll focus on the exposition section of this movement (beginning to m. 124)
4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along

Sunday 12/21, 4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along

Please plan to stay a bit later on Sunday 12/21 for a Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along.

Bring cookies (or any other holiday treat of your choice) to share with others. Please label your treats, including information like allergens or dietary details (e.g. “contains peanuts, dairy” or “gluten free.”)
Bring your own beverage (like hot cocoa, apple cider, etc). If you feel like bringing a big jug to share, please also bring small disposable cups.
If you’re able, please also bring a few paper plates and paper towels for yourself and to share.
Wear your favorite holiday attire (“ugly” holiday sweaters encouraged).

We will bring sheet music of holiday favorites, which we will play together with Symphony Orchestra musicians.

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

Later this afternoon (Tuesday 12/16), I will post the video (with mock-up audio) of the cartoon made by PAM CUT students, which YCP composers set to music. Check our YouTube reference playlist linked on the sidebar of this blog (“C.O. AUDIO/VIDEO REFERENCE PLAYLIST).

Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library

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 violas, clarinets, trumpets and percussionists, but all are welcome.

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell