Author: Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for December 21, 2025

Posted on 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

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.

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

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 December 21, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Only one more rehearsal before our winter break. Don’t forget to come early for our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along on Sunday 12/21, starting at 4:30pm. Please see below for more details about this event, and be prepared to rehearse movements 2 and 4 of Tchaikovsky this week.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 14, 2025

  • First half of rehearsal: Woodwind sections worked with coaches, brass with Mr. Eccleston and strings with me (all on the 1st movement of Tchaikovsky).
    • We covered quite a lot of ground with the strings. We did pretty detailed work from m. 86 to the end of the movement, and we played through once (under tempo) from letter B. to m. 86.
  • Tutti rehearsal: we read the YCP piece for this term (by James Lee) and the first movement of the Reinecke Flute Concerto.
  • If you were not at rehearsal on Sunday, please make sure to practice what you missed at home.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 21, 2025

  • Arrival for Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along: 4:30pm
  • 4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
  • 6:15pm-7:15pm: Tutti rehearsal: Tchaikovsky, Movement 2
  • 7:15pm-7:30pm: break
  • 7:30pm-8:30pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 4
  • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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

Please come early 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 Concert Orchestra musicians.

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

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for December 14, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

Thanks for a productive rehearsal on 12/7. I’m excited about how the Mozart symphony is coming along. Keep up the good work practicing at home. I think this will be a very satisfying performance in late February.

We’ve received materials from the Young Composers Project, so we’ll plan to read the Cartoon Music this Sunday (12/14). This and more details below.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 7, 2025

  • We had sectionals with Sam Ross (strings) and Adam Eccleston (woodwinds) on the Mozart symphony.
  • The tutti portion of rehearsal focused on slow, detailed work on the development section of the 1st movement of the symphony, as well as the transition within the recapitulation (m. 191 to 210). We spent about 7 minutes on Jupiter.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 14, 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-3:15pm:
    • Strings sectional @ cafeteria: Mozart, mov 1 (Kevin Lefohn)
    • Woodwinds sectional @ pavilion: Mozart, mov 1 (Adam Eccleston)
  • 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
  • 3:30pm-4:30pm: YCP piece (“Cartoon Music”) – See below for part assignments. We’re working on uploading all available PDFs here. Please check back later today and tomorrow to see all the parts, and practice at home before Sunday. I will also upload the video of the cartoon with computer audio as soon as it’s available. Check our YouTube playlist (linked on the sidebar) for that.
  • 4:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart – m. 228 to end, and revisit exposition (beginning to repeat sign).

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

Please check our Part Assignments PDF (linked on the sidebar of this webpage) for new woodwind part assignments for the YCP Cartoon Music piece. Strings will stay the same as Mozart.

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.
  • 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.

Concert Review (Oregon ArtsWatch) and Photos (by Richard Kolbell)

[keeping this here from last week’s notes]: Read the review of our concert here, and enjoy Richard Kolbell’s photos here. If you download or post any of these photos anywhere, please make sure to credit the photographer (e.g. “Photo by Richard Kolbell).

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 December 14, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi everyone,

That was a very satisfying rehearsal on 12/7. Thanks for your preparation and hard work on the 3rd movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony.

Coming up on 12/14, we’ll have an all-star lineup of Oregon Symphony musicians coaching each woodwind section. Brass will work with Mr. Eccleston. Strings will be with me. We’ll also read the Reinecke flute concerto and this term’s YCP piece by James Lee. Please see my detailed rehearsal plan below.

Also, please mark your calendars for our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along on Sunday 12/21, starting at 4:30pm.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 7, 2025

  • Brass sections worked with coaches, woodwinds with Mr. Eccleston and strings with me (all on the 3rd movement of Tchaikovsky)
  • The tutti portion of rehearsal also focused on the 3rd movement of the symphony.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 14, 2025

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals/coachings
    • Strings: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6, movement 1
    • Brass: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6, movement 1
    • Woodwinds coachings (each section separately): Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 – movement 1
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-7:30pm: read YCP piece: “Gganbu” by James Lee. Please listen practice before Sunday. Parts here. Review part assignments linked on the sidebar of this page.
  • 7:30pm-8:30pm: read Reinecke Flute Concerto. Also, please listen and practice before Sunday. Parts here. Review part assignments linked on the sidebar of this page.
  • 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…

No changes to part assignments this week. Please review assignments for the first half of the concert (YCP piece and Reinecke Flute Concerto) to be ready for this Sunday.

I will add reference audio for James Lee’s piece “Gganbu” as soon as I get it from him later today (Tue) or tomorrow. Please check our “S.O. VIDEO/AUDIO REFERENCE PLAYLIST” (linked on the sidebar) later this week and listen to the piece as part of your preparation.

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

Please come early 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.
  • Wear your favorite holiday attire (“ugly” holiday sweaters encouraged).

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

Concert Review (Oregon ArtsWatch) and Photos (by Richard Kolbell)

[leaving this here from last week’s notes]: Read the review of our concert here, and enjoy Richard Kolbell’s photos here. If you download or post any of these photos anywhere, please make sure to credit the photographer (e.g. “Photo by Richard Kolbell).

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. 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 Notes for December 7, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi everyone,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. Now it’s time to get back to work!

Brass players: please note that this Sunday each section will work separately with Oregon Symphony coaches. Be ready!

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for 12/7, the Oregon ArtsWatch review of our 11/9 concert, lots of photos from the concert by Richard Kolbell, and other important information.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – November 23, 2025

  • Read movements 3 and 4 of Tchaikovsky.
  • Started work on movement 1, from the beginning to around letter G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 7, 2025

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals/coachings
    • Strings: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6, movement 3
    • Woodwinds: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6, movement 3
    • Brass coachings (each section separately): Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 – prioritize movement 3, letter U to the end.
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: more Tchaikovsky: movement 3 (whole movement)
  • 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…

If you missed it last week, please review the part assignments PDF linked on the sidebar of this blog. Part assignments have been posted for the first half of the concert (YCP piece and Reinecke Flute Concerto).

Parts were handed out on 11/23 for the Reinecke piece. Please make sure to grab them this Sunday if you don’t have your hard copies yet.

Concert Review (Oregon ArtsWatch) and Photos (by Richard Kolbell)

Read the review of our concert here, and enjoy Richard Kolbell’s photos here. If you download or post any of these photos anywhere, please make sure to credit the photographer (e.g. “Photo by Richard Kolbell).

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. 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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for December 7, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

I hope you had a joyful and restful Thanksgiving break. Now it’s time to get back to work!

We don’t have the score and parts for the Young Composers Project piece yet. I expect to receive them this week, and I’ll let you know when they’re available for download.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan, other important information, the Oregon ArtsWatch review of our 11/9 concert, and lots of photos from the concert by Richard Kolbell.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – November 23, 2025

  • We read the entirety of the 1st movement of the Mozart Symphony.
  • Detailed work on the exposition of the movement, some work on the recapitulation, and detailed work on the coda. We didn’t cover the development.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 7, 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-3:15pm:
    • Strings sectional @ cafeteria: Mozart, mov 1
    • Woodwinds sectional @ pavilion: Mozart, mov 1
  • 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
  • 3:30pm-4:30pm: more Mozart (emphasis on development section of mov. 1).
  • 4:30pm-5:00pm: Holst Jupiter – beginning to #5 – for the time being, we’ll use the same part assignments for Jupiter as we did during the fall term. Your next set of leadership audition videos are due in early February, so, those will define the final part assignments for Jupiter.

Concert Review (Oregon ArtsWatch) and Photos (by Richard Kolbell)

Read the review of our concert here, and enjoy Richard Kolbell’s photos here. If you download or post any of these photos anywhere, please make sure to credit the photographer (e.g. “Photo by Richard Kolbell).

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

Keep in mind that this term we will also play a piece by the Young Composers Project. I’ll create a different seating rotation for this piece as soon as I receive it from the composers. I expect we’ll get the materials the first week of December.

I’ve updated our YouTube playlist with a live performance of the Mozart symphony by the London Mozart Players. Click the button on the sidebar (or bottom of the page if on mobile). I’ll keep adding videos in the next couple of weeks.

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

MYSfits – Winter Term Information

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi MYSfits,

Thank you for a wonderful fall term and a brilliant concert on 11/16. I’m excited for you to continue applying all the tools you practiced with the Criers for the rest of the season, under Kenji’s guidance. Please see below for everything you need to know for our winter term.

Part Assignments

Linked here.

PDF parts, score

Linked here. We’ll have hard copies on 12/7.

Reference Recording

Listen to as many different recordings as you can, but here’s a good start:

Calendar

No changes to our calendar from the one that was distributed at the beginning of the season, but here’s an updated PDF with past dates removed.

That’s it for now. Have a happy Thanksgiving break!

Dr. G.

*** jazz hands with the Criers after 11/16 concert ***

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for November 23, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

Great to see you on Sunday 11/16. I enjoyed reading just about half of the Tchaikovsky symphony with you.

Congrats to MYSfits and our Jazz Ensembles for fantastic performances at the Community Concert. Really great work. I thought all groups sounded wonderfully.

Also, thank you for taking time to answer my post-concert debriefing questionnaire. I will spend time this week reading every single one of your answers. This will help me continue shaping your MYS experience to be the best it can be. More about this on Sunday.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan, etc.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – November 16, 2025

  • The first portion of rehearsal was spent on our post-concert debriefing questionnaire. If you were not present on Sunday, you can still fill it out here.
  • We read movements 1 and 2 of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6. We also read a bit of the beginning of the 3rd movement.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, November 23, 2025

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-7:00pm: Tchahikovsky, Symphony No. 6 – continue reading movements 3 and 4.
  • 7:00pm-7:15pm: break
  • 7:15pm-8:30pm: more Tchaikovsky: start detailed work on movement 1.
  • 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…

I will create the seating rotation for the first half of this concert later this week (Reinecke Flute Concerto and YCP piece by James Lee). Stay tuned.

String Players: represent MYS at this Oregon Chorale program

A couple of spots still available!

Represent MYS in a couple of performances with the Oregon Chorale in December: the Oregon Chorale will be the choir joining MYS Symphony Orchestra in June 2026 for our performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them.

They are looking for a small string ensemble to join them for their holiday concerts. Please click here for details and to sign up.

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. 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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for November 23, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

Thank you for your work with Mr. Todd on Sunday. I look forward to seeing you again this coming Sunday (11/23), to dig into the Mozart Symphony.

Also, thank you for taking time to answer my post-concert debriefing questionnaire. I will spend time this week reading every single one of your answers. This will help me continue shaping your MYS experience to be the best it can be. More about this on Sunday.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan, etc.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – November 16, 2025

  • The first portion of rehearsal was spent on our post-concert debriefing questionnaire. If you were not present on Sunday, you can still fill it out here.
  • Mr. Todd led our first read-through of the Mozart Symphony.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, November 23, 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-3:30pm: Mozart, Symphony No. 40, movement 1 – Detailed work on the exposition section of the first movement (beginning to m. 100).
  • 3:30pm-3:45pm: break
  • 3:45pm-4:30pm: more Mozart
  • 4:30pm-5:00pm: Holst Jupiter – beginning to #5

String Players: join Symphony players for this Oregon Chorale program

A couple of spots still available!

Represent MYS in a couple of performances with the Oregon Chorale in December: the Oregon Chorale will be the choir joining MYS Symphony Orchestra in June 2026 for our performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them.

They are looking for a small string ensemble to join them for their holiday concerts. Please click here for details and to sign up.

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

Keep in mind that this term we will also play a piece by the Young Composers Project. I’ll create a different seating rotation for this piece as soon as I receive it from the composers. I expect we’ll get the materials the first week of December.

I’ve updated our YouTube playlist with a live performance of the Mozart symphony by the London Mozart Players. Click the button on the sidebar (or bottom of the page if on mobile). I’ll keep adding videos in the next couple of weeks.

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

Post-Concert Debriefing Questionnaire

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi! Please click/tap the link below to answer our debriefing questionnaire about our November 9, 2025 concert. If you happen to see this before rehearsal on Sunday, 11/16, please wait until rehearsal to fill it out. We’ll allot time to do it.

Debriefing Questionaire

Thanks!

Dr. G.