Author: Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – October 13, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – October 13, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thank you for your work in rehearsal on Sunday, October 11.

Please remember to always sign in when you arrive for rehearsal. Only four wind/brass players signed in on Sunday, and there were definitely more of you there.

Please practice with a metronome! Start at slower tempos and make sure you can play your part accurately and comfortably. Then, increase the tempo very gradually to gain facility. See below under “HOW TO PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME.”

Also, a reminder that this coming Sunday (10/18) is our concert dress check and ensemble photo. Please come in concert dress (all black), and make sure a Group Manager OKs your attire.

Finally, our concert is in just about a month from today. The days are going to FLY BY, so let’s make sure everyone’s individual parts are fully learned by now, so we can spend the next 4 weeks bringing our ensemble playing to the highest possible level.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for 10/18, and more details.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, October 11

  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: woodwind coachings – each woodwind section worked with coaches from the Oregon Symphony on relevant passages from all movements. Double reeds were together.
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj @ Contrabassment – worked on Chanson du Toréador & Danse Bohéme.
    • Brass @ Fireside Room – worked on relevant passages from all movements.
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • We worked on Habanera, Prelude, Danse Bohéme and Aragonaise. Felipe conducted Danse Bohéme. For Aragonaise, @woodwinds: please make sure to practice with a metronome. @everyone: see below for a suggested strategy for metronome practicing.

HOW TO PRACTICE WITH A METRONOME

Metronome practice is crucially important. You should be practicing with a metronome regularly (i.e. every day).

A basic strategy for metronome practice is the following:

  1. Select a specific passage you want to work on (not too short, not too long).
  2. Make sure you have good fingerings/bowings, plans for articulation, dynamics, etc.
  3. Select a VERY slow tempo, at which you can play the passage very accurately and comfortably, with polish and ease, and without stopping.
  4. Repeat a few times (MINDFULLY!! – this means you’ll be trying as best as you can to focus on what you’re doing. Your mind might wander, and that’s OK. Bring your focus back to the music each time it happens. DO NOT practice while watching videos, etc).
  5. If you’re able to play the passage 2 or 3 times (accurately, comfortably, with polish and ease, without mistakes, and without stopping), increase the metronome tempo by 1 o 2 clicks. Go back to step 4, and repeat until you reach performance tempo.

Example with Bizet’s Aragonaise:

Select your passage (e.g. oboe and clarinets, m. 22 to letter C; or 1st violins, m. 73 to m. 82). Start slow (in 3, eight note = 120). Make sure you feel every single eight note in the bar. Increase the metronome tempo gradually until you might want to switch to “in 1.” For example, once you get to eight note = 165, switch to dotted quarter = 55, and continue increasing the tempo until you reach [dotted quarter = 74].

CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 18

  • 5:00pm: arrival & check-in (COME IN ALL-BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE)
    • Sign in at the front desk and head to your sectional rooms.
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj @ Contrabassment – work on Aragonaise, Intermezzo, and others as needed
    • Woodwinds and Brass with Adam Eccleston @ Fireside Room – work on Aragonaise, Danse Bohéme, and others as needed
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • 7pm-7:10pm: Group photo 📸
    • 7:10pm-8:30pm: Aragonaise, Chanson du Toréador, Les Torédors, Intermezzo.

Leadership Auditions due October 27

Our optional leadership auditions are due October 27th, as per our season calendar. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

The list of excerpts and instructions have been posted here.

You can submit your audition on this form.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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, basses, brass and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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!

Dr. G.

MYS Musicians at Washington Park | Fall 2026 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Optional Leadership Audition Information

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra: Optional Leadership Audition Information

Please submit your audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, October 27

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.
  • Please record the part that you are playing during the current concert term (Fall 2026. E.g. if you play 2nd flute, please record 2nd flute; if you play violin 2, please record violin 2).
  • Upload your video to YouTube and make sure to set the video privacy to “unlisted.”
  • Submit your audition on this Google form.

Audition Excerpts (from Bernstein’s Candide Overture and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5)

Flute 1

  • Bernstein: m.63 to m.81 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, pick-up to [59] to [61] (quarter = 120)
    • Mov 4, [115] to [116] (half = 64)

Flute 2

  • Bernstein: m.25 to m.38 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 1 before [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, 2nd of [98] with pick-up to [101] (quarter = 104)

Piccolo

  • Bernstein: m.148 to m.172 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [110] to [111] (half = 72)

Oboes (both parts)

  • Bernstein: m.26 to m.46 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, 7 after [107] to downbeat of [109]

Clarinet 1

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 4 before [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Clarinet 2

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 1 before [69] to [70] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

E-flat Clarinet

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [49] to 4 before [51] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Bassoons (both parts)

  • Bernstein: m.255 to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 4 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [50] to 4 before [52] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Horns (all parts)

  • Bernstein: m.190 to m.201 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [36] to downbeat of 2nd of [38] (quarter = 66)
    • Mov 2, [72] to 5 before [74] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [128] to [130] (quarter = 116)

Trumpets (all parts)

  • Bernstein: m.123 to m.138 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [27] to downbeat of [29] (quarter = 126]
    • (1st and 2nd trumpets) Mov 2, [70] to [71] (quarter = 138)
    • (3rd trumpet) Mov 2, 1 before [73] to end (quarter = 138, skip rests)
    • Mov 4, beginning to [98] (quarter = 88, ignore accelerando)

Low brass (all parts)

  • Bernstein: m.247 to end (skip 10 bar rest) (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, 4th of [29] (with pick-up if applicable) to downbeat of [32] (quarter = 126, ignore stringendo)
    • Mov 1, 1 before [33] to 4th of [35] (quarter = 138)
    • (trombones) Mov 4, beginning to [98] (quarter = 88, ignore accelerando)
    • (tuba) Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Violins (both parts)

  • Bernstein: m.261 with pick-up to end (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, 5 after [54] to [56] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [113] to [115] (half = 70]

Viola

  • Bernstein: m.83 to m.118 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, 1 after [15] to [17] (quarter = 92)
    • Mov 2, [55] to [56] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, [110] to [111] (half = 72)

Cello

  • Bernstein: m.260 with pick-up to m.278 (half note = 152)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [32] to 7 after [35] (quarter = 138, or half = 69]
    • Mov 2, [55] to [56] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 3, [90] to [92] (quarter = 62)
    • Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

Bass

  • Bernstein: pick-up to m.8 to m. 21 (half note = 142)
  • Shostakovich:
    • Mov 1, [22] to [23] (quarter = 126)
    • Mov 2, beginning to [49] (quarter = 138)
    • Mov 4, pick-up to [104] to [105] (quarter = 132)

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – October 6, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – October 6, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for a wonderful rehearsal on Sunday, October 4. It really felt like we started to tap into the intense emotional content of the 3rd movement of Shostakovich. Candide is coming along as well.

I will post the excerpts for our optional leadership auditions (due October 27th) tonight. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, our plan for 10/11, leadership auditions and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, October 4

  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-6:00pm: we worked on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 3. We focused on digging deep into the emotional content of the music. After a read-through, we worked on [81] to 1 before [83], and [88] to the end.
    • 6:00pm-6:30pm: we worked on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide. Beginning to [134-ish], and slow work at [64].
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals, brass coachings
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 3 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds with Jeff Garza, horns with Kim Minson, trumpets with Elizabeth Sotelo and low brass with JáTtik Clark (Fireside Room) – movement 3 of Shostakovich and other spots.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 11

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:30pm: Read-through of Skye Neal’s Coalesce (Young Composers Project)
    • 5:30pm-6:10pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 2
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: woodwind coachings by sections – spots in all movements (coaches’ choice)
    • Flutes with Adam Eccleston in Jazz Room (basement level)
    • Oboes with Kenneth Bader in Room 206 (2nd floor)
    • Clarinets with James Shields in Room 108 (1st floor)
    • Bassoons with Kai Rocke in Room 207 (2nd floor)
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – Candide Overture
    • Brass with Kim Minson (Fireside Room) – Shostakovich – all movements (coach’s choice)

Leadership Auditions due October 27

As I mentioned above, our optional leadership auditions due October 27th, as per our season calendar. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

The list of excerpts and instructions have been posted here.

You can submit your audition on this form.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

Symphony Orchestra musicians are eligible to enter our Concerto Competition. All information can be found on this page. Below are important dates to keep in mind (these are also on our Season Schedule):

  • November 20: deadline to have repertoire pre-approved by Dr. G.
  • November 27: registration and teacher approval forms due
  • December 4: audition videos due
  • December 8: finalists announced
  • January 8: live, in-person finals, open to the public

2026-2027 Repertoire

You can find the latest draft of our season repertoire on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device). Here’s a direct link for your convenience.

The repertoire might still change, especially as we plan for our Japan tour on June of 2027. Thanks to those of you who sent me repertoire suggestions.

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, basses, clarinets and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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,

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra violinists work with Erin Furbee, Assistant Concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony | Thursday 9/24, 2026 | photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – October 6, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – October 6, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Nice work on Sunday 10/4. I’m very encouraged by the way the sound of our orchestra is growing in terms of cohesiveness, contrast and nuance. A lot of it comes from how we sustain the sound together, how we blend based on each part’s function, and how we articulate. Articulation, in turn, is directly related to very technical elements: bow placement/usage, embouchure and more. We can think of it like diction when we speak.

By now, we’ve covered all movements in rehearsal. Our collective discovery phase is done. Now comes the building, polishing and deepening.

I’ve posted the excerpts for our optional leadership auditions due October 27th, as per our season calendar. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

Please see below for more details.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

Rehearsal Recap: Thursday, October 1 & Sunday, October 4

  • Thursday, 10/1: our string sections had coachings with Oregon Symphony members at MYS. Thank you for coming out on a weeknight. These coachings were extremely productive and important.
  • Sunday, 10/4:
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals – Strings worked with Vijeta Sathyaraj, & woodwinds worked with Robert Wakeley. These sections focused on Intermezzo and Chanson du Toréador. Trumpets and trombones worked with Elizabeth Sotelo and horns worked with Kim Minson. These sections covered spots in all movements.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • 7pm-8pm: Intermezzo & Chanson du Toréador. We spent most of our time on Chanson. We also watched a YouTube video with a live performance of this aria in the context of the full opera. I’ve added that video to our reference playlist.
    • 8pm-8:30pm: revisited spots in Les Toreadors.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 11

  • 5:00pm: arrival & check-in
    • Sign in at the front desk and head to your sectional rooms.
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: woodwind coachings – work on relevant passages from all movements.
    • Flutes in Jazz Room (basement level)
    • Oboe in 206 (2nd floor)
    • Clarinets in room 108 (1st floor)
    • Bassoons in room 207 (2nd floor)
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj @ Contrabassment – work on Chanson du Toréador & Danse Bohéme.
    • Brass @ Fireside Room – work on relevant passages from all movements.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • 7pm-8:30pm: Habanera , Prelude & Danse Bohéme; if there’s time: revisit spots in Aragonaise

Leadership Auditions due October 27

As I mentioned above, our optional leadership auditions due October 27th, as per our season calendar. While these auditions are optional, I highly encourage everybody to submit one. It’s one of the most effective ways for you to show me your individual work and progress.

The list of excerpts and instructions have been posted here.

You can submit your audition on this form.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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, basses, brass and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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!

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra in rehearsal | 9/27/26 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra: Optional Leadership Audition Information

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra: Optional Leadership Audition Information

Please submit your audition video by the deadline of Tuesday, October 27

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.
  • Please record the part that you are playing during the current concert term (Fall 2026. E.g. if you play 2nd flute, please record 2nd flute; if you play violin 2, please record violin 2).
  • 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 Bizet’s Carmen Suites No. 1 and No. 2)

Flute 1

  • Intermezzo: m. 2 to 6 before [B] – quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Flute 2

  • Aragonaise: [A] to [B] – dotter quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to 8 before [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Oboe

  • Aragonaise: [D] to 2nd of [E] – dotter quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to 8 before [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Clarinet 1

  • Aragonaise: [A] to [B] – dotter quarter = 76
  • Intermezzo: [A] to [B] – quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100

Clarinet 2

  • Habanera: 4th of [D] to end – quarter = 72
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Bassoon 1

  • Prelude: entire movement – quarter = 58
  • Intermezzo: 11 after [A] to end of part – quarter = 76
  • Les Toreadors: [A] to [B] – quarter = 126

Bassoon 2

  • Prelude: entire movement – quarter = 58
  • Les Toreadors: [A] to [B] – quarter = 126

Horn 1

  • Chanson du Toreador: [B] to 2 before [D] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Trumpet 1

  • Chanson du Toreador: m. 9 to [B] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: [L] to [N] – quarter = 152

Trumpet 2

  • Prelude: entire movement – quarter = 58
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100

Trombone 1

  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to 8 before [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Violin 1

  • Aragonaise: [B] to [C] – dotter quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Violin 2

  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100
  • Chanson du Toreador: [B] to 2 before [C] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: 2 before [P] to the end – quarter = 152

Viola

  • Intermezzo: 5 after B (arco) to end – quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100
  • Danse Boheme: [N] to end of 3 before [P] – quarter = 152

Cello

  • Prelude: entire movement – quarter = 58
  • Intermezzo: 11 after [A] to 9 after [B] – quarter = 76
  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100

Bass

  • Chanson du Toreador: beginning to [A] – quarter = 100
  • Les Toreadors: [A] to [B] – quarter = 126

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Great rehearsal on Sunday, 9/27. The 4th movement of Shostakovich got off to a good start, and it was good to do a little under-tempo work on Bernstein. Also, we had very productive string section coachings on Thursday, 9/24.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, our plan for 10/4, and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 27

  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:20pm: we started with an icebreaker activity – a central part of the work that we do at MYS is building community. I hope that you met some new people and that you will continue forming friendships that may last a lifetime!
    • 5:20pm-6:10pm: we worked on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 4
      • We read through the entire movement (great job!) and then we worked from the beginning to around [108].
      • Please make sure that the first 3 bars of the poco a poco accelerando push forward significantly (from quarter = 88 to quarter = 104), and then it’s a long build to rehearsal no. [104] (quarter = 132)
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: we worked on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide. Did some under-tempo work from the begininng to around [76].
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 3 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds and brass with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room) – movement 3 of Shostakovich

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 4

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-6:00pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 3 (musicians who don’t play this movement are welcome to arrive at 5:45pm)
    • 6:00pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: brass coaching by sections – spots in all movements (coaches’ choice)
    • Horns in Room 206 (2nd floor) with Kim Minson
    • Trumpets in Jazz Room (basement level) with Elizabeth Sotelo
    • Low brass in 108 (1st floor) with JáTtik Clark
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: percussion sectional in room 108 of Candide, led by Evan.
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals including brass coaching by sections
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 2 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds with Jeff Garza (Fireside Room) – movement 2 of Shostakovich

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

Symphony Orchestra musicians are eligible to enter our Concerto Competition. All information can be found on this page. Below are important dates to keep in mind (these are also on our Season Schedule):

  • November 20: deadline to have repertoire pre-approved by Dr. G.
  • November 27: registration and teacher approval forms due
  • December 4: audition videos due
  • December 8: finalists announced
  • January 8: live, in-person finals, open to the public

2026-2027 Repertoire

You can find the latest draft of our season repertoire on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device). Here’s a direct link for your convenience.

The repertoire might still change, especially as we plan for our Japan tour on June of 2027. Thanks to those of you who sent me repertoire suggestions.

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, basses, clarinets and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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,

Dr. G.

MYS Musicians in downtown Portland | August 30, 2026 | photo by Sheepscot Creative

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

I thought we had a great rehearsal on Sunday, September 27. Our selections from Bizet’s Carmen Suites are coming along nicely. Thank you for your continued practicing at home.

A reminder and heads up that this Thursday (10/1) is our fall term string coachings date with Oregon Symphony musicians. Arrive at 6:45pm for a 7pm start. We go until 8:30pm. Only string players are required. Brass and woodwinds will have their fall coachings during regular Sunday rehearsal times.

This coming Sunday, we’ll focus on the two movements we haven’t worked on yet: Intermezzo and Chanson du Toréador.

Please see below for more details.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 27

  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals – Strings worked with Vijeta Sathyaraj and Woodwinds & Brass worked with Adam Eccleston. We focused on Prelude & Aragonaise.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • Prelude & Aragonaise: I led an initial read-through and did some light work on both of these movements. Felipe Araya conducted, with both me and Felipe giving input as we worked through both movements.
    • Les Toréadors: we played through most of this movement, with an emphasis on keeping tempo and exaggerating dynamic contrast. Please remember to practice this movement with a metronome (quarter note = 126).
    • Danse Bohème: we worked backwards (and mostly under tempo) from the end. This movement was in better shape this week!

STRING COACHINGS – Thursday, October 1

  • 6:45pm: arrival and check-in
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: string coachings
    • Spots in all movements of Bizet’s Carmen
      • Violin 1 with Aidan Ip @ Fireside Room
      • Violin 2 with Eri Ishigaki @ Contrabassment
      • Viola with Raúl Gómez-Rojas @ Jazz Room (pls include mov. 1 #15)
      • Cellos with Karen Shulz-Harmon @ Performance Hall
      • Basses with Mariya-Andoniya Andonova @ Room 108

CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 4

  • 5:00pm: arrival & check-in
    • Sign in at the front desk and head to your sectional rooms.
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: brass coachings – work on most relevant passages from all movements.
    • Horns in Room 206 (2nd floor)
    • Trumpets and trombone in Jazz Room (basement level)
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals – work on Intermezzo & Chanson du Toréador.
    • Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj @ Contrabassment.
    • Woodwinds with Robert Wakeley @ Fireside Room.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • 7pm-8pm: Intermezzo & Chanson du Toréador.
    • 8pm-8:30pm: revisit spots in Prelude, Aragonaise & Danse Bohéme.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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, basses, brass and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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!

Dr. G.

MYS Musicians saying YAY! | 8/30/26 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Hi everyone,

Thank you for another productive rehearsal on Sunday, September 20. Please remember that it is CRUCIAL that you practice your parts each week at home and with your private teacher. Use my rehearsal notes to plan strategically.

Also, when you arrive on Sunday for sectionals, please go directly to your sectional rooms (Contrabassment for strings and Fireside Room for woodwinds & brass). Your sign-in sheets will be there.

Please read on!

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 20

  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals – Strings worked with Vijeta and Woodwinds & Brass worked with Kim. We focused on Danse Bohème primarily.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • Les Toréadors: we reviewed 4 bars before [B] and 8 bars before [E], and played a bit of the main theme closer to tempo.
    • Habanera: I explained the fermata 3 after [D] and 2 before the end, and we practiced both spots a bit.
    • Danse Bohème: we worked through the entire movement. This movement was quite rough, despite me having sent my rehearsal plan last week, and your work in sectionals.
  • Please practice at home!

CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 27

  • 5:00pm: arrival & check-in
    • Please go directly to your sectional rooms. The sign-in sheets will be in each room (Contrabassment and Fireside Room).
  • 5:15pm-6:30pm: sectionals – work on Prelude, Aragonaise, and if there’s extra time revisit spots in Danse Bohéme.
    • Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj @ Contrabassment.
    • Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Adam Eccleston @ Fireside Room.
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
    • 7pm-8pm: Prelude & Aragonaise
    • 8pm-8:30pm: revisit spots in Les Toréadors, Habanera and Danse Bohéme.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

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, basses, brass and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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!

Dr. G.

A behind-the-scenes picture of the MYS photo shoot back in late August. We’ll have the official photos soon! | 8/30/26 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive first tutti rehearsal on Sunday, September 20. It was great to have everybody in the room and play through the first movement of Shostakovich and Bernstein’s Candide Overture.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, Thursday evening string sectionals, and plans for Sunday, September 27.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 20

  • 5:00pm-6:10pm: Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, movement 1.
    • We read through the entire first movement. Good work! After that, we spent some time rehearsing:
      • [32] to [44]
      • played again (under tempo and with softer dynamics) from [22] to about [32]
  • 6:10pm-6:30pm: Bernstein Overture to Candide
    • We watched/listened to a video of Leonard Bernstein conducting a live performance of the piece, with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1989.
    • We then played a “stumble-through” of the whole piece, mostly in tempo. It’s fast!!!
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: Sectionals on movement 4 of the Shostakovich Symphony:
    • Strings @ Contrabassment with Tomás Cotik.
    • Woodwinds & brass @ Fireside Room with James Shields.

STRING COACHINGS – Thursday, September 24

  • 6:45pm: arrival and check-in
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: string coachings
    • Candide Overture & Shostakovich spots (movs. 1, 2 & 4)
      • Violin 1 with Erin Furbee @ Fireside Room
      • Violin 2 with Adam Lamotte @ Contrabassment
      • Viola with Charles Noble @ Jazz Room (pls include mov. 1 #15)
      • Cellos with Marilyn de Oliveira @ Performance Hall
      • Basses with Jason Schooler @ Room 108 (206 also available if preferred)

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 27

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-5:20pm: icebreaker activity
    • 5:20pm-6:10pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 4
      • NOTE: tempi in this movement will be the ones printed. The accelerando poco a poco in m. 3 bars before [98] is a long one, culminating at the Allegro at [104]. The various metronome markings along the way are “checkpoints” as we get faster VERY GRADUALLY.
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: work on Bernstein’s Overture to Candide
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals including brass coaching by sections
    • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 3 of Shostakovich
    • Woodwinds and brass with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room) – movement 3 of Shostakovich

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

Symphony Orchestra musicians are eligible to enter our Concerto Competition. All information can be found on this page. Below are important dates to keep in mind (these are also on our Season Schedule):

  • November 20: deadline to have repertoire pre-approved by Dr. G.
  • November 27: registration and teacher approval forms due
  • December 4: audition videos due
  • December 8: finalists announced
  • January 8: live, in-person finals, open to the public

2026-2027 Repertoire

You can find the latest draft of our season repertoire on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device). Here’s a direct link for your convenience.

The repertoire might still change, especially as we plan for our Japan tour on June of 2027. Thanks to those of you who sent me repertoire suggestions.

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, basses, clarinets and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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,

Dr. G.

Orchestra Nova Northwest had a full week of rehearsals at MYS. It’s wonderful to be able to host other local performing arts organizations at our new space | 9/19/26 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Hi all,

Great to see you on Sunday. I’m excited for our first tutti rehearsal coming up this week.

Please remember to plan your practicing strategically so that you are fully prepared for each rehearsal. Also, please write your name on your sheet music!! I forgot to remind you to do this on Sunday.

Keep an eye out for Mark’s Weekly Announcements tomorrow (Wednesday).

Finally, please see below for important rehearsal notes.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

8

Rehearsal Recap: Sunday, September 13

  • We spent the first portion of rehearsal time together with Concert Orchestra musicians in our Performance Hall. We introduced our Group Managers and Coaches, and talked about expectations for the season, including:
    • Arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of rehearsal.
    • Sign in upon arrival by initialing next to your name on the sign-in sheet.
    • Add all concerts and rehearsals to your calendars, including additional rehearsals the few days before concerts, and any Thursday evening rehearsals for strings (check the Season Calendar linked on the side bar – or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device).
    • Please communicate absences in advance, and keep in mind that the maximum number of absences allowed per term is three. (That said, ideally, you’ll have zero absences).
    • Remember that MYS is NOT a hyper-competitive environment. Rather, it is a nurturing environment where STUDENTS SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND INSPIRE ONE ANOTHER. That said, there is a clear expectation of being prepared for each rehearsal (meaning you have to practice and learn your part at home and with your private teacher).
    • Please always bring a pencil (and use it!), a full spill-proof water bottle and a music stand.
  • After our welcoming meeting, we watched the documentary on Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 from the Keeping Score series, by Michael Tilson Thomas with the San Francisco Symphony. I’ve added this documentary to our Audio/Video Reference Playlist, which is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device.)
  • After the break, we split into sectionals. Everybody worked on movement 1 of the symphony:
    • Strings went downstairs to the Contrabassment and worked with Tomás Cotik.
    • Woodwinds, brass and percussion went to the Fireside Room and worked with Adam Eccleston.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 20

  • 4:45pm: arrival & check-in
  • 5:00pm-6:30pm: tutti with RGR
    • 5:00pm-6:10pm: work on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 1
    • 6:10pm-6:30pm: read Bernstein’s Overture to Candide (!!)
  • 6:30pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals on: Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 4
    • NOTE: tempi in this movement will be the ones printed. The accelerando poco a poco in m. 3 bars before [98] is a long one, culminating at the Allegro at [104]. The various metronome markings along the way are “checkpoints” as we get faster VERY GRADUALLY.
      • Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment)
      • Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with James Shields (Fireside Room)

Audio/Video Reference Playlist

I’ve created a YouTube playlist that you can use as a resource to listen to our repertoire. This playlist is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device).

Please use it! Or even better: use it and find even more recordings by different orchestras and conductors. The more you listen to our repertoire, the better you’ll understand the big picture of the music.

MYS Online Music Library

All parts are available on our website as PDF files. Please go to our Online Music Library. It is linked on the side bar of this page (or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile device). The password is playmys.

This is useful if you lose your hard copies and need to print fresh ones at home, or if you want to use a digital device (like an iPad with a Bluetooth page turning pedal).

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

Symphony Orchestra musicians are eligible to enter our Concerto Competition. All information can be found on this page. Below are important dates to keep in mind (these are also on our Season Schedule):

  • November 20: deadline to have repertoire pre-approved by Dr. G.
  • November 27: registration and teacher approval forms due
  • December 4: audition videos due
  • December 8: finalists announced
  • January 8: live, in-person finals, open to the public

2026-2027 Repertoire

You can find the latest draft of our season repertoire on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on a mobile device). Here’s a direct link for your convenience.

The repertoire might still change, especially as we plan for our Japan tour on June of 2027. Thanks to those of you who sent me repertoire suggestions.

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, basses, clarinets and percussion.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at MYS, 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,

Dr. G.

Dr. Ed Protzman working with our Concert Band | 9/12/26 | Photo by MYS