CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Posted on September 22, 2026October 13, 2026 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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Posted on September 15, 2026October 13, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Hi everyone,

What a joyful way to start our season! Thank you for being a part of our first ever set of rehearsals at our new space.

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 Symphony 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 day 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 split into sectionals.
- Strings went downstairs to the Contrabassment and worked with Vijeta Sathyaraj.
- Woodwinds, brass and percussion went to the Fireside Room and worked with Adam Eccleston.

After the break, the full orchestra worked with me (RGR) on Les Toréadors and a tiny bit on Habanera.
- Les Toréadors:
  - Strings: bow placement is essential. Most of the fast, short stuff should be played in the lower half.
  - Tutti: dynamic contrast is super important. Make sure to practice dynamics as well as rhythm and notes.
  - Cellos and basses: pay special attention to 4 bars before [B]. This should be 100% ready to go next week.
  - Woodwinds and strings: please pay special attention to 8 bars before [E]. This should also be 100% ready to go next rehearsal.
- Habanera:
  - Trumpets and clarinets: we’ll figure out your parts for this movement. We’ll look for parts in B-flat for you. I’ll be in touch this week about this. Clarinets: in the meantime, see if you can borrow an A clarinet at school or from your teacher(s), or rent one. You’ll 100% need one when you join Symphony Orchestra eventually. Trumpets: this might also be a good opportunity to practice transposing. Feel free to add names of transposed notes with pencil on your parts.
  - The habanera rhythm in the bass line will be played with a slightly delayed 16th note. Almost closer to the last note in a sextuplet.
  - We only spent about 2 minutes on this movement. Essentially, just a read-through.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 20

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 Danse Bohème, and if there’s extra time revisit spots in Les Toréadors and Habanera.
- Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj (violin, Oregon Symphony) @ Contrabassment.
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Kimberly Minson (horn, Oregon Symphony) @ Fireside Room.

6:30pm-7:00pm: break

7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with RGR
- Les Toréadors: review 4 bars before [B] and 8 bars before [E].
- Habanera: I’ll explain the fermata 3 after [D] and 2 before the end.
- Danse Bohème: work through entire movement. Note my tempos below:
  - beginning: quarter = 100
  - 4th bar of [I]: quarter = 126
  - 1 before [N]: quarter = 138
  - 2 before [P]: quarter = 152

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).

MYS Online Music Library

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

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing!

Dr. G.

MYS Conductor Erica Boland in rehearsal with Interlude Orchestra at our new building | 9/12/26 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

Posted on September 8, 2026October 13, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

Hi all,

I hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend. Our first rehearsal of the year is this Sunday! (September 13). We’re excited to see you very soon.

Thank you to those of you who submitted optional leadership auditions. It was wonderful to hear you play.

Please read this entire post carefully, and see you soon!

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

9 CONCERT ORCHESTRA – Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 13

5:00pm: arrival & check-in at MYS (3880 SE Brooklyn St.) (main sanctuary door)
5:00-5:15pm: make a name tag, find your folder, double-check part assignments, grab your sheet music, write your name on your sheet music
5:15pm-5:30pm: welcoming remarks (together with Symphony Orchestra musicians)
5:30pm-6:30pm: sectionals on Bizet’s Carmen Suites: movements Habanera and Les Toréadors (not to be confused with Chanson du Toréador)
- Strings with Vijeta Sathyaraj (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment)
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room)
6:30pm-7:00pm: break

7:00pm-8:30pm: full orchestra rehearsal with Dr. G on Habanera and Les Toréadors.

Roster & Part Assignments

Part assignments for Bizet’s Selections from Carmen Suites No. 1 and No. 2 have been posted. Part assignments were made based on optional leadership auditions, performance in past seasons with MYS and new student auditions. These assignments are always subject to change. My part assignments are not rankings. I rotate positions of leadership and try to create balanced sections.

If you’re unhappy with your part assignment, you can always show me your progress at the next set of optional leadership auditions (due October 27 for Winter part assignments).

You can find our Fall Part Assignments by clicking on the button on the sidebar of this page (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device.) The first page contains alphabetical listings of each section. Page 2 contains part assignments.

PLEASE let me know if you spot any obvious errors or accidental omissions.

Download PDF Parts to practice before Sunday

After consulting the Part Assignments document, please navigate to our Online Music Library (the password is playmys), and find PDF practice parts. Make sure to start practicing the two movements I listed above (Habanera and Les Toréadors) before rehearsal this Sunday.

If you have a digital tablet and a page-turning pedal, you’re welcome to use them for rehearsals and concerts. However, please make sure to ALSO have your paper parts as a back-up. You never know when technology might fail you. And it tends to fail in the worst possible moments :-/

Please remember that it is your responsibility to show up well-prepared to every rehearsal. This means that you need to practice at home, listen to recordings, and get to know the music as best as you can.

The information below is from my previous post. I’m leaving it here for your convenience. It’s all important information relevant to this weekend and the whole year:

2026-2027 Season Calendar

You can always access our season calendar by clicking on the button on the sidebar of any of these blog posts (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device).

PLEASE add every single rehearsal and performance to your calendars ASAP.

Things to note:

Concert Orchestra’s new rehearsal time is 5:15pm-8:30pm. This will allow more time for weekly sectionals and a longer break.
Pay special attention to our PRE-CONCERT REHEARSALS, which take place the day before each concert.
String sections will have coachings on one Thursday evening each term. 10/1, 12/17 and 4/8.
Please prioritize our rehearsals as you plan for other conflicting activities. Communicate your conflicts to your other activities as early as possible.
There is a maximum of 3 allowed absences per term. If you know you’ll have more than 3 planned absences, please reach out to me directly ASAP.

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 for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at the new MYS facility, 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.

Our team has been hard at work putting the final touches on our rehearsal space. The “Fellowship Hall” aka the Contrabassment has a shuffleboard court. Does anybody know how to play? | 9/8/26

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Posted on August 21, 2026October 6, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Hello everyone!

Welcome (or welcome back) to 2026-2027 MYS Concert Orchestra. I very much look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, September 13 at our new building!

In the meantime, I wanted to share a few important pieces of information. Please see below.

Best,

Dr. G.

2026-2027 Season Calendar

You can always access our season calendar by clicking on the button on the sidebar of any of these blog posts (or at the bottom of the page if you are on a mobile device). For your convenience, here’s a direct link.

PLEASE add every single rehearsal and performance to your calendars ASAP.

Things to note:

Concert Orchestra’s new rehearsal time is 5:15pm-8:30pm. This will allow more time for weekly sectionals and a longer break.
Pay special attention to our PRE-CONCERT REHEARSALS, which take place the day before each concert.
String sections will have coachings on one Thursday evening each term. 10/1, 12/17 and 4/8.
Please prioritize our rehearsals as you plan for other conflicting activities. Communicate your conflicts to your other activities as early as possible.
There is a maximum of 3 allowed absences per term. If you know you’ll have more than 3 planned absences, please reach out to me directly ASAP.

Leadership Audition for Fall Term

If you’re interested in a leadership position for the fall term, or if you’d simply like to share your musical growth/progress with me, you may do so by submitting an optional leadership audition, due on Tuesday, September 1st by end of day.

I will send a link to a Google form to send your audition on Wednesday, August 26.

For this audition, please record a minimum of 3 minutes of your best playing. Any repertoire is good. Piano accompaniment is not required. Videos of recent summer performances are good too (recorded after June 1, 2026).

weekend rehearsals left before next concert:

9

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

[Me and my family (Sarah and Alma) at the entrance of a trail near the Oregon Sand Dunes | August, 2026]

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – FINAL PERFORMANCE

Posted on May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – FINAL PERFORMANCE

Dear Concert Orchestra,

CONGRATS!! Really wonderful work on Sunday at our final concert of the season. Thank you for your hard work, commitment, trust and growth. It was my privilege to work with you this year.

We performed three concerts at three iconic local venues: the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the Newmark Theatre and The Reser Center for the Arts.

We tackled music that challenged your technical skills, deepened our ensemble work and empowered neglected and up-and-coming voices, including works by a pioneering female composer and by local young composers in collaboration with local young animators. We also enjoyed standard symphonic repertoire, accompanied a brilliant soloist (one of your own), and premiered yet another piece by a local young composer:

Ethel Smyth’s Symphony for Small Orchestra and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 6 in the fall;
Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 (mov 1) and original music by Young Composers Project students for a brand new animated film by Portland Art Museum students in the winter, and finally…
A brand new piece by student composer Jacobi Esparza (also through YCP), a contemporary viola concerto by Russian/Canadian composer Airat Ichmouratov, and Gustav Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets.

This is no small accomplishment. I hope you feel proud of your work.

A giant THANK YOU to our group managers Ivy and Alicia. Your help every week was absolutely indispensable and greatly appreciated.

What’s next? Tests, end-of-school-year projects and deadlines, I’m sure. After that, I hope you’ll have some time to rest, unwind and reset, and then, I cannot wait to see you back at MYS in the fall.

MYS is going to Japan!! I hope many of you will be able to join our tour in the summer of 2027. In the meantime, please make sure to register for next season and schedule your audition (live or via self-submitted video).

Best,

Dr. G.

Register for next season ASAP!

Here is our registration page.

As you may know, you’ll have the option of selecting a live in-person audition or a self-recorded video audition. I hope to see many of you in Symphony Orchestra next year.

Come hear MYS Symphony Orchestra’s final concert

Please plan to come hear MYS Symphony’s Season Finale concert on Sunday, June 14.

Elaina Stuppler: HEADLINES (world premiere) – part of our collaboration with Young Composers Project.
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme (Margaux Hicks, cello – winner of the MYS Concerto Competition, Strings)
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, with the Oregon Chorale and soloists from the Portland Opera.

Students can get free tickets. Get your tickets here.

Take the End-of-the-Season Survey

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

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

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

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

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

Japan Tour Meeting on May 17

You should have received an email on Friday, May 8th from MYS Executive Director Diana Scoggins about an informational tour meeting on Sunday, May 17 at 4:30pm. Below is part of the text for your convenience:

As many of you know, MYS has a long tradition of traveling internationally. Past trips have included Poland/Czech Republic, China, Italy/Austria and most recently Spain/Portugal. Amazingly, the next tour is soon upon us. We are thrilled to announce that MYS is planning to travel to Japan June 29-July 10, 2027. In addition to four concert performances, we have some wonderful sights and activities lined up. Some may even involve an occasional high-speed bullet train!

Please join me at All Saints in the Symphony rehearsal space at 4:30pm on Sunday, May 17. We will meet for 30 minutes to preview the tour itinerary, important dates, and anticipated costs. Concert Orchestra musicians please join us if you are interested as there may be opportunity to travel with Symphony. We will need several adult chaperones to accompany us, so parents, if you are interested, please be sure to attend.

The meeting will be available via Zoom (we will send out a link next week) and will be recorded. Any hardcopy materials will also be emailed to you.

Every time MYS students travel together abroad to share their music, it is life-changing for everyone involved. We are excited to do everything we can to make it an absolutely amazing experience!

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

I will have a bit more bandwidth during the summer to teach private lessons. Lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (My instruments are violin and viola, but I may also be available for coaching sessions for other instruments). Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

Congrats again, and see you at your MYS audition!

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | February, 2026 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for May 10, 2026

Posted on May 5, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for May 10, 2026 (Spring Concert!)

Dear Concert Orchestra,

I’m really proud of the work we’ve done together this year. I’ve really enjoyed working with you and I’m inspired by the artistic growth you’ve demonstrated.

I’m excited about our concert coming up on Sunday, May 10. Between now and then, please do slow, mindful practicing of all of our repertoire.

See you at noon at The Reser (please be on time!).

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

0!!

Recap – May 3, 2026

2:00pm-3:30pm:
- tutti work on Viola Concerto (with soloist)
- tutti work on Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm: break
3:45pm-5:00pm:
- tutti work on Jupiter

Sound Check/Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 10

Please arrive by 12:00 noon, as per our call sheet.

There is NO NEED to bring a music stand to The Reser.

Arrival: 12:00pm – SIGN IN with a Group Manager at the door. Follow signs to Green Room.
12:30pm-1:45pm: On-stage sound check/rehearsal in program order:
- Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
- Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
- Jupiter

Please refer to our call sheet for guidelines regarding checking out and leaving between rehearsal and the concert; as well as call time back at The Reser and performance times.

Register for next season ASAP!

Ideally before our concert on Sunday. Here is our registration page.

As you may know, you’ll have the option of selecting a live, in-person audition or a self-recorded video audition. I hope to see many of you in Symphony Orchestra next year.

Audition prep/private lessons during the summer

Happy practicing and see you at the concert!

Dr. G.

Throwback to our ensemble photo back in the fall | October, 2025 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for May 3, 2026

Posted on April 28, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for May 3, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive rehearsal on Sunday, April 26. I was glad we were able to work on all three pieces. We have only one more full rehearsal before our concert on Sunday, May 10. Please be very strategic this week with your practicing. I want to see (and hear) everybody playing with full confidence and ownership.

Remember the moments in rehearsal when you sounded GREAT (there were many of them). Our goal is for each of you to hold yourself to that standard of excellence *on your own* – meaning, for example, not waiting for your conductor to ask you to play forte if the page already asks for it. You’re responsible for your individual performance for the benefit of the team, for the benefit of our audience, and ultimately for the benefit of the music itself. Together, we are building, preparing and wrapping a GIFT for the many people who will come to hear you play. Make the best gift you possible can. How do you do that? PRACTICE!

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

1!!

Recap – April 26, 2026

2:00pm-3:30pm:
- tutti work on Viola Concerto (with soloist)
- tutti work on Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm: break
3:45pm-5:00pm:
- more tutti work on Movimientos de la Muerte
- tutti work on Jupiter

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, May 3

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: Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
3:00pm-3:30pm: Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm-3:45pm: break
3:45pm-4:15pm: more Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
4:15pm-5:00pm: Jupiter

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

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

Call Sheet for Spring Concert (Sunday, May 10)

You can find the call sheet here. Please read it carefully. A couple of highlights:

Call time at The Reser is 12 noon
Rehearsal on stage: 12:30pm-1:45pm

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 Symphony & Concert Orchestra students at Madras, OR Outreach Concert | April 22, 2026 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Posted on April 21, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Sunday 4/19 was our last date of sectional rehearsals for the year. We only have 2 rehearsals left before our concert on Sunday, 5/10.

Please place special focus this week on practicing your part for Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte. Please listen to (and play along with) the reference audio on our YouTube playlist. Percussion, woodwinds and most brass will have to download a practice copy. Here are direct links for your convenience: woodwinds, brass, percussion.

Soren Holbrook (viola) will join us on Sunday for the Viola Concerto. Please be sure to practice this piece as well, and listen to the audio, also on our YouTube playlist.

Please find our full rehearsal plan below.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

2!!

Recap – April 19, 2026

2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals
- strings worked with Darian Todd on Jupiter
- winds+brass worked with Robert Wakeley on Ichmouratov Viola Concerto and Jupiter
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti:
- Jupiter
- Ichmouratov Viola Concerto

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 26

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: Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
3:00pm-3:30pm: Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
3:30pm3:45pm: break
3:45pm-4:30pm: more Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
4:30pm-5:00pm: Jupiter

Parts for Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte

Percussion, woodwinds and most brass will have to download a practice copy to practice this week. Here are direct links for your convenience: woodwinds, brass, percussion. We’ll have hard copies on Sunday.

Strings should have hard copies already, but if you weren’t at rehearsal on Sunday, you can find the bowed parts here.

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

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

Call Sheet for Spring Concert (Sunday, May 10)

You can find the call sheet here. It will also be included in Mark’s email with announcements on Wednesday.

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 in Concert | Feb 22, 2026 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 19, 2026

Posted on April 14, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 19, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

It was great to see you again on Sunday, April 12 after our long spring break. I was quite happy with our rehearsal. I thought the read-through of the Viola Concerto went quite well, and we’ve made good progress on Jupiter. It was great to have a fuller brass section with Symphony Orchestra guests.

We are done with small-group coachings for the year, and this Sunday will be our last day of sectionals. Also, the tutti portion of rehearsal will include Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte, so please be sure to practice that, and listen to the reference audio on our YouTube playlist.

String players: please sign up for our day trip and outreach tour to Madras, OR, on Wednesday, April 22. Details below. If you’re able to join, please plan to stay until 5:45pm this Sunday for a special rehearsal for the outreach tour.

Everybody else: rehearsal will end a bit earlier (4:45pm).

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

3!!

Recap – April 12, 2026

2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
- each string section worked with a coach
- winds/brass worked with Robert Wakeley
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti:
- Jupiter read-through and work from the beginning to about rehearsal #8
- Viola Concerto read-through and light work

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 19

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: Sectionals:
- Winds/Brass/Percussion with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria): Jupiter and Viola Concerto
- Strings with Darian Todd (pavilion): Jupiter
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-4:45pm: tutti with RGR:
- Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
- Jupiter from #8 to end.
4:45pm – end of regular rehearsal

5:00pm-5:45pm: special rehearsal for Outreach Tour to Madras, OR (Symphony and Concert Orchestra string players)

Strings: please sign up for Madras Outreach Tour (Wednesday, April 22)

A reminder from my recent e-mail:

As you may know, each spring, MYS ensembles perform 15 outreach concerts at low-income and under-served schools in the Portland metropolitan area and southwest Washington. This is an important part of our mission: we believe that every student deserves access to music education, regardless of socio-economic circumstance.

This year, we would like to assemble a large string ensemble made up of players from both Symphony and Concert Orchestras, for our outreach trip to Madras, OR on Wednesday, April 22 (coming up soon!). I would like to have as many of you as possible. It will be a fun day of sharing the gift of music and making community.

The trip will include lunch at a pizza place and two performances for hundreds of local elementary school students.

I will select about 15 minutes of easy music (grade 3 or so), and we’ll have a short rehearsal on Sunday, April 19 from 5pm to 5:45pm (between Concert and Symphony rehearsals).

If you’re interested and available, please 1) check in with your family, and 2) fill out this commitment form. Please respond by end of day tomorrow (Wednesday 4/15).

MYS Students in a 2025-2026 Outreach Concert | Photo by MYS

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

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10

Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!

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.

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 12, 2026

Posted on April 7, 2026May 12, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 12, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break and Easter holiday. I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday. Please remember that this is a shorter concert term. The concert is in just about a month! Please be sure to practice your parts at home and be fully prepared for each remaining rehearsal.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

4!!

Recap – March 22, 2026

2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti: Guest conductor Jonathan DeBruyn: Jupiter and Ichmourachov’s Viola Concerto.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 12

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: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter:
- Winds/Brass with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria)
- Percussion with Kevin Schlossman (corner conference room)
- Strings:
  - 1st violins with coach (music room)
  - 2nd violins with coach (annex)
  - violas with coach (altar society)
  - cellos + bass with coach (pavilion)
3:15pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti with RGR: Ichmourachov’s Viola Concerto, Jupiter
5:00pm – end of rehearsal

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

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10

Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!

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 Students at the Keller Fountain | August 2026 \ photo by Sheepscot Creative