Category: Symphony Orchestra

MYS Symphony Orchestra Posts

Rehearsal Plan for February 9, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi everybody,

Thanks for a great rehearsal on February 2nd. We made great progress on Palia and Star Wars (movements 3, 2 and a little work on 1).

Please see our rehearsal plan for Sunday, February 9 below. We will have brass coaches on site for sectionals.

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 9, 2025

[updated on 1/31]

  • 4:00pm-5:30pm: YCP Piece (“Cartoon Music”) – full score for reference here. Parts coming soon.
  • 5:30pm-5:45pm: break
  • 5:45pm-7:00pm:
    • Brass sectionals with coaches: Star Wars
    • Strings, woodwinds, percussion with Dr. G: Star Wars

March 2 Updated Part Assignments and Practice Parts

If you need fresh parts (because you lost yours, or for YCP practice parts before Sunday), please go to our Online Music Library. The password is playmys. Note: YCP parts will be uploaded between ASAP this week. Check back later if you don’t see them yet.

Updated part assignments can be accessed here. Updated percussion assignments are here. Please check back later this week for final assignments for the YCP piece.

Audio Reference

I’ve created a YouTube playlist where you can find audio reference tracks for our March 2 repertoire, including the Star Wars Suite. The playlist is here. I will also add the individual videos to the sidebar of this blog.

Updated repertoire for June 17 concert

We’ve updated the repertoire for the first half of our Season Finale Concert, which will involve MYS alumni from throughout the history of the organization. The updated repertoire sheet is here (page 2).

Happy practicing!

Best,

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | January 12, 2025 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by Richard Kolbell

[updated 1/31] Rehearsal Plan for February 2, 2025

Posted on by mys-staff

Hi everybody,

We had a very productive rehearsal last Sunday (Jan 26), despite so many people being out sick. I hope everyone is feeling better!

Our next rehearsal will be exactly one month before our concert. It’s coming up sooner than we think!

Please see our rehearsal plan below, as well as other important information.

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 2, 2025

[updated on 1/31]

  • 4:00pm-5:30pm: Palia “The Chase” and Suite (most PDF parts for the Suite are already on our online library. Direct link here).
  • 5:30pm-5:45pm: break
  • 5:45pm-7:00pm: Star Wars (movements 2 and 3)

New Program Order for March 2 Concert

It will be: YCP / Palia / intermission / Star Wars / Waloyo Yamoni. Updated program page here.

March 2 Part Assignments and Practice Parts

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Updated part assignments can be accessed here. Updated percussion assignments are here.

Audio Reference

I’ve created a YouTube playlist where you can find audio reference tracks for our March 2 repertoire, including the Star Wars Suite. The playlist is here. I will also add the individual videos to the sidebar of this blog.

Updated repertoire for June 17 concert

We’ve updated the repertoire for the first half of our Season Finale Concert, which will involve MYS alumni from throughout the history of the organization. The updated repertoire sheet is here (page 2).

Happy practicing!

Best,

Dr. G.

Hunter Noack with MYS Symphony Orchestra | January 12, 2025 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by Richard Kolbell

Rehearsal Plan for Jan 26, 2025

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi everybody,

Sorry for the delayed rehearsal plan (I typically write to you on Tuesdays and it’s Wednesday late evening).

We will continue work on Star Wars this week, as well as start Christopher Tin’s Waloyo Yamoni (our collaboration with PYC). Please download and print your Waloyo Yamoni part to practice before Sunday. Also, please listen to the reference video.

I have added wind and brass assignments for Waloyo Yamoni. Check again towards the end of the week for full assignments (hopefully), including the YCP film piece and Steffen Schmidt’s music from Palia.

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 19, 2025

  • 4:00pm-5:15pm: Waloyo Yamoni
  • 5:15pm-5:30pm: break
  • 5:30pm-7:00pm: Star Wars (movements 1 and 5)

ICYMI: March 2 Concert Repertoire

Check out the full program for our next concert here (and you can also take a peek at our June concert repertoire).

In addition to Star Wars, we’re collaborating with Pacific Youth Choir on a piece by Christopher Tin, the composer of the soundtrack for the video game franchise “Civilization.” We’re also welcoming an MYS alum: Steffen Schmidt. He’s a successful video game composer based in L.A. and Seoul. We’ll be playing his music for the video game Palia. Finally, a collaborative world premiere by students of the Young Composers Project, accompanying a brand new animated film by students from Portland Art Museum’s Center for an Untold Tomorrow.

March 2 Part Assignments and Practice Parts

As I mentioned above, I’ve added winds/brass assignments for Waloyo Yamoni. Check towards the end of the week for more assignments. The part assignment PDF can always be found on the sidebar of this blog.

Strings: I’ve added bowed parts for Waloyo Yamoni. The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Again, please download and print your Waloyo Yamoni part to practice before Sunday. Also, please listen to the reference video.

Part assignments so far can be accessed here. Percussion assignments are here.

Audio Reference

I’ve created a YouTube playlist where you can find audio reference tracks for our March 2 repertoire, including the Star Wars Suite. The playlist is here. I will also add the individual videos to the sidebar of this blog.

Access practice parts on the MYS website

Go to our Online Music Library to find PDF practice parts of our repertoire.

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Happy practicing!

Best,

Dr. G.

Hunter Noack with MYS Symphony Orchestra | January 12, 2025 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by Richard Kolbell

Rehearsal Plan for Jan 19, 2025 (Star Wars!)

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

I’m very proud of all of you, and exceedingly grateful for a fantastic concert last Sunday. I look forward to speaking a bit about it this coming Sunday at rehearsal.

I also look forward to starting new music, in what will be a SHORT rehearsal period in preparation for our March 2nd Concert.

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 19, 2025

  • 4:00pm-7:00pm: STAR WARS! (with a break somewhere in the middle)

March 2 Concert Repertoire

Check out the full program for our next concert here (and you can also take a peek at our June concert repertoire).

In addition to Star Wars, we’re collaborating with Pacific Youth Choir on a piece by Christopher Tin, the composer of the soundtrack for the video game franchise “Civilization.” We’re also welcoming an MYS alum: Steffen Schmidt. He’s a successful video game composer based in L.A. and Seoul. We’ll be playing his music for the video game Palia. Finally, a collaborative world premiere by students of the Young Composers Project, accompanying a brand new animated film by students from Portland Art Museum’s Center for an Untold Tomorrow.

March 2 Part Assignments

Thank you to those of you who submitted optional leadership auditions. It was great to hear your progress and “check in” with you this way.

As of today (Thursday, 1/16, 3pm-ish), I’ve only created winds/brass assignments for Star Wars. All strings have been assigned for each half of this upcoming concert. I will update wind/brass and percussion as the new assignments are created.

Part assignments so far can be accessed here. Percussion assignments are here.

Audio Reference

I’ve created a YouTube playlist where you can find audio reference tracks for our March 2 repertoire, including the Star Wars Suite. The playlist is here. I will also add the individual videos to the sidebar of this blog.

Access practice parts on the MYS website

Please download your assigned part for Star Wars and spend some time with it before Sunday. Go to our Online Music Library to find digital files of this music and the rest of our repertoire.

Strings: given the short rehearsal period for this concert, I’m adding bowings for everything (and fingerings for violins and violas).

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Happy practicing!

Best,

Dr. G.

Star Wars 1977 U.S. Commercial Movie Poster

Rehearsal Plan: Concert Week – Jan 9, 10, 11, 12

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

I was happy with the progress on Rachmaninoff on Sunday (Jan 5). Thanks for practicing! Please keep up the good work, and make sure to 1) listen to, and 2) practice the other pieces between now and our Thursday evening rehearsal.

Also, as I mentioned, I posted Hunter Noack’s practice recordings here. These are private and not to be shared. This is your first-hand source for knowing exactly how our soloist plays the piece. It’s useful to follow along with a full score, which you can find on the MYS digital library (password playmys) or here.

Our plan for the week is below (subject to changes).

Please remember that our evening rehearsals this week will take place at The Madeleine Parish – 3123 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97212. Look for the MYS sign.

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Thursday, Jan 9 (at The Madeleine Parish)

  • 6:45pm arrival
  • 7:00pm-8:00pm: Rachmaninoff (with Hunter Noack)
  • 8:00pm-8:30pm: “All By Myself” (with Hunter Noack)
  • 8:30pm-8:40pm: Break
  • 8:40pm-9:10pm: Dvořák Violin Concerto (with Leena)
  • 9:10pm-9:30pm: Weber Clarinet Concerto (with Kaden)

Rehearsal Plan for Friday, Jan 10

  • 6:45pm arrival
  • 7:00pm-8:10pm: Rachmaninoff (with Hunter Noack)
  • 8:10pm-8:30pm: “All By Myself” (with Hunter Noack)
  • 8:30pm-8:40pm: Break
  • 8:40pm-9:05pm: Seas of Glass
  • 9:05pm-9:30pm: Dvořák Violin Concerto and Weber Clarinet Concerto (orchestra only, spots)

Rehearsal Plan for Saturday, Jan 11

Dress rehearsal in concert order:

  • 6:45pm arrival
  • 7:00pm-7:20pm: Seas of Glass
  • 7:20pm-7:40pm: Dvořák Violin Concerto (with Leena)
  • 7:40pm-8:00pm: Weber Clarinet Concerto (with Kaden)
  • 8:00pm-8:10pm: break
  • 8:10pm-9:30pm: Rachmaninoff & Encore (“All By Myself”)

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, Jan 12 (at Newmark Theatre)

  • 3:00pm: call time for percussionists
  • 3:30pm: call time for orchestra (except percussionists)
  • 4:00pm-4:55pm: Rachmaninoff & Encore (“All By Myself”)
  • 4:55pm-5:05pm: stage change (water/bathroom break, stay on stage if possible)
  • 5:05pm-5:15pm: Seas of Glass
  • 5:15pm-5:35pm: Dvořák Violin Concerto (with Leena)
  • 5:35pm-5:50pm: Weber Clarinet Concerto (with Kaden)

Not too late: please add bar numbers to all pieces

Another reminder: please make it a habit to write your name on each of your parts, and add measure numbers at the beginning of each line.

Bonus: this post with reference measure numbers for Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.

Access practice parts on the MYS website

If you misplace your parts and need to print replacements, or need access to PDFs for any reason, you may go to our Online Music Library to find digital files of everything we’re playing.

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

See you Thursday!

Best,

Dr. G.

Woodwinds and Brass | Photography by Richard Kolbell | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 11/12/24

Rehearsal Plan for Jan 5, 2025 (Concert Week)

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi all,

Thanks for your work on Sunday. We now go into a long holiday break and we see each other again on Sunday, January 5. Below are a few requests for you to do between now and then:

  1. Please do a ton of listening. As you know, there are reference videos on the main page of this blog. And also, for your convenience, here is a YouTube playlist that contains each piece on our program, in concert order. Please listen every day if possible, even if it’s as background music as you do homework, etc. And even better: pick a piece or movement each day, and do some deep listening, following along with your part or a full score.
  2. Please practice. Be responsible and be strategic. Bring your individual parts to your absolute best between now and January 5th. You have everything you need to do this. Use your metronome, practice difficult passages SLOWLY. Play along to a recording to help identify challenging moments.
  3. Please add bar numbers to all pieces. This will save a lot of rehearsal time. Please do it.

All that said, also get some rest. Sleep well. Enjoy the holidays with your loved ones <3

I look forward to seeing you again in the new year.

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 5, 2025

  • 4:00pm-4:25pm: Seas of Glass (whole piece)
  • 4:25pm-5:00pm: Rachmaninoff, mov 3 (from #35 to end of piece)
  • 5:00pm-5:30pm: Rachmaninoff, mov 1 and 2 (no soloist)
  • 5:30pm-5:45pm: break
  • 5:45pm-6:15pm: More Rachmaninoff as needed
  • 6:15pm-6:40pm: Dvořák (no soloist)
  • 6:40pm-7:00pm: Weber (no soloist)

Please add bar numbers to all pieces

Another reminder: please make it a habit to write your name on each of your parts, and add measure numbers at the beginning of each line.

Bonus: this post with reference measure numbers for Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.

Optional leadership auditions

Optional leadership auditions are due Friday, January 3. This is an opportunity for you to be considered for leadership positions for our March 2025 concert, or to show me your work if you feel my rotations are not giving you the part assignments you’d like. Please record a video with at least 3 minutes of repertoire of your choice. It can be solo repertoire, or any music you’ve played with your ensembles at MYS, school, etc. E-mail me a video link directly at rgomez@playmys.org with the subject line “MYS Symphony Orchestra Leadership Audition.”

Access practice parts on the MYS website

If you misplace your parts and need to print replacements, or need access to PDFs for any reason, you may go to our Online Music Library to find digital files of everything we’re playing.

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Happy holidays!

Best,

Dr. G.

Happy Holidays! | Photography by Richard Kolbell | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 11/12/24

Updated Rehearsal Plan for 12/15

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi everyone,

Only one more rehearsal before our holiday break, then we come back pretty much to concert week, including our weeknight evening rehearsals at The Madeleine School.

Please practice. This is why I send out rehearsal plans, so that you know what to focus on each week. Learning your individual part at home in advance of rehearsal is required. It’s part of your commitment for being a member of this orchestra. As I often say, it’s also very helpful to listen to recordings of our repertoire regularly. See the videos I’ve share on this webpage (sidebar on a computer, bottom of page if on mobile).

Please see below for an updated rehearsal plan for Sunday.

Best,

Dr. G.

Updated Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 15

  • 4:00pm-4:30pm: Seas of Glass (letter G to end of piece)
  • 4:30pm-5:30pm: Rachmaninoff mov. 2 & 3
  • 5:30pm-5:45pm: break
  • 5:45pm-6:20pm: Rachmaninoff mov 3
  • 6:20pm-6:50pm: Weber with Kaden
  • 6:50pm-7:00pm: YMA guests

Please add bar numbers to all pieces

Another reminder: please make it a habit to write your name on each of your parts, and add measure numbers at the beginning of each line.

Bonus: this post with reference measure numbers for Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.

Looking ahead: optional leadership auditions

Optional leadership auditions are due Friday, January 3. This is an opportunity for you to be considered for leadership positions for our March 2025 concert, or to show me your work if you feel my rotations are not giving you the part assignments you’d like. Please record a video with at least 3 minutes of repertoire of your choice. It can be solo repertoire, or any music you’ve played with your ensembles at MYS, school, etc. E-mail me a video link directly at rgomez@playmys.org with the subject line “MYS Symphony Orchestra Leadership Audition.”

Access practice parts on the MYS website

If you misplace your parts and need to print replacements, or need access to PDFs for any reason, you may go to our Online Music Library to find digital files of everything we’re playing.

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

See you Sunday!

Best,

Dr. G.

Look, mom! It’s me with the Oregon Symphony and the Oregon Chorale! | Arlene Schintzer Concert Hall, December 11, 2024 | Photo by Oregon Symphony

Rehearsal Plan for 12/8 *and* 12/15

Posted on by mys-staff

[updated 12/3/24]

Hi everyone,

Including this Sunday (12/8), we only have TWO rehearsals before our holiday break. After that, we have ONE rehearsal on Sunday, January 5th, and then it’s concert week.

Please double-check you have our weeknight evening rehearsals on your calendar.

So, as I mentioned last week, individual preparation is key for this short concert term. For that reason, I’m sharing rehearsal plans for both December 8 and December 15 below.

Also, please remember to listen to recordings of our repertoire regularly. As a starting point, I’ve shared YouTube videos on this webpage (sidebar on a computer, bottom of page if on mobile).

Thank you, and remember to be strategic and efficient with your practicing.

Best,

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 8

[updated 12/3/24]

  • 4:00pm-4:30pm: Seas of Glass
  • 4:30pm-5:30pm: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto, Mov. 1 (with Matthew) and Mov. 2.
  • 5:30pm-5:40pm: break
  • 5:40pm-6:45pm: Dvořák with Leena
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: read encore (“All By Myself”).

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 15

  • 4:00pm-4:45pm: Seas of Glass
  • 4:45pm-6:15pm: Rachmaninoff mov. 3, encore (and other spots as needed). (inc. 10-min break).
  • 6:15pm-7:00pm: Weber with Kaden.

Please add bar numbers to all pieces

Another reminder: please make it a habit to write your name on each of your parts, and add measure numbers at the beginning of each line.

Bonus: this post with reference measure numbers for Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.

ICYMI: Photos by Richard Kolbell from 11/10 concert

Richard Kolbell’s photos can be accessed below. If you use any of the photos for any purpose (social media, websites, etc), please be sure to credit him (e.g. “photo by Richard Kolbell).

“The Force of Love” photos by Richard Kolbell

Looking ahead: optional leadership auditions

As I mentioned in rehearsal, we will have optional leadership auditions due Friday, January 3. I will send out more details later, but most likely I’ll ask for 3 to 4 minutes of anything you want to record for me. This is an opportunity for you to be considered for leadership positions for our March 2025 concert, or to show me your work if you feel my rotations are not giving you the part assignments you’d like.

Access practice parts on the MYS website

If you misplace your parts and need to print replacements, or need access to PDFs for any reason, you may go to our Online Music Library to find digital files of everything we’re playing.

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Happy Thanksgiving and see you on 12/8!

Best,

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Photo by Richard Kolbell, Nov 10, 2024

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday 11/24

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Hi everyone,

Thanks for a solid read-through of most of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on Sunday 11/17, as well as a great first pass at Frazar Henry’s Seas of Glass. Below is our rehearsal plan for Sunday 11/24, plus a link to our friend Richard Kolbell’s photos from our 11/10 concert.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, November 24

  • 4:00pm-5:00pm – Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 2 – finish reading the 3rd movement, from reh #34 to the end. PLEASE PRACTICE THE SECTION that starts at #34. Metronome goal is half note = 126.
  • 5:00pm-5:30pm – Weber, Clarinet Concerto No. 2 (movement 3) – no soloist
  • 5:30pm-5:45pm – break
  • 5:45pm-7:00pm – Dvořák, Violin Concerto (movement 3) – no soloist

Add bar numbers to EVERYTHING (and your name too)

Please make it a habit to write your name on each of your parts, and add measure numbers at the beginning of each line. This is good for everything you play, ever, now and forever 🙂

Bonus: this post with reference measure numbers for Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2.

Come support MYS colleagues at Oregon Symphony masterclass this Saturday (11/23)

Leena Karmarkar and Elizabeth Shen will perform in a masterclass by OSO guest soloist Vadim Gluzman. Saturday, November 23 from 10:30am-noon. Location: 851 SW 6th Ave., Portland, OR 97204 – 1st floor – entrance is on the corner of SW 6th and Taylor.

Photos by Richard Kolbell from 11/10 concert

Richard Kolbell’s photos can be accessed below. If you use any of the photos for any purpose (social media, websites, etc), please be sure to credit him (e.g. “photo by Richard Kolbell).

“The Force of Love” photos by Richard Kolbell

Access practice parts on the MYS website

If you misplace your parts and need to print replacements, or need access to PDFs for any reason, you may go to our Online Music Library to find digital files of everything we’re playing.

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

No rehearsal on December 1

We have Thanksgiving weekend off. But please do practice! Remember this is a shorter concert term compared to our other 3 concerts, and we have a long break for the holidays. Individual preparation is key.

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Photo by Richard Kolbell, Nov 10, 2024

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday 11/17

Posted on by mys-staff

****** UPDATED ON 11/14/24 WITH SHORTER REHEARSAL TIME *****

Hi all,

Great concert Sunday night! I’m proud of everybody’s fearless and committed performances. We’ll do a little debriefing on Sunday, and we’ll dive right into our new repertoire.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, November 17

  • 4:00pm-5:20pm – Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 2 – listen to each movement and read as much as we can.
  • 5:30pm-6:15pm – Frazar Henry: “Seas of Glass” (YCP piece): read first draft of piece with composer on video call.
  • 6:15pm – end of rehearsal to transition to 7pm Community Concert

Part assignments for January 12 concert

Please click the button below to check part assignments for this concert. As always, my part assignments are not rankings. I like rotating leadership and positions whenever possible. These assignments are subject to change.

Part Assignments for Jan 12, 2025

Access practice parts on the MYS website

We’ll have hard copies of everything on Sunday, but please go to our Online Music Library to print practice parts for this week. I strongly recommend that you spend some time on the Rachmaninoff, even if it’s listening to a recording and following along your part (while annotating it as needed).

The password to access our Online Music Library is playmys.

Stay after rehearsal to support your peers (Community Concert at 7:00pm @ All Saints)

There will be an MYS Community Concert in the church upstairs starting at 7:00pm. Stay if you can to support your friends, including percussion, MYSfits and our jazz groups.

11/17 Community Concert Information

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Photo by Willie Gilliland, Nov 10, 2024