SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 29, 2026

Posted on September 29, 2026September 30, 2026 by mys-staff

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 (room assignments to be confirmed) – spots in all movements (coaches’ choice)
- Horns in Jazz Room with Oregon Symphony coach
- Trumpets in 206 with Oregon Symphony coach
- Low brass in 205 with Oregon Symphony coach

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 (and xylophone & snare drum!) with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment) – movement 2 of Shostakovich
- Woodwinds and brass with Oregon Symphony coach (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 September 29, 2026September 29, 2026 by mys-staff

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 Jazz Room
- Trumpets and trombone in Room 206 (2nd floor)

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).

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 22, 2026

Posted on September 22, 2026September 22, 2026 by mys-staff

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).

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.

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 September 22, 2026September 22, 2026 by mys-staff

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).

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).

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

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

Availability for private lessons

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 September 15, 2026September 15, 2026 by mys-staff

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).

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).

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

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

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

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

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – September 15, 2026

Posted on September 15, 2026September 15, 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.

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, 2026September 8, 2026 by mys-staff

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – September 8, 2026

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

SYMPHONY 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 Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, September 13

4:45pm: arrival & check-in at MYS (3880 SE Brooklyn St.) (main sanctuary door)
5:00pm: 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 Concert Orchestra musicians)
5:30pm-6:30pm: documentary on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5

6:30pm-7:00pm: break

7:00pm-8:30pm: sectionals on Shostakovich Symphony No. 5, Movement 1
- Strings with Tomás Cotik (Fellowship Room aka Basement aka Contrabassment)
- Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion with Adam Eccleston (Fireside Room)

Roster & Part Assignments

Part assignments for Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 and for Bernstein’s Overture to Candide 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. You’ll note there are rotations between pieces. 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).

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 for the Shostakovich Symphony. Make sure to start practicing the first movement at home before rehearsal this Sunday.

Feel free to also download your part for Bernstein’s Candide Overture, though we will not be playing that this week.

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). For your convenience, here’s a direct link.

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

Things to note:

Our regular rehearsal time has been expanded to 5pm-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 in the days leading up to each concert. Dates and times are different from last year, and there’s a Monday night rehearsal in the fall. Pre-concert rehearsals on Saturdays are a different times too.
String sections will have coachings on 1 Thursday evening each term. 9/24, 12/10 and 4/22.
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.

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

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

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

Our team has been hard at work putting the final touches on our rehearsal space. New lights and acoustical panels have gone up. See you soon! | 9/8/26

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Posted on August 21, 2026August 26, 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

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]

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Posted on August 21, 2026August 26, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – August 21, 2026

Hello everyone!

Welcome (or welcome back) to 2026-2027 MYS Symphony 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

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

Things to note:

Our regular rehearsal time has been expanded to 5pm-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 in the days leading up to each concert. Dates and times are different from last year, and there’s a Monday night rehearsal in the fall. Pre-concert rehearsals on Saturdays are a different times too.
String sections will have coachings on 1 Thursday evening each term. 9/24, 12/10 and 4/22.
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

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

2026-2027 Concerto Competition

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.

weekend rehearsals left before next concert:

9

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

Happy practicing,

Dr. G.

[pictured: Hobbit Beach near Florence, OR | August, 2026]