Category: Symphony Orchestra

MYS Symphony Orchestra Posts

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 22, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 22, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thank you so much for your work with Zoe Schlussel, who gave a wonderful workshop on Body Mapping on Sunday, 3/15. I hope that this training will help you prevent playing-related injuries in the long term. If you want more information, resources, or private lessons on Body Mapping, you can reach out to Zoe directly at zoe.schlussel@gmail.com.

We ***do*** have rehearsal this Sunday, with sectionals (strings with me, brass with Heidi Aispuro), and coachings (each woodwind section with a coach). Please see below for details.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

5

Recap – March 8, 2026

  • 2:00pm-2:50pm: Tutti reading session of Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
  • 2:50pm: break
  • 3:00pm-4:00pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 22

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:
    • Strings with RGR
    • Brass with Heidi Aispuro
    • Flutes with Robert Wakeley
    • Clarinets with Lisa Lipton
    • Oboes with coach
    • Bassoons with coach
  • 3:15pm: break
  • 3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti: Guest conductor Jonathan DeBruyn will lead rehearsal on Jupiter and Ichmourachov‘s Viola Concerto.
  • 4:00pm – 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!

MYS Concert Orchestra SPRING BREAK

Spring Break for Concert Orchestra will be on Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, April 5. There will be no rehearsals on these dates. Please note that these are different weekends compared to our Saturday rehearsals. The reason is that April 5th is Easter Sunday, so we shifted the break for our Sunday ensembles to avoid having 3 Sundays off in a row. This would have created a disproportionate negative impact on music preparation for our concerts.

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.

Zoe Schlussel leading her Body Mapping workshop | March 15, 2026

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 22, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 22, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Congratulations to those of you who performed at the MYS Community Concert on Sunday, 3/15. Also, thank you for your flexibility regarding our modified rehearsal time last week, and for your work on Body Mapping with Zoe Schlussel. I hope this knowledge will help you prevent playing-related injuries in the long term. If you want more information, resources, or private lessons on Body Mapping, you can reach out to Zoe directly at zoe.schlussel@gmail.com.

We ***do*** have rehearsal this Sunday, and it’s an important one: we’ll be reading Elaina Stuppler’s piece HEADLINES, and starting work on movements 2 and 3 of the Beethoven symphony. After this weekend, we will have 2 Sundays off for spring break and Easter (3/29 and 4/5).

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

9

Rehearsal Recap – March 15, 2026

  • 4:30pm-5:40pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel.
  • 5:50pm-6:30pm: reading of movement 1 of Beethoven Symphony No. 9

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 22, 2026

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals on movements 2 and 3 of Beethoven
    • Strings with RGR
    • Winds/brass with Mr. Wakeley
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti reading of HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler
  • 7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti work on movements 2 and 3 of Beethoven
  • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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

A few small changes in our part assignments PDFs. Please review each page. – Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

Bring your friends to MYS

If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability 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,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra basses & guests | Newmark Theatre \ March 1, 2026

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 15, 2026

Posted on by mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 15, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

What a thrill to be at the beginning of a rehearsal process that will conclude with an unforgettable performance of Beethoven’s great Symphony No. 9.

We got off to a good start on Sunday 3/8 with work on the iconic 4th movement. The strategic practicing skills that we have developed working on Brahms Symphony No. 1 (45 min) and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 (46 min) will be more important than ever as we work on Beethoven’s 9th (65 min).

And every minute of work will be rewarded with a deeply impactful concert on June 14, 2026. I cannot wait.

Please remember that this coming Sunday (3/15) we have a modified rehearsal schedule (4:30pm-6:30pm) due to the MYS Community Concert happening at All Saints at 7pm. Also, we’ll be welcoming a special guest: Zoe Schlussel, who will be giving a workshop on Body Mapping. More information about this below.

Finally, all are encouraged to stay and support your peers at the concert upstarts starting at 7pm. MYSfits and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

10

Rehearsal Recap – March 8, 2026

  • First half: sectionals on mov. 4 of Beethoven
    • Strings with RGR
    • Winds/brass with Robert Wakeley

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 15, 2026

  • Arrival: 4:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 4:30pm-5:30pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel
  • 5:30pm-5:40pm: break
  • 5:40pm-6:30pm: Beethoven, movement 1
  • 6:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
  • (highly encouraged:) 7:00pm – stay for MYS Community Concert upstairs in the church

What is Body Mapping?

“Taught in universities, colleges, conservatories, and private studios world-wide, Body Mapping encourages wellness, enhances musicians’ expressive possibilities, and fosters music making without limitations. Body Mapping invites us to replace our faulty body maps with anatomically correct maps in order to reduce tension and allow for effortless and expressive movement.

In Body Mapping, one learns to gain access to one’s own body map through self-observation and self-inquiry. The student corrects his or her own body map by assimilating accurate information provided by kinesthetic experience, the use of a mirror, anatomical models, books, pictures, and teachers. One learns to recognize the source of inefficient or harmful movement and how to replace it with movement that is efficient, elegant, direct, and powerful based on the truth about one’s structure, function, and size.” (excerpt from here).

PSU‘s Zoe Schlussel has generously offered to give this workshop to our students free of charge. We’re very grateful, and I’m very excited to have you work with her this Sunday.

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

[update 3/11/26: there are changes in the cello and violin 2 sections. I have corrected a couple of errors] – Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

PDF Practice Parts

If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

Bring your friends to MYS

If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

Availability for private lessons

I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability 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,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

Thank you to PSU and Zoe Schlussel for bringing this important workshop to MYS students!

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 15, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 15, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Nice work on Sunday 3/8. Remember that this coming Sunday (3/15) we have a modified rehearsal schedule (2:00pm-4:00pm) due to the MYS Community Concert happening at All Saints at 7pm.

Also, we’ll be welcoming a special guest: Zoe Schlussel, who will be giving a workshop on Body Mapping. More information about this below.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert

6

Recap – March 8, 2026

  • First half of rehearsal: Sectionals on Jupiter
    • Strings worked with Casey Bozell
    • Trumpets and low brass with Heidi Aispuro
    • Horns with Lizzie Upton
    • Percussion with Kevin Schlossman
  • Second half: tutti work on Jupiter

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 15

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-2:50pm: Tutti
    • Reading session of Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
    • If we have time remaining, we will read the viola concerto (no soloist)
  • 2:50pm: break
  • 3:00pm-4:00pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel
  • 4:00pm – end of rehearsal

What is Body Mapping?

“Taught in universities, colleges, conservatories, and private studios world-wide, Body Mapping encourages wellness, enhances musicians’ expressive possibilities, and fosters music making without limitations. Body Mapping invites us to replace our faulty body maps with anatomically correct maps in order to reduce tension and allow for effortless and expressive movement.

In Body Mapping, one learns to gain access to one’s own body map through self-observation and self-inquiry. The student corrects his or her own body map by assimilating accurate information provided by kinesthetic experience, the use of a mirror, anatomical models, books, pictures, and teachers. One learns to recognize the source of inefficient or harmful movement and how to replace it with movement that is efficient, elegant, direct, and powerful based on the truth about one’s structure, function, and size.” (excerpt from here).

PSU‘s Zoe Schlussel has generously offered to give this workshop to our students free of charge. We’re very grateful, and I’m very excited to have you work with her this Sunday.

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!

MYS Concert Orchestra SPRING BREAK

Spring Break for Concert Orchestra will be on Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, April 5. There will be no rehearsals on these dates. Please note that these are different weekends compared to our Saturday rehearsals. The reason is that April 5th is Easter Sunday, so we shifted the break for our Sunday ensembles to avoid having 3 Sundays off in a row. This would have created a disproportionate negative impact on music preparation for our concerts.

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.

Thank you to PSU and Zoe Schlussel for bringing this important workshop to MYS students!

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 8, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 8, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for March 8, 2026; as well as new part assignments and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

11

Recap – March 1, 2026

  • Great concert! We’ll talk more in person

    Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 15, 2026

    • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
    • 5:30pm-6:45pm: Beethoven, movement 4
      • Strings in cafeteria with RGR
      • Winds/brass in pavillion with Robert Wakeley
    • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
    • 7:00pm-8:30pm:
      • Debriefing about concert
      • Listen to Beethoven Symphony
      • Play through sections of movement 4
    • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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

    New repertoire, new part assignments. First, a reminder: my part assignments are *not* rankings. I take many factors into consideration. In this case, a few of those factors are: your leadership audition, winter attendance records, ensemble and repertoire needs, rotation of leadership opportunities, balanced sections and more.

    I’m trying a new document format for this term. You’ll find a PDF with 4 pages. The first one is a general roster of the orchestra, in alphabetical order, by section. Then, each piece that we will be playing has its own page, with different string and wind/brass assignments. Please let me know if you spot any accidental omissions or errors.

    To find the PDF, click on the button on the side bar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on your phone) that says “S.O. SPRING 2026 ROSTER & PART ASSIGNMENTS.”

    PDF Practice Parts

    If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

    Bring your friends to MYS

    If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

    Availability for private lessons

    I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability 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,
    (and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

    Dr. G.

    MYS Symphony Orchestra | Newmark Theater, 3/1/26 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

    CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 8, 2026

    Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

    CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 8, 2026

    Dear Concert Orchestra,

    I’m excited to see you all again this Sunday. Please see below for our rehearsal plan, part assignments for this term, confirmed spring concert date, and more.

    Also, looking ahead, a heads-up/reminder that on Sunday, March 15, we have a modified rehearsal schedule due to the MYS Community Concert happening at All Saints at 7pm.

    Best,

    Dr. G.

    rehearsals left before concert

    7

    Recap – March 1, 2026

    • You were asked to come to MYS Symphony Orchestra’s concert, which included Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. I was very pleased about how that concert went. I hope you were inspired! I also hope to see many of you in that group next season.

    Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 8

    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
      • Strings with Casey Bozell (pavilion)
      • Woodwinds with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria)
      • Trumpet & trombones with Heidi Aispuro (music room)
      • Horns with Lizzie Upton (annex)
      • Percussion with Kevin Schlossman (conference room)
    • 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
    • 3:30pm-4:00pm: concert debriefing, spring term overview, listen to pieces
    • 4:00pm-5:00pm: Jupiter (tutti)

    Part Assignments for Spring Term

    Before you click the link to the PDF, a reminder: my part assignments are *not* rankings. I take many factors into consideration. In this case, a few of those factors are: your leadership audition, winter attendance records, ensemble and repertoire needs, leadership opportunities, balanced sections and more.

    I’m trying a new document format for this term. You’ll find a PDF with 4 pages. The first one is a general roster of the orchestra, in alphabetical order, by section. Then, each piece that we will be playing has its own page, with different string and wind/brass assignments. Please let me know if you spot any accidental omissions or errors.

    To find the PDF, click on the button on the side bar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on your phone) that says “C.O. SPRING 2026 ROSTER & PART ASSIGNMENTS.”

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

    On the side bar (or bottom of the page if on mobile), you’ll also find a PDF labeled “C.O. SPRING REPERTOIRE INFORMATION.” Here you’ll find the list of pieces we’re playing, as well as their instrumentation and duration.

    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!

    MYS Concert Orchestra SPRING BREAK

    Spring Break for Concert Orchestra will be on Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, April 5. There will be no rehearsals on these dates. Please note that these are different weekends compared to our Saturday rehearsals. The reason is that April 5th is Easter Sunday, so we shifted the break for our Sunday ensembles to avoid having 3 Sundays off in a row. This would have created a disproportionate negative impact on music preparation for our concerts.

    Find PDF Practice Parts at the MYS Online Music Library

    If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “C.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

    Availability for private lessons

    I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at the MYS building in SE Portland, or via Zoom. (I may also be available for private coaching sessions for other instruments, but my specific instrumental training is upper strings.) Shoot me an e-mail if you’re interested for more details.

    Happy practicing,
    (and don’t forget to bring a music stand)

    Dr. G.

    MYS Concert Orchestra | February 22, 2026 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by MYS

    SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for CONCERT WEEK (February 26 – March 1)

    Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

    SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for CONCERT WEEK (February 26 – March 1)

    Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

    Thank you for your work (and flexibility) last Sunday, February 22nd.

    Below is our rehearsal plan for concert week, including our weeknight rehearsals.

    Best,

    Dr. G.

    weekend rehearsals left before concert:

    0

    Recap – February 22, 2026

    • First half of rehearsal: James Lee’s “Gganbu” and Reinecke Flute Concerto
    • Second half: Tchaikovsky mov 1 (with Amir), and mov 3 (with me)

    Rehearsal Plan for Thursday, February 26, 2026

    • Arrival: 6:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
    • 7:00pm-7:45pm: Lee: Gganbu
    • 7:45pm-8:00pm: break
    • 8:00pm-9:30pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 4 and 1
    • 9:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

    Rehearsal Plan for Friday, February 27, 2026

    • Arrival: 6:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
    • 7:00pm-7:45pm: Reinecke
    • 7:45pm-8:00pm: break
    • 8:00pm-9:30pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 3 and 2
    • 9:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

    Rehearsal Plan for Saturday, February 28, 2026

    • Arrival: 6:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
    • 7:00pm-7:20: Lee: Gganbu
    • 7:20pm-7:45pm: Reinecke
    • 7:45pm-8:00pm: break
    • 8:00pm-9:30pm: Tchaikovsky, whole symphony in order
    • 9:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

    Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 1, 2026

    • Call sheet (!!!!!)
    • 11:00am: Arrival for Percussionists and Group Managers
    • 11:30am: Arrival for everyone else – EVERYBODY SIGN IN AT STAGE DOOR
    • Rehearsal in REVERSE concert order:
      • 12:00pm-1:00pm: Tchaikovsky (all movements in order)
      • 1:00pm-1:25pm: Reinecke
      • 1:25pm-1:45pm: Lee: Gganbu
    • 3:30pm – return to Newmark (sign back in by 3:30pm)
    • 4:00pm – concert

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

    A couple of small changes in the cello and 2nd violin sections. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

    PDF Practice Parts

    If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

    Bring your friends to MYS

    If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

    Availability for private lessons

    I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability 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,
    (and don’t forget to bring a music stand)

    Dr. G.

    MYS Symphony Orchestra in concert at Newmark Theatre | January, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

    CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 3/1 (attend Symphony Orchestra concert @ Newmark)

    Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

    CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 3/1 (attend Symphony Orchestra concert @ Newmark)

    Dear Concert Orchestra,

    FANTASTIC job at our concert on Sunday. We will debrief in person at our next rehearsal, but I just want you to know that I’m exceedingly proud of every member of this orchestra.

    This is just a quick post/email to remind you that we will not have a regular rehearsal this coming Sunday (3/1). Instead, please plan to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at the Newmark Theatre at 4pm. Details below.

    Also below: information about our spring repertoire, part assignments and more.

    Best,

    Dr. G.

    rehearsals left before concert:

    8

    Recap – Concert (February 22, 2026)

    • Wonderful job! We’ll talk more in person at our next rehearsal on 3/8.

    Sunday, March 1st: Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm

    All Concert Orchestra students are asked to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre (instead of rehearsal). Tickets are free for MYS students and can be purchased on the MYS website. If you can’t come to this concert, please fill out a regular absence form as usual.

    To receive the free MYS Student ticket for concerts at the Schnitzer or Newmark, you must both:

    • Select “MYS Student” ticket type and
    • In the cart, enter the coupon code: mysstudent

    Note: Free student tickets are not available for Dress Circle (Schnitzer) or 1st Balcony Boxes and Rows A & B (Newmark). MYS Student tickets may be redeemed on the MYS website or may be requested in person at the Newmark or Schnitzer Box Office; they are not available online via the Portland’5 website.

    Spring Concert Date

    We’re working to confirm our Spring concert date ASAP, due to a few potential conflicts. Please stay tuned.

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

    I will post new part assignments next week (Tuesday, March 3rd).

    Spring 2026 Repertoire

    • Holst: Jupiter (from The Planets)
    • A. Ichmouratov: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra No. 1, Mov. 3 – Soren Holbrook, viola soloist (runner-up of MYS Concerto Competition)
    • Jacobi Esparza: Movimientos de la Muerte (Young Composers Project world premiere)

    (PDF practice parts and YouTube reference videos will be posted in the coming days)

    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) —> not this week, of course.

    Dr. G.

    Newmark Theatre | Photo by Portland’5

    SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 22, 2026 (different rehearsal time)

    Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

    SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 22, 2026 (different rehearsal time)

    Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

    We had a very productive rehearsal on 2/15. We ended up not having enough time for Gganbu, but I think the work we did on the 1st movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony was extremely important. We also did great work on movements 2 and 4.

    I really want to make sure that listening to each other is our priority at this point. As I’ve said many times in rehearsal: “know the tune.” This means that even when you have long multi-measure rests, you’ll know when to come in because you know the music. You know (in your brain and in your heart) how the music goes. This goes beyond technical abilities on your instrument. It’s about knowing the piece beyond your individual part.

    Another very important concept, applicable always but particularly important in rubato music, is to never play ahead of the beat. You always want to be just a hair behind the conductor’s actual physical gesture, so that you are actually absorbing the information and playing together.

    We have only one more weekend rehearsal (2/22) before concert week (2/26-3/1), and please note that the time of rehearsal is different this week (!!!!). Rehearsal will begin at 6:30pm and will end at 9pm. This is due to the MYS Community Concert happening at the Newmark Theatre starting at 4pm. I will be conducting Concert Orchestra at the end of that program, and then rushing down to All Saints for our rehearsal.

    Also, please double-check part assignments (I’ve made a couple of adjustments in the 2nd violins and cellos).

    Best,

    Dr. G.

    weekend rehearsals left before concert:

    1!

    Recap – February 15, 2026

    • First half of rehearsal: 1st movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
    • Second half: movements 2 and 4

    Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 22, 2026

    PLEASE NOTE THE DIFFERENT REHEARSAL TIME (!!)

    • Arrival: 6:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
    • 6:30pm-7:00pm: Lee: Gganbu
    • 7:00pm-7:30pm: Reinecke: Flute Concerto (with Dana)
    • 7:30pm-7:45pm: break
    • 7:45pm-8:15pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 1
    • 8:15pm-9:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 3
    • 9:00pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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

    A couple of small changes in the cello and 2nd violin sections. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

    PDF Practice Parts

    If you lose your part, or need to access a digital copy for any reason, you can find one in our Online Music Library. Look for the button “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.

    Bring your friends to MYS

    If you have friends at school who would enjoy playing with us, send me their name and email and I’m happy to reach out. Or, you could give them my email. Right now, in this orchestra, we could use more percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

    Availability for private lessons

    I don’t take long-term regular private students, but this season I will have some availability 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,
    (and don’t forget to bring a music stand)

    Dr. G.

    MYS Symphony Orchestra in concert at Newmark Theatre | January, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

    CONCERT Orchestra Notes for Concert Day: 2/22/26

    Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

    CONCERT Orchestra Notes for Concert Day: 2/22/26

    Dear Concert Orchestra,

    I look forward to our concert on Sunday (2/22/26). You should already have a hard copy of our call sheet, but for your convenience, I’m sharing most relevant information below.

    Looking ahead, please remember that we will not have a rehearsal on Sunday, 3/1. Instead, I’m asking you to please attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre.

    New part assignment rosters will be published next week. We will play Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst as originally planned.

    Between now and the concert, please practice with your metronomes. Do slow, mindful practice including as many details as you can. Be very demanding of your intonation and rhythmic accuracy. Then, come Sunday, it’s all about listening.

    Best,

    Dr. G.

    rehearsals left before concert:

    0

    Recap – February 15, 2026

    Call Sheet information for Sunday, February 22

    • Arrival: 11:00am, in concert clothes, no music stand needed – STAGE DOOR ON BROADWAY. Please arrive on time. You’ll need time to find the green room and get on stage.
    • 11:30am-11:55am: sound check rehearsal on stage. WEAR CONCERT ATTIRE for this rehearsal. Photos will be taken.
    • 12 noon: Pick-up at stage door. Instruments and music may be left in green room — Break — Students must be picked up. No supervision during break.
    • 3:40pm: Students return for concert. Check-in at stage door.
    • 6:00pm: Pick-up in the Newmark lobby. Students are released into 4th floor lobby.

    Reminder: Sunday, March 1st: Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm

    All Concert Orchestra students are asked to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre (instead of rehearsal). Tickets are free for MYS students and can be purchased on the MYS website. If you can’t come to this concert, please fill out a regular absence form as usual.

    To receive the free MYS Student ticket for concerts at the Schnitzer or Newmark, you must both:

    • Select “MYS Student” ticket type and
    • In the cart, enter the coupon code: mysstudent

    Note: Free student tickets are not available for Dress Circle (Schnitzer) or 1st Balcony Boxes and Rows A & B (Newmark). MYS Student tickets may be redeemed on the MYS website or may be requested in person at the Newmark or Schnitzer Box Office; they are not available online via the Portland’5 website.

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

    No changes this week.

    Please check the items linked on the sidebar (or bottom of the page if on a mobile device) if you need to consult anything.

    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) —> not this Sunday for the concert. Not needed.

    Dr. G.

    Newmark Theatre | Photo by Portland’5