Category: Symphony Orchestra

MYS Symphony Orchestra Posts

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Posted on by mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for another fun rehearsal on Sunday, Jan 25. We only have 4 more weekend rehearsals before our concert on March 1st, and the month of February always flies by. And once more: please make sure our evening rehearsals leading up to the concert are on your calendar.

At this point, you should be covering our entire program in your practice sessions (not everything in one day, but everything throughout the week). Make sure you have enough mastery of your individual parts so that in rehearsal (and at the performance) you can be free to listen and FEEL.

Also, a reminder to NOT leave your leadership audition for the last minute. Details below.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for Feb 1 and more information.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

4

Recap – January 25, 2026

  • Sectionals:
    • Winds/brass worked with Mr. Wakeley on movement 1 (Allegro vivo to the end), and a bit of movement 2
    • Strings worked with me on movement 1 (L to end), and most of movement 2
  • Tutti: we spent 45 minutes on the 2nd movement of Tchaik., and 45 minutes on the Reinecke Flute Concerto with soloist Dana Sparling.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 1, 2026

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals (last Sunday of sectionals in the winter term)
    • Tchaikovsky, Movement 3
      • Strings @ cafeteria (RGR)
      • Woodwinds+brass @ pavilion (Robert Wakeley)
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:00pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 4
  • 7:45pm-8:30pm: James Lee’s Gganbu – please practice along to the YouTube video with the audio for this piece.
  • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

Keeping this here from last week, in case you missed it:

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 4 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.

Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).

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

No changes this week. 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 on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at my home studio 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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Fall 2025 | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Posted on by mys-staff

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Last Sunday (Jan 25) was the last weekend with sectional rehearsals in the winter term. We are now only three rehearsals away from our concert on 2/22.

This coming Sunday (Feb 1st), you will work with MYS conductor Darian Todd during the first half of rehearsal, and then with me in the second half. Please read below for more details.

Also, please remember to mark your calendars for Sunday, March 1st: instead of our planned shortened rehearsal (as per our rehearsal schedule PDF), I’m asking that you please plan to attend the Symphony Orchestra concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre. Tickets are free for MYS students. If you can’t come to the concert, please fill out a regular absence form. More information below.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

3

Recap – January 25, 2026

  • Sectionals: woodwinds worked with Robert Wakeley and strings with Casey Bozell. Both sectionals covered the 1st movement of Mozart Symphony No. 40, mov. 1.
  • Tutti: we spent our tutti time on YCP’s “Cartoon Music,” aka “Retep finds a way.” Please continue learning and practicing this piece. It will be crucial to practice this one with a metronome, or along to the YouTube video of the short film with the music.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 1

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-3:30pm: tutti: Mozart Symphony with Mr. Todd
  • 3:30pm-3:45pm: break
  • 3:45pm-5:00pm: YCP Cartoon Music (in preparation for rehearsal, please practice along to the YouTube video for this piece). Our YouTube playlist is linked on the sidebar.

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

As I mentioned above, instead of our originally-planned shorter rehearsal, I’d like to ask all Concert Orchestra students to attend Symphony Orchestra’s concert at 4pm at the Newmark Theatre. 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.

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 3 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.

Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).

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)

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Fall 2025 | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Posted on by mys-staff

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

We had a productive rehearsal on Sunday, January 18, despite a few absences because of All State and illness.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 25. I’m also including information from last week about our upcoming leadership auditions (due Feb. 10). — Note for Concert Orchestra brass players: you will be considered to join Symphony Orchestra permanently with your leadership audition for this group.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

5

Recap – January 18, 2026

  • Sectionals: winds/brass worked with Mr. Wakeley and strings worked with me. Both sectionals covered the 1st movement of Tchaikovsky until about letter [M].
  • Tutti: we spent 45 minutes on the Reinecke Flute Concerto, and 45 minutes on the final draft of the YCP piece by James Lee.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 25, 2026

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals
    • Tchaikovsky, Mov 1 from letter [L], then work on Mov 2.
      • Strings @ cafeteria (RGR)
      • Woodwinds+brass @ pavilion (Robert Wakeley)
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-7:45pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 2
  • 7:45pm-8:30pm: Reinecke, with soloist – note: I’ve added Dana’s recent performance on this piece to our YouTube playlist (linked on the sidebar of this post, or bottom of the page if on mobile). Please listen to it and use it to practice for rehearsal.
  • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

Keeping this here from last week, in case you missed it:

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 4 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.

Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).

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

No changes this week. 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 on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at my home studio 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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 25, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

We had a very productive rehearsal on Sunday, January 18. Thank you to Mr. Wakeley and Mr. Alterman for their work with you in our sectionals. It was great to tackle the Cartoon Music as well.

Flutes! Please check the part assignments PDF for an update to the Cartoon Music assignments (linked on sidebar, or bottom of the page if on a mobile device).

Please see below for a recap of our last rehearsal, and our plan for January 25.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

4

Recap – January 18, 2026

  • Sectionals: woodwinds worked with Robert Wakeley and strings with Eric Alterman. Both sectionals covered the 1st movement of Mozart Symphony No. 40, mov. 1.
  • Tutti: we spent most of our time on YCP’s “Cartoon Music,” aka “Retep finds a way.” As we get closer to the concert, we will begin rehearsing this piece alongside the video to which we need sync.
  • We also spent a bit of time near the end of rehearsal working on intonation and articulation (Mozart, m. 139-160).

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 25

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: last set of sectionals this term.
    • Strings sectional @ cafeteria Mozart, mov 1 (Casey Bozell)
    • Woodwinds sectional @ pavilion: Mozart, mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
  • 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
  • 3:30pm-4:15pm: YCP Cartoon Music (in preparation for rehearsal, please practice along to the YouTube video for this piece). Our YouTube playlist is linked on the sidebar.
  • 4:15pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 & mov 4 (exposition)

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

In case you missed it, I’m leaving this here form last week:

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 3 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.

Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).

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

Flutes: please check our updated assignments for “Retep finds a way.”

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)

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for a fun rehearsal on Sunday, January 11. We didn’t get to the flute concerto, but I thought we did very important work on the 4th movement of the Tchaikovsky symphony.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 18, as well as information and excerpts for our upcoming leadership auditions (due Feb. 10). — Note for Concert Orchestra brass players: you will be considered to join Symphony Orchestra permanently with your leadership audition for this group.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

Recap – January 11, 2026

  • Winds/brass sectional: we worked on the 3rd movement of the symphony. We covered letter [I] to 4 after [K], and [T] to the end. Brass: remember that you have power in numbers, so, loud dynamics should generally be one dynamic level softer.
  • String coachings: each section worked with a coach on the 3rd movement of the symphony.
  • Tutti: we did deep, satisfying work on the 4th movement of the symphony.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 18, 2026

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals
    • Strings sectional @ cafeteria: Tchaikovsky, Mov 1 (RGR)
    • Woodwinds+brass sectional @ pavilion: Tchaikovsky, Mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-7:45pm: Reinecke Flute Concerto (no soloist)
  • 7:45pm-8:30pm: Gganbu by James Lee
  • 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 4 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.

Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).

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

I have updated the YouTube playlist with the audio of the final version of Gganbu by YCP composer James Lee. Please use it to prepare for Sunday. The playlist 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 on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at my home studio 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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 18, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thanks for a great rehearsal on Sunday, January 11th.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for January 18, the list of excerpts for the leadership auditions for the spring, and more.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

5

Recap – January 11, 2026

  • Woodwinds sectional: James Shields work with the woodwinds on Mozart. The session covered music theory concepts (including functional harmony) and how they impact phrasing, dynamics, etc.
  • String coachings: each section worked with a coach on Mozart.
  • Tutti: we continued polishing the 1st movement of Mozart. We placed emphasis on listening and playing together.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 18

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:
    • Strings sectional @ cafeteria Mozart, mov 1 (Eric Alterman)
    • Woodwinds sectional @ pavilion: Mozart, mov 1 (Robert Wakeley)
  • 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
  • 3:30pm-4:30pm: YCP Cartoon Music
  • 4:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 (mostly just a play-through), Mozart, mov 4 (exposition)

Leadership Audition for Spring Term – Instructions and Excerpts

I’ve posted instructions and excerpts for our Spring Leadership Auditions here.

As per our season schedule, the videos are due on Tuesday, February 10th. Pro tip: don’t leave this for the last minute. Most orchestra sections have 3 excerpts to record. A possible plan could be to record one excerpt per week.

Every member of the orchestra is expected to submit a video. This will determine leadership roles for our spring term (along with attendance records).

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)

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for January 11, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Happy New Year! How is it 2026 already??

Our next concert is on Sunday, March 1st (4pm, Newmark Theatre). That means we only have 7 more weekend rehearsals before the performance. Don’t let the sound of “March” fool you. February always flies by. I’ll add a “countdown” to this post, in big letters, below.

Between now and the concert, please plan your practicing very strategically. I know you are all very busy with school and other extracurriculars. Time management is essential. It will be extremely important to practice regularly and mindfully. Plan and set goals for each practice session.

This coming Sunday (Jan 11), we have coachings during the first half of rehearsal, and tutti during the second half. Please see below for our detailed rehearsal plan.

I look forward to seeing you all again on Sunday.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

Recap – December 14, 2025

  • 4:30pm-6:10pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
  • 6:25pm-7:50pm: We spent quite a bit of time on the 2nd movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony. Please make sure to practice what we did in rehearsal to optimize your retention levels. I was still beating in 5 during most of our work. As we continue finding more flow, I plan to go into two beats per bar (subdivision 2+3). We prioritized intonation, and I plan to continue being demanding in this regard.
  • 7:55pm-8:30pm: we did some work on movement 4. Not much. We discussed how one of the most important elements in this movement is to push and pull together, as indicated by the incalzando and animando instructions.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 11, 2026

  • Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
  • 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals/coachings
    • Strings coachings on Tchaikovsky, Mov 3
      • Violin 1 with Keiko Araki (Music Room)
      • Violin 2 with Darian Todd (Altar Society)
      • Violas with Brian Quincey (Annex)
      • Cellos + bass with Marilyn DeOliveira (Pavillion)
    • Woodwinds+brass sectional @ cafeteria: Tchaikovsky, Mov 3
  • 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
  • 7:00pm-8:00pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 4 (tutti)
  • 8:00pm-8:30pm: Reinecke Flute Concerto (no soloist)
  • 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…

Our YouTube reference playlist now includes a recording of the Reinecke Flute Concerto and the mock audio of James Lee’s piece “Gganbu.” Please click “S.O. VIDEO/AUDIO REFERENCE PLAYLIST” (button on sidebar) and listen to the playlist constantly as part of your preparation. Also, don’t limit yourself to only the recordings included in the playlist (of Tchaikovsky and Reinecke.) Branch out and listen to as many other versions as you can. You might find your very own favorite.

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 on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at my home studio 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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for January 11, 2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Happy New Year! How is it 2026 already??

Our next concert is on Sunday, February 22nd (4pm, Newmark Theatre). That means we only have 6 more rehearsals before the performance. I’ll add a “countdown” to this post, in big letters, below.

Between now and the concert, please plan your practicing very strategically. I know you are all very busy with school and other extracurriculars. Time management is essential. It will be extremely important to practice regularly and mindfully. Plan and set goals for each practice session.

This coming Sunday (Jan 11), we have coachings during the first half of rehearsal, and tutti during the second half. Please see below for our detailed rehearsal plan.

I look forward to seeing you all again on Sunday.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

6

Recap – December 21, 2025

  • We spent most of our rehearsal doing very detailed work on the exposition of the 1st movement of the Mozart Symphony (about 90 minutes). We prioritized work on intonation and style.
  • After a short break, we read through the exposition of the 4th movement, considerably under tempo.
  • Starting at 4:30pm, he had our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along, until 6:00pm, alongside MYS Symphony Orchestra.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, January 11, 2026

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:
    • Strings coachings on Mozart, mov 1
      • Violin 1 with Eri Ishigaki (Music Room)
      • Violin 2 with Chris Fotinakis (Annex)
      • Violas with Darian Todd (Altar Society)
      • Cellos + bass with Andrew Harmon (Pavillion)
    • Woodwinds sectional @ cafeteria: Mozart, mov 1 (Adam Eccleston)
  • 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
  • 3:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart, mov 1 (and movement 4 if time allows).

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)

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes – Holiday Break 2025-2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive rehearsal and a fun holiday celebration on Sunday 12/21. Below is a recap of what we did, as well as a request during your break.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 21, 2025

  • 4:30pm-6:10pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
  • 6:25pm-7:50pm: We spent quite a bit of time on the 2nd movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony. Please make sure to practice what we did in rehearsal to optimize your retention levels. I was still beating in 5 during most of our work. As we continue finding more flow, I plan to go into two beats per bar (subdivision 2+3). We prioritized intonation, and I plan to continue being demanding in this regard.
  • 7:55pm-8:30pm: we did some work on movement 4. Not much. We discussed how one of the most important elements in this movement is to push and pull together, as indicated by the incalzando and animando instructions.

Request for holiday break

Our next rehearsal will be on Sunday, January 11th. I will send an email on Tuesday, January 6th with a specific rehearsal plan.

In the meantime, and during your holiday break, please:

  • Make sure to rest.
  • Prioritize slow practice with metronome (for fast, difficult passages).
  • Don’t forget about the flute concerto! Make sure to practice this one as well.
  • Do a lot of listening! Find different recordings of the Tchaikovsky Symphony and listen to as many as you can, as regularly as you can. Familiarity goes a long way. Same for the flute concerto.

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

Nothing new this week. I’ll let you know as soon as get new materials for the YCP piece.

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 on Monday afternoons for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be in person at my home studio 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 happy holidays!

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell

CONCERT Orchestra Notes – Holiday Break 2025-2026

Posted on by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Thank you for a productive rehearsal and a fun holiday celebration on Sunday 12/21. Below is a recap of what we did, as well as a request during your break.

Best,

Dr. G.

Recap – December 21, 2025

  • We spent most of our rehearsal doing very detailed work on the exposition of the 1st movement of the Mozart Symphony (about 90 minutes). We prioritized work on intonation and style.
  • After a short break, we read through the exposition of the 4th movement, considerably under tempo.
  • Starting at 4:30pm, he had our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along, until 6:00pm, alongside MYS Symphony Orchestra.

Request for holiday break

Our next rehearsal will be on Sunday, January 11th. I will send an email on Tuesday, January 6th with a specific rehearsal plan.

In the meantime, and during your holiday break, please:

  • Make sure to rest.
  • Prioritize slow practice with metronome (both 1st and 4th movements of the symphony).
  • Go over everything we did in rehearsal for the exposition of the 1st movement (as it relates to style and articulation), and transfer any applicable notes to the development and recapitulation.
  • Do a lot of listening! Find different recordings of the Mozart Symphony and listen to as many as you can, as regularly as you can. Familiarity goes a long way.

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

Nothing new this week. I will let you all know when we receive the final materials for the Young Composers Project Cartoon Music.

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.

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, clarinets, trumpets and percussionists, but all are welcome.

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 happy holidays!

Dr. G.

MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell