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

Posted on February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 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 February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 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

First half of rehearsal: 2pm-3pm: “Cartoon Music” (with horns!). (Here is the YouTube video of the short film with the music). 3pm-3:30pm: Mozart.
Second half: more work and run-throughs of both pieces.

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

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 15, 2026

Posted on February 10, 2026February 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 15, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Thanks for your work with Juan Felipe Molano, Music Director of the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra. It was great to hear you play through the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony with him. I learned a few things from the experience.

Congrats to any of you who are Seahawks fans! And thank you for being at rehearsal despite having to miss most of the game.

Leadership auditions are due today (Tuesday, 2/10). I look forward to watching all the videos.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for Feb 15 and more information.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

2!

Recap – February 8, 2026

First half of rehearsal: 1st movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 with Juan Felipe Molano from SYSO.
Second half:
- 3rd movement of the symphony (under-tempo play-through)
- Reinecke Flute Concerto, mov 1, with soloist Dana Sparling.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 15, 2026

Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:30pm-7:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 1 and 2
7:00pm-7:15pm: break
7:15pm-8:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 4
8:00pm-8:30pm: Lee (“Gganbu”)
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 today (!!) Tuesday, February 10th.

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…

A couple of small changes in the cello section. Cellists: please review them. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

PDF Practice Parts

Bring your friends to MYS

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

MYS Symphony Orchestra members watching Super Bowl LX before rehearsal | 2/8/26

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 15, 2026

Posted on February 10, 2026February 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 15, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Great work on Sunday 2/8. Please make sure to practice Retep Finds a Way (aka “Cartoon Music”) along with the video on our YouTube playlist, or using a metronome at the very least. Continue polishing the Mozart, and continue shifting your “bandwidth” towards listening to all the other parts as much as you can.

Also, Leadership Auditions are due today! I look forward to listening to your recordings.

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

1

Recap – February 8, 2026

First half of rehearsal: we worked on the “Cartoon Music” along with the video. We made a few changes at the very end of a couple of the movements, and practiced the transitions. Again: it’s crucial to practice this one with a metronome, or along to the YouTube video of the short film with the music.
Second half: we worked on the Mozart symphony, starting with a run-through, followed by detailed work on the whole movement, and ending with another run-through.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 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-2:45pm: 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.
2:45pm-3:30pm: Mozart
3:30pm-3:45pm: break
3:30pm-4:00pm: run-through in concert order: Mozart & Cartoon Music
4:00pm-4:20pm: review spots as needed in both pieces
4:20pm-4:45pm: final run-through
4:45pm-5:00pm: visit by YMA leadership

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

As I mentioned last week, instead of our originally-planned shorter rehearsal on Sunday, March 1st, 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 TODAY (Tuesday, February 10th)

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

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

MYS Students, Fall 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 8, 2026

Posted on February 3, 2026February 3, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 8, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Great rehearsal on Sunday, Feb 1st. Thank you once more to Robert Wakeley for working with our winds and brass. From this point on, we’ll spend all of our time in tutti rehearsals. We’re done with sectionals for the term. Only 3 more weekend rehearsals before our concert!

Please remember NOT leave your leadership audition for the last minute. Details below.

Also, a few changes in our Part Assignments PDF (flutes and violin 2). Please review them.

Please see below for a rehearsal recap, plans for Feb 8 and more information.

Best,

Dr. G.

weekend rehearsals left before concert:

3

Recap – February 1, 2026

Sectionals:
- Winds/brass worked with Mr. Wakeley on movement 3 of Tchaikovsky
- Strings worked with me on movement 3 and some of movement 4
Tutti: we spent 60 minutes on the 4th movement of Tchaik., and 30 minutes on Gganbu.

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 8, 2026

Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
5:30pm-7:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movements 1 and 3
7:00pm-7:15pm: break
7:15pm-7:45pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 3
7:45pm-8:30pm: Reinecke (with Dana)
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…

A few changes in our Part Assignments PDF (flutes and violin 2). Please review them. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

PDF Practice Parts

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 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 at the Park Blocks | Fall 2024 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 8, 2026

Posted on February 3, 2026February 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for February 8, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Two more rehearsals before our concert on February 22nd. I’m feeling good about where we are in our process. This is an important point in your practicing journey for this repertoire: It’s time to dig deeper into individual mastery of your part, find and polish details (dynamics, articulation, etc), be extremely demanding of your own intonation, and improve accuracy through mindful repetition (with a metronome). In rehearsal, you should now be directing most of your attention into listening to everybody around you, and prioritizing ensemble cohesion.

I’ll be with you the whole time this Sunday and the next. Please see our detailed rehearsal order below.

Important: I learned that our Spring concert date (Saturday, May 16th) conflicts with the OSAA 6a State Band Competition. If you’re in a school band that could be in the finals, would you please let me know by e-mail ASAP?

Best,

Dr. G.

rehearsals left before concert:

2

Recap – February 1, 2026

First half of rehearsal: Mozart with Mr. Todd
Second half: “Retep” (Cartoon Music). We started with the credits (which we didn’t rehearse the week before), and worked our way backwards through the whole piece. We made good progress. Again: it’s 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 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: 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.
3:30pm-3:45pm: break
3:30pm-5:00pm: Mozart

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

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. 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

Availability for private lessons

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

Dr. G.

Screenshot from “Retep Finds a Way” – PAM CUT + YCP + MYS 2025-2026 Collaboration

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 1, 2026

Posted on January 27, 2026February 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

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.

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

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 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 January 27, 2026February 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

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

Availability for private lessons

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 January 20, 2026February 17, 2026 by Raúl Gómez-Rojas

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.

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

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 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 January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 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.

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

Availability for private lessons

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