CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 10/19/25

Posted on October 14, 2025October 16, 2025 by mys-staff

Hi all,

We are done with sectionals for this term. From now on, all rehearsals will be tutti until the concert on November 9th.

Please see below for a recap of 10/12 and our rehearsal plan for 10/19.

Thanks!

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Recap – 10/12/25

First half of rehearsal: Strings worked with Casey, and woodwinds and brass with Adam.
Second half of rehearsal: we worked on the Smyth symphony from letter D to the end.
- Reminders: 1) Please practice with a metronome. 2) Our tempo main tempo for this piece is dotted quarter = 122. 3) The tempo of the coda is dotted quarter = 120.
We worked on the entire Brahms dance. We’re now working out details and nuances like rubato, sforzandi, ends of phrases, transitions and more.
We spent the last 20 minutes of rehearsal reading Jupiter (beginning to No. 5).

Did you know? The original instrumentation of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances was piano duet (4 hands). See below for a performance of Dance No. 6 by a piano duo, along with the score.

Rehearsal Plan – 10/19/25

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 right at 1:30pm to open the space.

1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
Get your concert dress reviewed and approved by Group Managers.
2:00pm-3:30pm: Smyth Symphony [edit 10/16/25: Casey Bozell will conduct the first half of rehearsal]
3:30pm-3:45pm – Group photo
3:45pm-4:00pm – break
4:00pm-4:30pm – Brahms: whole piece
4:30pm-5:00pm – Holst: Jupiter: beginning to No. 5 (same as last Sunday)

Reminder: Concert Dress Check & Group Photo!

Please remember to come to rehearsal in your concert attire. We’ll take our group photo at 3:30pm, and will then have a break. Feel free to change back to regular clothes during the break (optional). Space is very limited for changing on-site.

Add to your calendars: MYS Concerto Competition Finals – Friday, Oct 24, 7:00pm

This is optional, but it would be great for as many of you as possible to come be inspired by your Symphony Orchestra peers, as they compete for spots to be featured as soloists with our orchestras this season. Friday, October 24, 7pm, at the new MYS facilities at 3880 SE Brooklyn St.

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

Reminder: Check part assignments/seating rosters before each rehearsal. There may be changes due to attendance. Even if absences are due to sickness or other conflicts, adjustments are made to ensure balanced sections and confident leadership. Thanks for your understanding. (It’s very unlikely that you’ll be assigned a completely different part to play. I’ll email you directly with a heads-up if this is the case).

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 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)