CONCERT Orchestra Notes for 9/28/25

Posted on September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 by mys-staff

Hi all,

Thank you for your work on Sunday 9/21. I enjoyed working with the violas, and I was grateful to all the coaches, including Adam Eccleston, who subbed for me during the tutti portion of rehearsal. I’m fully back this coming Sunday, and look forward to working with the full orchestra again.

Please see below for a recap and our rehearsal plan for 9/28.

Thanks!

Dr. G.

Rehearsal Recap – 9/21/25

We had coachings for the string sections, and winds/brass worked with Adam. I spent time with the violas on the Smyth Symphony (letter D to the end).
Adam conducted the full orchestra during the second half of rehearsal.

Rehearsal Plan – 9/28/25

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.
2:00pm-3:15pm:
- All strings with Eric in the Cafeteria – further work on Smyth (D to the end). Emphasis on rhythm and dynamics.
- Woodwinds with me in the Pavilion – Smyth (whole piece)
- Horns coaching (location TBD) – Smyth and Brahms as needed
- Low brass coaching (location TBD) – Smyth and Brahms as needed
3:15pm-3:30pm – break (everyone back to cafeteria)
3:30pm-4:30pm – Smyth: whole piece
4:30pm-5:00pm – Brahms: whole piece

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

No updates to any of these documents this week. You can always find the most updated versions on the sidebar of this blog.

Spring term challenge piece: Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst.

Thank you for your suggestions. We’ll play Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst. I hope that we can start work on this piece during the fall term, but this will depend on how quickly we make progress on Smyth and Brahms. It’s not too early to start listening to this piece! Find and save your favorite recordings.

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.

Register for Music Theory (there’s still time!)

Our intermediate and advanced Music Theory classes take place on Tuesday evenings, starting September 30. This class is STRONGLY recommended for everyone. More information and registration here.

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)