Dear Concert Orchestra,
Only one more rehearsal before our winter break. Don’t forget to stay later after rehearsal for our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along with Symphony Orchestra, from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Please see below for more details about this event. Also, please note that we will start work on the 4th movement of the Mozart Symphony (!!!). Please practice at home before rehearsal. Details below.
Best,
Dr. G.
Recap – December 14, 2025
- We had sectionals with Kevin Lefohn (strings) and Adam Eccleston (woodwinds) on the Mozart symphony.
- We spent most of the tutti portion of rehearsal reading through the Cartoon Music by YCP composers. Thank you so much for your written feedback to the composers on the parts. I will let you know when we receive the final PDF materials and we will make them available digitally, for you to practice over the winter break.
- We also spent a little bit of time on the Mozart symphony towards the end of rehearsal.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 21, 2025
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-3:00pm: (tutti) Mozart Symphony, Movement 1
- 3:00pm-3:15pm: break
- 3:15pm-4:15pm: (tutti) Mozart Symphony, Movement 4 (!!!) – we’ll focus on the exposition section of this movement (beginning to m. 124)
- 4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
Sunday 12/21, 4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
Please plan to stay a bit later on Sunday 12/21 for a Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along.
- Bring cookies (or any other holiday treat of your choice) to share with others. Please label your treats, including information like allergens or dietary details (e.g. “contains peanuts, dairy” or “gluten free.”)
- Bring your own beverage (like hot cocoa, apple cider, etc). If you feel like bringing a big jug to share, please also bring small disposable cups.
- If you’re able, please also bring a few paper plates and paper towels for yourself and to share.
- Wear your favorite holiday attire (“ugly” holiday sweaters encouraged).
We will bring sheet music of holiday favorites, which we will play together with Symphony Orchestra musicians.
MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
Later this afternoon (Tuesday 12/16), I will post the video (with mock-up audio) of the cartoon made by PAM CUT students, which YCP composers set to music. Check our YouTube reference playlist linked on the sidebar of this blog (“C.O. AUDIO/VIDEO REFERENCE PLAYLIST).
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 don’t forget to bring a music stand)
Dr. G.
MYS Concert Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell