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
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 Students, Fall 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative