CONCERT Orchestra Notes for March 8, 2026
Dear Concert Orchestra,
I’m excited to see you all again this Sunday. Please see below for our rehearsal plan, part assignments for this term, confirmed spring concert date, and more.
Also, looking ahead, a heads-up/reminder that on Sunday, March 15, we have a modified rehearsal schedule due to the MYS Community Concert happening at All Saints at 7pm.
Best,
Dr. G.
rehearsals left before concert
7
Recap – March 1, 2026
- You were asked to come to MYS Symphony Orchestra’s concert, which included Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. I was very pleased about how that concert went. I hope you were inspired! I also hope to see many of you in that group next season.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 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: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
- Strings with Casey Bozell (pavilion)
- Woodwinds with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria)
- Trumpet & trombones with Heidi Aispuro (music room)
- Horns with Lizzie Upton (annex)
- Percussion with Kevin Schlossman (conference room)
- 3:15pm-3:30pm: break
- 3:30pm-4:00pm: concert debriefing, spring term overview, listen to pieces
- 4:00pm-5:00pm: Jupiter (tutti)
Part Assignments for Spring Term
Before you click the link to the PDF, a reminder: my part assignments are *not* rankings. I take many factors into consideration. In this case, a few of those factors are: your leadership audition, winter attendance records, ensemble and repertoire needs, leadership opportunities, balanced sections and more.
I’m trying a new document format for this term. You’ll find a PDF with 4 pages. The first one is a general roster of the orchestra, in alphabetical order, by section. Then, each piece that we will be playing has its own page, with different string and wind/brass assignments. Please let me know if you spot any accidental omissions or errors.
To find the PDF, click on the button on the side bar of this page (or bottom of the page if you’re on your phone) that says “C.O. SPRING 2026 ROSTER & PART ASSIGNMENTS.”
MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
On the side bar (or bottom of the page if on mobile), you’ll also find a PDF labeled “C.O. SPRING REPERTOIRE INFORMATION.” Here you’ll find the list of pieces we’re playing, as well as their instrumentation and duration.
Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!
MYS Concert Orchestra SPRING BREAK
Spring Break for Concert Orchestra will be on Sunday, March 29 and Sunday, April 5. There will be no rehearsals on these dates. Please note that these are different weekends compared to our Saturday rehearsals. The reason is that April 5th is Easter Sunday, so we shifted the break for our Sunday ensembles to avoid having 3 Sundays off in a row. This would have created a disproportionate negative impact on music preparation for our concerts.
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 Concert Orchestra | February 22, 2026 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by MYS