Hi everyone,
Thanks for a great rehearsal on Sunday, 10/26. I’m excited about our upcoming concert in less than 2 weeks. Please see below for a recap, our rehearsal plan for 11/2, and other reminders.
Also, please remember that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday.
Dr. G.
Rehearsal Recap – 10/26/25
- First half of rehearsal:
- We did detailed work on the Smyth Symphony. At this point, we are polishing details, reinforcing nuances, and building confidence.
- Second half of rehearsal:
- Brahms Hungarian Dance (detailed work)
- Holst (a little detailed work, and read most of the movement, until around #17)
Rehearsal Plan – 11/02/25
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 at 1:30pm to open the space.
- 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
- 2:00pm-3:30pm: Smyth: run-through of whole piece, detailed work
- 3:30pm-3:45pm – break
- 3:45pm-4:30pm – Smyth: run-through of whole piece
- 4:30pm-5:00pm – Brahms (with timpani)
Reminder: Leadership Auditions due by EOD today (Tue 10/28)
Leadership Auditions are due from everyone by end-of-day today, Tuesday 10/28. All the information you need, including the link to the Google form to submit your video, can be found here.
String Players: join Symphony players for this Oregon Chorale program
Represent MYS in a couple of performances with the Oregon Chorale in December: the Oregon Chorale will be the choir joining MYS Symphony Orchestra in June 2026 for our performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them.
They are looking for a small string ensemble to join them for their holiday concerts. Please click here for details and to sign up.
Call Sheet for November 9 Concert
Here’s our call sheet for November 9th. We’ll have hard copies on Sunday 11/2. Please read and understand everything on it! Let me know if there are any questions.
Congratulations to the winners of our Concerto Competition
MYS Symphony Orchestra members competed on Friday, 10/24 for a chance to be featured as soloists with our ensembles. Dana Sparling (flute) and Margaux Hicks (cello) will perform as soloists with Symphony Orchestra (March and June). Soren Holbrook (viola, runner-up) will perform as soloist with Concert Orchestra (May).
MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
No changes this week.
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)
Dr. G.
MYS Students at the Keller Fountain, August 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative