Hi everyone,
Fantastic rehearsal last Sunday (11/2). It’s concert week! Below is a recap of 11/2, a link to our call sheet, and a bit more information about the coming weeks.
Dr. G.
Rehearsal Recap – 11/02/25
- First half of rehearsal:
- We did detailed work on the Smyth, and a couple of run-throughs.
- Second half of rehearsal:
- More Smyth
- Run-through of program (Smyth and Brahms)
- Additional work on Brahms
General notes between now and the concert on Sunday: focus on strategic practicing at slower tempos WITH A METRONOME. Make sure you’re playing every single detail on the page (dynamics, articulations, accurate rhythms, excellent intonation, correct bow placement, etc…). Then, choose sections to play at gradually faster tempos, until reaching performance tempi.
On Sunday, our focus should be mostly on listening to each other and staying engaged with the baton. It will be a great concert!
Call Sheet for Concert Day – 11/09/25
Here’s direct link to our call sheet. It has also been sent out by Mark via email, and is available on our website. Please be on time for our 5:30pm call time. Make sure to leave enough time to park, etc. We have very limited rehearsal time on stage, so, it’s crucial to be punctual for our call time.
Looking ahead: Rehearsal on November 16
We will start new music on 11/16 (Mozart Symphony No. 40). I’ll send new part assignments on Wednesday 11/12, based mostly on your leadership auditions.
Also, please note that we will have an abbreviated rehearsal on 11/16 (2pm-4pm) due to the MYS Community Concert that evening. It would be fantastic for all of you to attend this concert. Our Jazz Ensembles are performing, as well as MYSfits with GRAMMY-winning guests from Boston A Far Cry.
We have a regular rehearsal on 11/23, and then we’re off on 11/30.
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.
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.
Yes, it was 87° at this photoshoot. MYS Students at P5 venues, August 2025 | Photo by Sheepscot Creative