Hi everyone,
That was a very satisfying rehearsal on 12/7. Thanks for your preparation and hard work on the 3rd movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony.
Coming up on 12/14, we’ll have an all-star lineup of Oregon Symphony musicians coaching each woodwind section. Brass will work with Mr. Eccleston. Strings will be with me. We’ll also read the Reinecke flute concerto and this term’s YCP piece by James Lee. Please see my detailed rehearsal plan below.
Also, please mark your calendars for our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along on Sunday 12/21, starting at 4:30pm.
Best,
Dr. G.
Recap – December 7, 2025
- Brass sections worked with coaches, woodwinds with Mr. Eccleston and strings with me (all on the 3rd movement of Tchaikovsky)
- The tutti portion of rehearsal also focused on the 3rd movement of the symphony.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
- 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals/coachings
- Strings: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6, movement 1
- Brass: Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6, movement 1
- Woodwinds coachings (each section separately): Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 6 – movement 1
- 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
- 7:00pm-7:30pm: read YCP piece: “Gganbu” by James Lee. Please listen practice before Sunday. Parts here. Review part assignments linked on the sidebar of this page.
- 7:30pm-8:30pm: read Reinecke Flute Concerto. Also, please listen and practice before Sunday. Parts here. Review part assignments linked on the sidebar of this page.
- 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
No changes to part assignments this week. Please review assignments for the first half of the concert (YCP piece and Reinecke Flute Concerto) to be ready for this Sunday.
I will add reference audio for James Lee’s piece “Gganbu” as soon as I get it from him later today (Tue) or tomorrow. Please check our “S.O. VIDEO/AUDIO REFERENCE PLAYLIST” (linked on the sidebar) later this week and listen to the piece as part of your preparation.
Sunday 12/21, 4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
Please come early 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.
- Wear your favorite holiday attire (“ugly” holiday sweaters encouraged).
We will bring sheet music of holiday favorites, which we will play together with Concert Orchestra musicians.
Concert Review (Oregon ArtsWatch) and Photos (by Richard Kolbell)
[leaving this here from last week’s notes]: Read the review of our concert here, and enjoy Richard Kolbell’s photos here. If you download or post any of these photos anywhere, please make sure to credit the photographer (e.g. “Photo by Richard Kolbell).
PDF Practice Parts
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 “S.O. Music Library” on the sidebar or the bottom of this blog page. The password is playmys.
Recruit for 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 percussionists. Concert Orchestra has openings too.
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 on Sunday)
Dr. G.
MYS Symphony Orchestra | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, November 9, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell