Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,
Only one more rehearsal before our winter break. Don’t forget to come early for our Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along on Sunday 12/21, starting at 4:30pm. Please see below for more details about this event, and be prepared to rehearse movements 2 and 4 of Tchaikovsky this week.
Best,
Dr. G.
Recap – December 14, 2025
- First half of rehearsal: Woodwind sections worked with coaches, brass with Mr. Eccleston and strings with me (all on the 1st movement of Tchaikovsky).
- We covered quite a lot of ground with the strings. We did pretty detailed work from m. 86 to the end of the movement, and we played through once (under tempo) from letter B. to m. 86.
- Tutti rehearsal: we read the YCP piece for this term (by James Lee) and the first movement of the Reinecke Flute Concerto.
- If you were not at rehearsal on Sunday, please make sure to practice what you missed at home.
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, December 21, 2025
- Arrival for Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along: 4:30pm
- 4:30pm-6:00pm: Holiday Cookie Exchange and Play-Along
- 6:15pm-7:15pm: Tutti rehearsal: Tchaikovsky, Movement 2
- 7:15pm-7:30pm: break
- 7:30pm-8:30pm: Tchaikovsky, Movement 4
- 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
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.
- If you’re able, please also bring a few paper plates and paper towels for yourself and to share.
- 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.
MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
Our YouTube reference playlist now includes a recording of the Reinecke Flute Concerto and the mock audio of James Lee’s piece “Gganbu.” Please click “S.O. VIDEO/AUDIO REFERENCE PLAYLIST” (button on sidebar) and listen to the playlist constantly as part of your preparation. Also, don’t limit yourself to only the recordings included in the playlist (of Tchaikovsky and Reinecke.) Branch out and listen to as many other versions as you can. You might find your very own favorite.
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.
Bring your friends to 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