SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for February 22, 2026 (different rehearsal time)
Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,
We had a very productive rehearsal on 2/15. We ended up not having enough time for Gganbu, but I think the work we did on the 1st movement of the Tchaikovsky Symphony was extremely important. We also did great work on movements 2 and 4.
I really want to make sure that listening to each other is our priority at this point. As I’ve said many times in rehearsal: “know the tune.” This means that even when you have long multi-measure rests, you’ll know when to come in because you know the music. You know (in your brain and in your heart) how the music goes. This goes beyond technical abilities on your instrument. It’s about knowing the piece beyond your individual part.
Another very important concept, applicable always but particularly important in rubato music, is to never play ahead of the beat. You always want to be just a hair behind the conductor’s actual physical gesture, so that you are actually absorbing the information and playing together.
We have only one more weekend rehearsal (2/22) before concert week (2/26-3/1), and please note that the time of rehearsal is different this week (!!!!). Rehearsal will begin at 6:30pm and will end at 9pm. This is due to the MYS Community Concert happening at the Newmark Theatre starting at 4pm. I will be conducting Concert Orchestra at the end of that program, and then rushing down to All Saints for our rehearsal.
Also, please double-check part assignments (I’ve made a couple of adjustments in the 2nd violins and cellos).
Best,
Dr. G.
weekend rehearsals left before concert:
1!
Recap – February 15, 2026
- First half of rehearsal: 1st movement of Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
- Second half: movements 2 and 4
Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, February 22, 2026
PLEASE NOTE THE DIFFERENT REHEARSAL TIME (!!)
- Arrival: 6:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
- 6:30pm-7:00pm: Lee: Gganbu
- 7:00pm-7:30pm: Reinecke: Flute Concerto (with Dana)
- 7:30pm-7:45pm: break
- 7:45pm-8:15pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 1
- 8:15pm-9:00pm: Tchaikovsky, movement 3
- 9:00pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…
A couple of small changes in the cello and 2nd violin sections. Everything is linked on the sidebar of this page (or bottom of the page if on mobile).
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 for “one-off” violin, viola or conducting lessons. The lessons can be at the new MYS facility, 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 Symphony Orchestra in concert at Newmark Theatre | January, 2025 | Photo by Richard Kolbell