SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

I hope you’re having a great week. I’m still walking on air from the MYS gala on Friday night, and a wonderful “Prelude” performance by MYSfits before Yo-Yo Ma’s recital at the Schnitz last night.

Please continue being strategic with your practicing. We’re playing A LOT of music at this last concert. Specifically, the Beethoven symphony is a great challenge with the promise of an unforgettable reward. Keep up the good work, and learn all this music in your heart. Go beyond your individual part. Listen to recordings, explore the full score, go deep.

Nice work on Sunday with HEADLINES, by the way. Continue learning it and getting it very confidently under your fingers.

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

6

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Recap – Sunday, April 19, 2026

• 5:30pm-6:45pm – sectionals and coachings
  • Woodwind coachings
    • Flutes and clarinets with Zach Galatis (Beethoven mov 2)
    • Bassoons with Victoria Racz (Beethoven mov 2) – oboes were absent
  • Brass with Robert Wakeley on HEADLINES
  • Strings with me on Beethoven, mov 1 (detailed work from the beginning of the movement to m. 138).
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm – tutti work:
  • HEADLINES: we played through the whole piece, did some slow work in the middle section, played a tempo from S to the end.
  • Mov 1 of Beethoven

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 26, 2026

• 5:15pm: arrival – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals, brass coachings
  • Strings & Woodwinds with RGR – Beethoven, mov 3
  • Horns with Lizzie Uptown – Beethoven, movs 3 and 4
  • Trumpets with Steve Conrow – Beethoven, mov 4; HEADLINES
  • Low brass with Chris Shuttleworth – HEADLINES; Beethoven, mov 4

• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Movs 2 & 4
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

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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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

MYSfits performing before Yo-Yo Ma’s recital | April 20, 2026 | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | Photo by MYS

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 26, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

Sunday 4/19 was our last date of sectional rehearsals for the year. We only have 2 rehearsals left before our concert on Sunday, 5/10.

Please place special focus this week on practicing your part for Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte. Please listen to (and play along with) the reference audio on our YouTube playlist. Percussion, woodwinds and most brass will have to download a practice copy. Here are direct links for your convenience: woodwinds, brass, percussion.

Soren Holbrook (viola) will join us on Sunday for the Viola Concerto. Please be sure to practice this piece as well, and listen to the audio, also on our YouTube playlist.

Please find our full rehearsal plan below.

Best,

Dr. G.

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rehearsals left before concert

2!!

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Recap – April 19, 2026

• 2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals
  • strings worked with Darian Todd on Jupiter
  • winds+brass worked with Robert Wakeley on Ichmouratov Viola Concerto and Jupiter
• 3:15pm: break
• 3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti:
  • Jupiter
  • Ichmouratov Viola Concerto

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 26

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.

• Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 2:00pm-3:00pm: Ichmouratov Viola Concerto with Soren Holbrook (viola soloist)
• 3:00pm-3:30pm: Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
• 3:30pm3:45pm: break
• 3:45pm-4:30pm: more Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
• 4:30pm-5:00pm: Jupiter

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Parts for Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte

Percussion, woodwinds and most brass will have to download a practice copy to practice this week. Here are direct links for your convenience: woodwinds, brass, percussion. We’ll have hard copies on Sunday.

Strings should have hard copies already, but if you weren’t at rehearsal on Sunday, you can find the bowed parts here.

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MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

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Call Sheet for Spring Concert (Sunday, May 10)

You can find the call sheet here. It will also be included in Mark’s email with announcements on Wednesday.

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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 the MYS building 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 Concert Orchestra in Concert | Feb 22, 2026 | Newmark Theatre | Photo by MYS

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 19, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

Great to see you on Sunday, April 12 after our long spring break. We had a productive rehearsal, which included work on the Beethoven symphony, and our first read-through of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme (without soloist).

We have woodwind coaches from the Oregon Symphony coming this Sunday (4/19), and the tutti rehearsal will include HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler. As always, please see below for a detailed rehearsal plan.

String players: please sign up for our day trip and outreach tour to Madras, OR, on Wednesday, April 22. Details below. If you’re able to join us for this, please plan to come earlier this Sunday (5pm-5:45pm) for a quick rehearsal. All other string players: we’ll have a later start this Sunday (6pm).

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

7

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Strings: please sign up for Madras Outreach Tour (Wednesday, April 22)

A reminder from my recent e-mail:

As you may know, each spring, MYS ensembles perform 15 outreach concerts at low-income and under-served schools in the Portland metropolitan area and southwest Washington. This is an important part of our mission: we believe that every student deserves access to music education, regardless of  socio-economic circumstance.

This year, we would like to assemble a large string ensemble made up of players from both Symphony and Concert Orchestras, for our outreach trip to Madras, OR on Wednesday, April 22 (coming up soon!). I would like to have as many of you as possible. It will be a fun day of sharing the gift of music and making community. 

The trip will include lunch at a pizza place and two performances for hundreds of local elementary school students.

I will select about 15 minutes of easy music (grade 3 or so), and we’ll have a short rehearsal on Sunday, April 19 from 5pm to 5:45pm (between Concert and Symphony rehearsals). 

If you’re interested and available, please 1) check in with your family, and 2) fill out this commitment form. Please respond by end of day tomorrow (Wednesday 4/15).

MYS Students in a 2025-2026 Outreach Concert | Photo by MYS

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Recap – Sunday, April 12, 2026

• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals and string coachings on Beethoven
  • Each string section worked with a coach from the Oregon Symphony.
    • Violin 1 – Beethoven: movement 3 (Chien Tan, music room)
    • Violin 2 – Beethoven: mov 4 (Keiko Araki, annex)
    • Viola – Beethoven: mov 4 (Brian Quincey, corner conference room)
    • Cello/bass – Beethoven: movement 4: recitativos, letter K onwards (Marilyn De Oliveira, pavilion)
  • Winds/brass worked with me on the 3rd movement of Beethoven
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti work:
  • Mov 4 of Beethoven (until around m. 763).

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 19, 2026

• 4:45pm: arrival for string players who are playing the Madras outreach concert – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:00pm-5:45pm: rehearsal for Madras outreach string players (cafeteria)

—

• 5:15pm: arrival for woodwinds, brass – SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: woodwind coachings, brass sectional
  • Brass with Robert Wakeley: HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler (pavilion)
  • Flutes & Clarinets with Zach Galatis: Beethoven, mov 2 + spots in mov 4 if time allows (music room)
  • Oboes & Bassoons with Victoria Racz: Beethoven, mov 2 + spots in mov 4 if time allows (annex)

—

• 5:45pm: arrival for string players who are not playing the Madras outreach concert
• 6:00pm–6:45pm: strings sectional with RGR: Beethoven, mov 1 (cafeteria)

—

• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break

—

• 7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti – HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler
• 7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti – Beethoven, Mov 1.
• 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…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 19, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

It was great to see you again on Sunday, April 12 after our long spring break. I was quite happy with our rehearsal. I thought the read-through of the Viola Concerto went quite well, and we’ve made good progress on Jupiter. It was great to have a fuller brass section with Symphony Orchestra guests.

We are done with small-group coachings for the year, and this Sunday will be our last day of sectionals. Also, the tutti portion of rehearsal will include Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte, so please be sure to practice that, and listen to the reference audio on our YouTube playlist.

String players: please sign up for our day trip and outreach tour to Madras, OR, on Wednesday, April 22. Details below. If you’re able to join, please plan to stay until 5:45pm this Sunday for a special rehearsal for the outreach tour.

Everybody else: rehearsal will end a bit earlier (4:45pm).

Best,

Dr. G.

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rehearsals left before concert

3!!

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Recap – April 12, 2026

• 2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
  • each string section worked with a coach
  • winds/brass worked with Robert Wakeley
• 3:15pm: break
• 3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti:
  • Jupiter read-through and work from the beginning to about rehearsal #8
  • Viola Concerto read-through and light work

---

Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 19

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.

• Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals:
  • Winds/Brass/Percussion with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria): Jupiter and Viola Concerto
  • Strings with Darian Todd (pavilion): Jupiter
• 3:15pm: break
• 3:30pm-4:45pm: tutti with RGR:
  • Jacobi Esparza’s Movimientos de la Muerte
  • Jupiter from #8 to end.
• 4:45pm – end of regular rehearsal

• 5:00pm-5:45pm: special rehearsal for Outreach Tour to Madras, OR (Symphony and Concert Orchestra string players)

---

Strings: please sign up for Madras Outreach Tour (Wednesday, April 22)

A reminder from my recent e-mail:

MYS Students in a 2025-2026 Outreach Concert | Photo by MYS

---

MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10

Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!

---

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 the MYS building 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.

---

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for April 12, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

I hope you had a nice Spring Break and Easter weekend. I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday, April 12.

Before the break, we had some productive work on Beethoven and a great reading of Elaina Stuppler’s HEADLINES.

Please see below for our rehearsal plan for this weekend. Brass players: please look at the rehearsal plan carefully, and make sure you understand when you’re called based on each piece’s instrumentation. Let me know if you have any questions. Violin 1: note that you’ll work on movement 3 of Beethoven with Chien Tan from the Oregon Symphony. Please practice all of those exposed passages. Cello/Bass: you’ll work on the recitativos of movement 4 with Marilyn De Oliveira from the Oregon Symphony. Make sure to prepare.

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

8

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Recap – Sunday, March 22, 2026

• 5:30pm-6:45pm: sectionals on movements 2 and 3 of Beethoven
  • Strings with RGR
  • Winds/brass with Mr. Wakeley
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-7:45pm: tutti reading of HEADLINES by Elaina Stuppler
• 7:45pm-8:30pm: tutti work on movement 2 of Beethoven

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 12, 2026

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm: wind/brass sectional, string coachings on Beethoven.
  • Winds/brass with RGR – Beethoven: movement 3 (cafeteria)
  • Violin 1 – Beethoven: movement 3 (Chien Tan, music room)
  • Violin 2 – Beethoven: mov 4 (Keiko Araki, annex)
  • Viola – Beethoven: mov 4 (Brian Quincey, corner conference room)
  • Cello/bass – Beethoven: movement 4: recitativos, letter K onwards (Marilyn De Oliveira, pavilion)
• 6:45pm-7:00pm: break
• 7:00pm-8:00pm: tutti – Beethoven, Mov 4
• 8:00pm-8:30pm: tutti – Tchaikovsky, Variations on a Rococo Theme.
  • Note: from this piece, we’re playing:
    • Intro and theme
    • Variations 1, 2, 3, 8 and coda
    • Variations 4 through 7 are cut
  • There are no trumpets, low brass or percussion in this piece
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

A few small changes in our part assignments PDFs. Please review each page. – Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Summer Volunteer Opportunity: “The Classical Northwest”

MYS alum Amir Avsker is organizing a new performance opportunity for local musicians this summer. From Amir:

“The Classical Northwest is a new music festival that will take place in Portland during the first week of August. The festival will include three orchestra concerts, masterclasses, and opportunities to put together and perform your own chamber music programs. Participation in the festival is free and will allow you to work with some of the most respected professionals in the region.”

A concert including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 is scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd at 7pm at The Reser. Rehearsals 5:30pm-8:30pm on July 20, 23, 27 & 30. Dress rehearsal on Friday 7/31 at 2pm. Soundcheck on Sunday 8/2 at 3pm and concert at 7pm.

I will be playing principal viola for this, and I hope many of you will join. It should be fun. If you have any questions, please contact Amir directly: amir.avsker@gmail.com

---

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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

MYS Students at the Keller Fountain | August 2026 \ photo by Sheepscot Creative

CONCERT Orchestra Notes for April 12, 2026

Dear Concert Orchestra,

I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break and Easter holiday. I look forward to seeing you again this Sunday. Please remember that this is a shorter concert term. The concert is in just about a month! Please be sure to practice your parts at home and be fully prepared for each remaining rehearsal.

Best,

Dr. G.

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rehearsals left before concert

4!!

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Recap – March 22, 2026

• 2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter
• 3:15pm: break
• 3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti: Guest conductor Jonathan DeBruyn: Jupiter and Ichmourachov’s Viola Concerto.

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, April 12

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.

• Arrival: 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 2:00pm-3:15pm: Sectionals/coachings on Jupiter:
  • Winds/Brass with Robert Wakeley (cafeteria)
  • Percussion with Kevin Schlossman (corner conference room)
  • Strings:
    • 1st violins with coach (music room)
    • 2nd violins with coach (annex)
    • violas with coach (altar society)
    • cellos + bass with coach (pavilion)
• 3:15pm: break
• 3:30pm-5:00pm: tutti with RGR: Ichmourachov’s Viola Concerto, Jupiter
• 5:00pm – end of rehearsal

---

MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (or bottom of the page if on mobile).

---

Spring Concert Date confirmed: Sunday, May 10

Sunday, May 10 at 4pm at The Reser. As usual, a sound check rehearsal will take place earlier in the day. Please mark your calendars!

---

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 the MYS building 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 2026 \ photo by Sheepscot Creative

SYMPHONY Orchestra Notes for March 15, 2026

Dear MYS Symphony Orchestra,

What a thrill to be at the beginning of a rehearsal process that will conclude with an unforgettable performance of Beethoven’s great Symphony No. 9.

We got off to a good start on Sunday 3/8 with work on the iconic 4th movement. The strategic practicing skills that we have developed working on Brahms Symphony No. 1 (45 min) and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 (46 min) will be more important than ever as we work on Beethoven’s 9th (65 min).

And every minute of work will be rewarded with a deeply impactful concert on June 14, 2026. I cannot wait.

Please remember that this coming Sunday (3/15) we have a modified rehearsal schedule (4:30pm-6:30pm) due to the MYS Community Concert happening at All Saints at 7pm. Also, we’ll be welcoming a special guest: Zoe Schlussel, who will be giving a workshop on Body Mapping. More information about this below.

Finally, all are encouraged to stay and support your peers at the concert upstarts starting at 7pm. MYSfits and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform.

Best,

Dr. G.

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weekend rehearsals left before concert:

10

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Rehearsal Recap – March 8, 2026

• First half: sectionals on mov. 4 of Beethoven
  • Strings with RGR
  • Winds/brass with Robert Wakeley

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, March 15, 2026

• Arrival: 4:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 4:30pm-5:30pm: Body Mapping workshop with Zoe Schlussel
• 5:30pm-5:40pm: break
• 5:40pm-6:30pm: Beethoven, movement 1
• 6:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.
• (highly encouraged:) 7:00pm – stay for MYS Community Concert upstairs in the church

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What is Body Mapping?

“Taught in universities, colleges, conservatories, and private studios world-wide, Body Mapping encourages wellness, enhances musicians’ expressive possibilities, and fosters music making without limitations. Body Mapping invites us to replace our faulty body maps with anatomically correct maps in order to reduce tension and allow for effortless and expressive movement.

In Body Mapping, one learns to gain access to one’s own body map through self-observation and self-inquiry. The student corrects his or her own body map by assimilating accurate information provided by kinesthetic experience, the use of a mirror, anatomical models, books, pictures, and teachers. One learns to recognize the source of inefficient or harmful movement and how to replace it with movement that is efficient, elegant, direct, and powerful based on the truth about one’s structure, function, and size.” (excerpt from here).

PSU‘s Zoe Schlussel has generously offered to give this workshop to our students free of charge. We’re very grateful, and I’m very excited to have you work with her this Sunday.

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MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

[update 3/11/26: there are changes in the cello and violin 2 sections. I have corrected a couple of errors] – Find all relevant PDFs and links on the side bar of this webpage (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 on Sunday)

Dr. G.

---

Thank you to PSU and Zoe Schlussel for bringing this important workshop to MYS students!

Hi everyone,

Thanks for a productive rehearsal on Sunday 10/5. I thought the reading of Max’s piece went pretty well, and we did important work on the 3rd movement of Giancarlo’s piece. Additionally, we’re always excited to have Oregon Symphony musicians coach our sections.

Please read on for a 10/5 rehearsal recap, our plan for 10/12 and more.

Note: we’ll welcome soloist Adam Eccleston on Sunday. Please prioritize your practice as per our plan below.

Best,

Dr. G.

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Rehearsal Recap – October 5, 2025

• First half of rehearsal: woodwinds worked with Oregon Symphony musicians on Brahms: flutes with Zach, clarinets with Lisa, bassoons with Kai and oboes with Marty. Brass worked with Adam, and strings with me.
• Strings: we worked on the 1st movement of the Brahms Symphony. We did detailed work on the introduction, exposition (m. 38 to first ending) and recapitulation (L to P) of the movement. We didn’t get into the development or coda.
• After the break, we read Max’s piece and did slow work on Giancarlo’s 3rd movement (slow work on rhythm). We didn’t get to the 2nd movement of the flute concerto.

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Rehearsal Plan for Sunday, October 12, 2025

• Arrival: 5:15pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 5:30pm-6:45pm – sectionals
  • Strings with RGR in cafeteria – work on Brahms – mov 1 (sections we didn’t do on 10/5) and mov 4.
  • All woodwinds and brass with Adam Eccleston in pavilion – work on Castro D’Addona – movements 1 and middle section of movement 2
• 6:45pm-7:00pm – break (everybody back to cafeteria)
• 7:00pm-7:45pm – Castro D’Addona (movement 1) with soloist Adam Eccleston
• 7:45pm-8:30pm – Brahms, movement 4
• 8:30pm – help reset the room and make sure no doors are left propped open.

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Concerto Competition registration deadline is tomorrow! Videos are due Friday.

The deadline for pre-approval of repertoire (by me), registration form and teacher approval form is TOMORROW (Wednesday, October 8). This webpage on our website has all you need to know about our Concerto Competition. I hope many of you will participate. Video entries are due Friday, October 10, and the live final round is October 24.

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MYS SYMPHONY Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

There are a few adjustments to our part assignments/seating rosters this week. Please double-check your sections. These changes are due to attendance and/or planned absences. Even if absences are due to sickness or other conflicts, adjustments are made to ensure balanced sections and confident leadership. Thanks for your understanding.

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Registration for YMA opens on Saturday 10/11

If you’re interested in going to YMA this summer, early registration is encouraged. 2026 YMA registration opens on Saturday, October 11 at 9am. There’s financial aid available for qualifying families. Registration must be submitted by a legal parent or guardian. More info on their website here.

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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.

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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, french horns and one trombone. Concert Orchestra has openings too.

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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.

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Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand on Sunday)

Dr. G.

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Adam Eccleston

Hi everyone,

Thanks for a very productive rehearsal on 10/5. I’m feeling good about our progress. Thank you for your practicing and preparation. I know it requires a significant amount of planning, time management and discipline (all excellent skills to develop).

Thank you also to all family members and teachers who support our students. They (and we) couldn’t do it without you.

Please see below for a recap of 10/5 and our rehearsal plan for 10/12.

Thanks!

Dr. G.

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Rehearsal Recap – 10/5/25

• First half of rehearsal: Strings worked with Casey, brass with Adam, double reeds with Marty, clarinets with Lisa and flutes with Robert. We all focused on the Smyth Symphony, which gets better every week.
• Second half of rehearsal: we spent the entirety of the tutti portion of rehearsal on Smyth. We played through the full movement first (with some necessary stops), and then did detailed work from the beginning to letter M (coda). Please remember to practice with a metronome. Our tempo main tempo for this piece is dotted quarter = 122. The tempo of the coda is dotted quarter = 120.

Please watch this short video about Dame Ethel Smyth. You may also learn more about her on this website.

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Rehearsal Plan – 10/12/25

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 right at 1:30pm to open the space.

• 1:45pm – EVERYBODY SIGN IN IN CAFETERIA.
• 2:00pm-3:15pm:
  • All strings with Casey in the Cafeteria – Smyth (detailed work: K to end), Brahms as needed.
  • All woodwinds and brass with Adam in the Pavilion – Smyth (detailed work: D to G), Brahms as needed.
    
• 3:15pm-3:30pm – break (everyone back to cafeteria)
  
• 3:30pm-4:00pm – Brahms: whole piece
• 4:00pm-4:30pm – Smyth: whole piece
• 4:30pm-5:00pm – Holst: Jupiter: beginning to No. 5

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Jupiter from The Planets by Gustav Holst.

We’ll bring hard copies of the Jupiter parts this coming Sunday. For the time being, you can access practice PDFs here. Note: these PDFs are of the entire Planets suite. At this point, we’re only planning to play Jupiter.

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MYS CONCERT Part Assignments, Orchestra Schedule, Repertoire, Audio Reference, etc…

• There are a few adjustments to our part assignments/seating rosters this week. Please double-check your sections. These changes are due to attendance. Even if absences are due to sickness or other conflicts, adjustments are made to ensure balanced sections and confident leadership. Thanks for your understanding.

• I’ve added a couple of recordings of Jupiter to our YouTube playlist. Check them out, add them to your regular listening, and feel free to find your own favorite recordings. Find the link on the sidebar of this blog.

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Registration for YMA opens on Saturday 10/11

If you’re interested in going to YMA this summer, early registration is encouraged. 2026 YMA registration opens on Saturday, October 11 at 9am. There’s financial aid available for qualifying families. Registration must be submitted by a legal parent or guardian. More info on their website here.

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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.

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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.

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Happy practicing,
(and don’t forget to bring a music stand)

Dr. G.

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Dame Ethel Smyth | photo credit unknown (found at https://www.ethelsmyth.org/)