First Playing Test & Chair Placement
The first playing test—which also determines chair placement for our October 1 concert—will be assigned next week.
Submission Deadlines:
Chamber Orchestra: September 11
Symphony Orchestra: September 14
Philharmonic Orchestra: September 16
Feedback Process: Once submitted, I will evaluate each test using a rubric and return detailed scores and comments. Students can apply this feedback to target their practice before our first performance.
✈️ 2027 Orchestra Trip (April 6–9, 2027)
The Bus is Full! This is great news! (We have a waitlist for those wishing to travel in the event a spot opens up.)
1 More Chaperone! Parents/Guardians with students attending the trip – we would love to have you share this experience with us! Please email djmartin@mpsomaha.org if you are available/interested.
September 1 Payment: The 4th payment is due on the portal (or the 1st payment if you are registering now).
🎺 Section Leader Interviews
This week, Symphony and Chamber Orchestra students interviewed for our Section Leader Team. Selected students will plan and lead weekly sectional rehearsals. Philharmonic students will have the opportunity to interview later this quarter.
🍿 Football Concessions Volunteers (Fundraiser)
Selling concessions at home football games is a primary fundraiser for our program! This year, we have the opportunity to double our funds by staffing both the North and South side stands across four home games.
Need: 12 students and 4 adults per game.
Benefits: A great way to earn varsity letter points, fulfill service hours, and meet other families.
Sign Up: Please sign up here.
📅 Key Dates & Auditions
All-State Auditions (Sept. 16–26)
Sept. 1: Registration form and fee deadline.
Materials: Available on Google Classroom and in the shared folder.
Audition Recordings: Recordings must be made in person with the director. Sign-ups open next week for the following time slots:
Saturday, Sept. 19 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Tuesday, Sept. 22 (3:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Wednesday, Sept. 23 (3:45 PM – 8:30 PM)
Note: Participating students and parents will receive a direct email next week with full details.
Orchestra Parent Meet-and-Greet: Tuesday, Sept. 15 @ 7:00 PM
Location: MNHS Lecture Hall A (Upstairs—park on the east side of the building and enter through the main doors).
Agenda: Meet other orchestra families, discuss volunteer opportunities, and prepare for our upcoming concerts. (If you cannot attend, please review the posted meeting slides!)
First Concert: Thursday, Oct. 1 @ 7:00 PM
Student Call Time: 6:30 PM (Required/graded event; performance concludes around 8:15 PM).
Dress Code: Long-sleeved black dress shirt, black dress slacks, black dress shoes, and black dress socks (mid-calf length). Students: Remember to turn in your concert attire photo on Google Classroom *this assignment will be posted soon! Refer to the handbook for full guidelines.
Details: Invite friends, family, and neighbors! Please sign up to bring a refreshment for our post-concert social. A YouTube livestream link from our professional videographer will be shared closer to the date.
🎓 Senior Corner: College Auditions
If your senior plans to continue playing in college, ask to meet with string faculty or orchestra directors during campus visits! Be sure to inquire about audition procedures, required repertoire, instrument access, ensemble options for majors and non-majors, and music scholarships.
📸 Picnic Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Cottonwood Park! A special thank you to Megan F. and Wenjing for taking and sharing fantastic photos.
📱 Stay Connected
Remind App: Visit remind.com/join/mnhsorch27 or text @mnhsorch27 to 81010 for direct updates.
Email Settings: Ensure your email address is up to date in Synergy/ParentVue and check that updates aren’t going to spam.
Website: Access our full event calendar and handbook anytime at www.mnhsorch.com.