Orchestra Updates
The Latest Newsletter…
Graduation
- MNHS Graduation: Saturday, May 23 | 7-11 a.m. | Baxter Arena – required for all non-seniors in Chamber and Symphony Orchestra
- We need 2 additional bus chaperones – please email djmartin@mpsomaha.org if you are available to volunteer!
Late Work
Assignments not associated with a concert: accepted for full points earned until 11:59 PM the Friday before semester finals (5-15 for seniors / 5-22 for grades 9-11. Assignments turned in after the grace period will receive half credit. Late work not accepted after finals day (5-19 for seniors / 5-27 or 5-28 for grades 9-11).
Senior Section
- Pick up your posters please!
- Seniors will start working on their senior projects during class on Monday, May 11 and will present to the class on Tuesday, May 19 (updated date due to AP/IB testing).
- The MNHS Music Department loves to honor graduates who continue music after high school! Please complete this form if you plan on being involved in your collegiate music program (Don’t wait for later – it’s easy and will take 30 seconds).
Private Lesson Instruction Course
Learn to teach private lessons: Thursday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 26 | 3:20-4:10 p.m. | MNHS Band Room
🚌 2026-27 Orchestra Trip: St. Louis, April 6-9, 2027!
Key Dates:
- June 1: Second payment due on the portal (or first payment if you’re signing up now 🙂)
- August 15: Final Sign-up (subject to waitlist).
- Watch: (incredibly high quality iPad recording of the kickoff meeting;)
- Review: Link to Canva Slides / Itinerary
🎼 Summer Orchestra Camp July 6-10
Sign up for Upper Level Orchestra Camp! – MPS Upper Level Orchestra Camp will be held at Millard North HS July 6-10, with Leadership Seminar capstone on July 11!
Sign up is live on the Schoolpay website (Scroll until you find Orchestra-NHS 2026 Grade 9-12)
Leadership Seminar – If your child has been recommended for leadership seminar, they received a separate email with link to RSVP.
🎻 Instrument Rentals for 2026-27
- Current Renters: Check your inbox for rental contracts and instructions. If you would like to have the instrument at home for summer use, I will need the completed contract and payment by May 28.
- New Requests: If your student needs a school instrument for next year but doesn’t have one yet, please contact me.
- Not Returning? Instruments must be returned by the end of class on finals day.
🎶 All-State Audition Prep
It’s never too early to start! All-State auditions occur in September.
- Materials: You can find the required scales and etudes in this folder or at nmeanebraska.org.
Upcoming Concerts!
Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. – Chamber and Symphony Orchestra performance at Graduation @ Baxter Arena
June 1: Deadline to register for MPS Upper Level Orchestra Camp
July 6-10, 6-9 p.m. – MPS Upper Level Orchestra Camp at MNHS!
Omaha Area Youth Orchestras
Omaha Area Youth Orchestras (OAYO) auditions are open!
If you are interested in taking your performance to the next level, OAYO is a great place to do just that. Audition information may be found at the OAYO audition website.
Honorable Mentions
Young Orchestra Festival Recap
- Congratulations to our amazing Philharmonic Orchestra for earning a Highly Superior (I) Rating!
- All soloists and small ensembles earned Highly Superior Ratings! Please congratulate Annalise N, Anushree P, Adhvitha D (violin soloists), Lucas L (viola soloist), Megan F (cello soloist), Arpita S and Durga V (violin duet) and Sreeja B, Annalise N, and Anushree P (violin trio)
- Thank you to Wenjing Mao and Zhigang Feng for your photographs of the events!
Spring Pops Concert
Congratulations to our performers for a successful Pops Concert!
Thank you to our Carnival volunteers and to Isaac D for filming the show
Additional Music Courses
If your child plans to major or minor in music in college, I would recommend they also sign up for Intro to Music Theory and AP Music Theory. We also have a cool course called Digital Music Production and Songwriting.
If you’re considering becoming a music teacher, check out TeachMusic.org, a groundbreaking online resource for students and parents navigating the music education career path!
Course Recommendations – Should be up-to-date in Synergy!
If you have questions or need further information, contact me at djmartin@mpsomaha.org