The Latest Update: 08/07/26
🎺 1. Classroom & Instrument Schedule
Philharmonic (5th Hour): Bring instruments starting Wednesday, August 12. Before school, bring your instrument into room 1520 and put it in the storage closet. You will be assigned a spot during 5th period. If you are renting a school instrument, it should be in the closet with your name on it – make sure to have your contract and payment completed and returned!
Chamber & Symphony Orchestra (1st, 2nd, & 6th Hour): Bring instruments starting Thursday, August 13. Follow the same steps outlined above.
Instrument Check: Please inspect your student’s instrument before classes start. Purchasing a new set of strings and having the bow rehaired are great ways to ensure they start the year sounding their best!
📱 2. Communication & Open House
Join the Orchestra Remind Group:
Visit remind.com/join/mnhsorch27 OR text @mnhsorch27 to the number 81010.
This allows you to send and receive text updates directly from Mrs. Martinez.
MNHS Open House: Thursday, August 13, from 6:00–7:00 PM.
Note: I will be absent Aug. 12-14 due to a family obligation, but please review the open house slides and reach out via email if you have any questions.
My sub is the the wonderful Ms. Megan Siebe!
✈️ 3. 2027 Orchestra Trip (April 6–9, 2027)
August 15: Final sign-up deadline. All information must be submitted and payments kept up to date to secure a spot (subject to waitlist).
September 1: Fourth payment due on the portal (or first payment if signing up now).
Resources:
Watch the Kickoff Meeting Recording (high-quality iPad recording)
Review the Canva Slides & Trip Itinerary
🗓️ 4. Important Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
Handbook Signature Forms (Due Wednesday, August 20):
Part 1 (Student): Students will review the handbook in class and complete the Student Signature Form.
Part 2 (Parent/Guardian): Please review the handbook at www.mnhsorch.com (paying special attention to pages 2–7 for concert dates and expectations). Once dates are added to your family calendar, complete the Parent Signature Form.
Note: Points go into the gradebook once both forms are completed.
Orchestra Picnic: Friday, August 21, from 3:45–5:45 PM at Cottonwood Park. More details to follow next week!
All-State Auditions (Sept. 17–24):
Registration form & fee deadline is September 1.
Audition materials are available in the shared folder; the registration form will be released next week.
First Concert: Thursday, October 1 @ 7:00 PM.
🎻 5. School Instrument Rentals
We have a limited inventory of violins, violas, cellos, and basses available for rent through the school for $95 for the year. Please email Mrs. Martinez if you need to rent a school instrument.
👔 6. Concert Attire Guidelines
Please review the required attire options ahead of our first concert on October 1:
Option 1:
Black long-sleeved button-down dress shirt with a collar & black necktie
Black belt & black dress slacks (NOT jeans)
Black dress socks & black dress shoes
Option 2:
Black long-sleeved blouse with a modest neckline (crew neck or button-down preferred)
Black dress slacks (slim fit or boot-cut; NOT leggings, jeans, or yoga pants)
Black dress socks or nylons & black closed-toed dress shoes
Used Concert Dresses: We have a limited supply of floor-length black dresses available for $40 each. Contact Mrs. Martinez if interested.
Skirt/Dress Policy: Skirts and dresses are generally not permitted to avoid staff having to monitor hemlines. Exceptions may be requested if the attire meets two strict criteria:
1. It is full ankle-length.
2. It contains sufficient fabric to accommodate wide-stance seating while playing.
🔗 7. Stay Connected
Our full event calendar and handbook are updated regularly at www.mnhsorch.com.
If you have questions or need further information, contact me at djmartin@mpsomaha.org
The Latest Update: 08/07/26 Read More »