It’s good to be back! Thanks everyone for working so well with our sub last week!
Orchestra Picnic !
Orchestra Party THIS FRIDAY Aug. 21 @ Cottonwood Park (728 S. 154 St.), 3:45-5:45 PM.
We’ll meet at the pavilion on the east side of the park.
Please bring the snack assigned to your last name:
A-H = salty snacks
J-N = sweet snacks
P-Z = drinks (single serve best – think Capri Sun, mini waters, mini soda cans).
Rides need to pick up no later than 5:45 please 🙂
Stay In-the-Know!
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.
Not receiving emails?
Make sure your email address is correct in Synergy/ParentVue and that you recognize the emails from Synergy/ParentVue as not spam.
2027 Orchestra Trip (April 6–9, 2027)
Interested in Chaperoning?
See email from Mrs. Martinez sent through the trip portal on 8/11. Email djmartin@mpsomaha.org by Friday, 8/21 if you are interested/available!
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
What’s an Orchestra Letter?
A way to earn a level of distinction through going above and beyond musically and by serving the organization. Students track their own letter points on the sheet (accessible through Google Classroom).
Football Concessions
One way we earn money to support our program is by selling concessions at home football games! It’s a great way to earn letter points, meet new friends, and serve the community. There are four home games this year. We need 6 students and 2 adults at each game. Please sign up here!
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 (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.
All-State Auditions (Sept. 16-26):
Registration form & fee deadline is September 1.
Audition materials are available in the shared folder and on Google Classroom
First Concert: Thursday, October 1 @ 7:00 PM.
Student call time is 6:30 PM
Instrument Maintenance/Step-Up Instruments
Investing in your instrument makes playing more rewarding and instills a sense of pride in one’s performance. Make sure you maintain your instrument, especially by getting the bow re-haired once per year and getting a quality set of strings (like D’Addario, Dominant, or Pirastro) every 1-2 years (pdf, the download takes a minute).
If it’s time for a step up instrument, make sure to reach out to Mrs. Martinez for input before you make the purchase for advice on what to look for!
Stay Connected
Our full event calendar and handbook are updated regularly at this website.
If you have questions or need further information, contact me at djmartin@mpsomaha.org or check this website.