August Newsletter

July 30th, 2025

It is hard to believe summer is almost over. Kids come back to school on August 14th and we are very excited to start a new school year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need My Instrument on the First Day of School?

• NO! (Unless you are in Symphony Orchestra. If you don’t know if you are in Symphony, then you are NOT in Symphony)

When Will I Need my Instrument?

• All students will need their instrument on the 2nd day of school, August 14th, and on

 Are There School Instruments Available for me to Check out for the School Year?

• YES! All bass players will be assigned a bass to keep at home. All other instruments will be assigned on an as-needed basis. This will be done the first week of school.

What if My Schedule is Wrong?  

• Directors and counselors are working their hardest to correct schedules before the first day of school. Directors will send students to their counselor on the first day of school for changes, if necessary.

Can My Child Take Private Lessons on Campus?

• YES! Through Arlington ISD Private Lesson Program all students are eligible to receive on-campus private lessons. Your child is taken out of their orchestra class for a 25 minute lesson. Information and registration packets will be sent home the first week of school. Spots fill up quickly so be sure to send paperwork back to school as soon as possible!

What is Honors Orchestra?

• Honors Orchestra gives AP credit to eligible orchestra members. This is an independent study course ONLY available to double-blocked Philharmonic and Symphony members. Information and registration packets will be sent home the first week of school.

How Do I Find the Calendar for the Year?

• Click on “Calendar” at the top of this page and look through the Martin Orchestra Google Calendar

What Do We Do on the First Day of School?

• Students learn procedures of the Martin Orchestra, we gather information about students that may need to borrow a school instrument, and we tell students all that we have planned for them for the year.

Registration Day

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Saturday, September 7th at MHS Orchestra Room

All students and at least one parent/guardian are required to attend Registration Day. You will complete the following at Registration Day:

• Turn in yearly forms

• Notarize your medical form

• Obtain your orchestra uniform

• Pay your $80 activity fee (or do this online prior to Registration Day)

• Become a Martin Orchestra Booster Club (MOBC) member

• Purchase Martin Orchestra Spiritwear

Your child will arrive at their posted time:

ALL Seniors: 9:00 am
Junior Girls: 9:30 am
Junior Boys: 10:00 am
Sophomore Girls: 10:30 am
Sophomore Boys: 11:00 am
Freshman Girls: 11:45 am
Freshman Boys: 12:15 pm

Students must wear light athletic clothing to try on orchestra uniforms. GENTLEMEN: PLEASE KNOW YOUR PANT AND JACKET SIZE BEFORE COMING TO REGISTRATION DAY. Ladies: size up on your dresses so you have enough give to play your instrument.

Martin Orchestra accepts cash or check (made out to Martin Orchestra) for activity fees. You can also pay online through PK12 (link will be active soon).

All of this will be explained extensively in class and through email.

Freshman Kickoff Concert

Thursday, August 21st, 6pm, MHS Auditorium

All 100+ Freshman will come together for their very first concert of the year during the 2nd week of school. It is amazing what these kids accomplish in such a short amount of time! They will perform one short tune and then we will hold a quick parent meeting to explain a bit more about the Martin Orchestra school year, procedures and uniforms.  

Symphony

Don’t forget! Your after school rehearsals start on Tuesday, August 19th.

Upcoming Events

Aug 13             First Day of School & First Event                 
Aug 21             Freshman Kickoff Concert (Freshman Only)                          6pm
Sept 6              Registration Day
Sept 12            Orchestra Social Event: Scavenger Hunt & Dance Party       5:45pm-8:00pm

Oct 6               Fall Concert at MHS Auditorium (All Orchestras)                   6:30pm
Oct 18             Region Orchestra Auditions at Seguin High School
Oct 25            All-State Recording at TBD

Martin Orchestra Booster Club

Our first Booster meeting will be on Tuesday, August 26th at Colter’s BBQ on Little Road at 7pm.

Did you know you can join the Martin Orchestra Booster Club (MOBC) for FREE?

Did you know the MOBC provides tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours in support of our Martin Orchestra program? We could not be successful without their dedication!

Join our Martin Orchestra Booster Club Remind to receive reminders: text @mobc26 to 81010.