Mitchell Orchestra Newsletter 25-26
building family and community through music
Upcoming
May 18th - Orchestra Awards
May 19th - EOY Party (no instruments)
May 20th - Showcase Rehearsal (CODA before school & EVERYONE in class)
May 21st - FA Showcase at Mitchell INT (REQUIRED FOR ALL)
May 22nd - 6th Grade EOY Celebration (no instruments)
Donations needed for EOY parties!
String Fling at TWHS
Congratulations to all on an amazing concert! Thank you to all parents who stayed to support our mustangs as they truly deserve all of our love and celebration
Below are a few links! Be sure to download all the things you would like before the end of the year :)
EOY Orchestra Party
When
- Tuesday the 19th during your musician's Fine Arts block
- We will do Orchestra Awards on Monday
What to bring
- Game day! Bring your favorite board game
- If you are able to donate snacks & prizes please click the link below
Do I need my instrument
- You do not need your instrument on the 19th but you DO need your instrument on the 20th and 21st
Ways to Support Mitchel Orchestra
Join OPUS (Orchestra Parents United for Students)
OPUS is an organization of parents dedicated to supporting the current orchestras and helping to build not only the student community but the parent community as well. Below is a link with various options of being involved from donations, chaperoning, classroom decorating/organizing, etc)
Music as Medicine RX
Message from former Mustang - Ethan
My name is Ethan, a rising freshman of The Woodlands High School, and the founder of Music As Medicine Rx, a youth-led nonprofit organization that brings free live music to 15 retirement homes, 5 foster care homes and 2 cancer hospitals, around The Woodlands, Conroe and Spring areas. I played Chamber Piano, and also played the violin at Mitchell Intermediate School, but the last two years decided and have been working hard to focus on bringing live music to the seniors and our community. I was able to get my friends and their friends to help me bring joy to others, total of 30 of us. We really believe that music can heal others, specially the sick, the needy and the poor.
This summer, we are looking for student musicians who would like to volunteer and play music for seniors at local retirement homes. Even a short performance can bring so much joy and help seniors feel less lonely. I have been volunteering at retirement homes since I was 10 years old, and know how much the elders love listening to live music. I used to play for my grandmother when she was still alive, and she loved it too!
I would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with the music teachers. We can provide volunteer hours and references for high school students that needs community hours. All instruments and skill levels are welcome, and students can volunteer individually or with friends. I am attaching the flyer that I made. If you have any questions, please call my secretary (my mom) at (832)991-0191 or email me.
EOY What do I do with my instrument?
5th Grade
Keep your instrument!
- You will need your instrument to practice over the summer. We HIGHLY recommend private lessons both to help your musician continue to thrive and to keep their progress up. We have had many years where we come back from summer and have to start over again.
- If you return your instrument only for the summer you will lose ALL of your rental credit that you have built over this past year!
- If you are not continuing please contact your rental shop for instructions. Your child will need their instrument at school everyday until after their showcase performance on May 21st
6th Grade
If you are not continuing at McC
- Please contact your rental shop for instructions. Your child will need their instrument at school everyday until after their showcase performance on May 21st
If you are continuing at McC
- It is best if you can start private lessons! Since you are leaving Mr. Gomez and Ms. Kresta are now able to teach you outside of school. Region music is out and a private teacher can best help you navigate your first time and help you get a head start on the music.
- If you are unable to start lessons that is ok! Keep up the practice, practice region music, find things to work on online, practice scales they are important
Helpful Links
Private Lessons ~ Active list of teachers we have seen amazing things from that work well with our students.
Tuner ~ TE Tuner App (it has BOTH metronome & tuner), if not the link will take you to one you may purchase
Metronome ~ We HIGHLY recommend the TE Tuner App (Tonal Energy), if not the link is to an online metronome
2025-2026 Photo Album ~ Collection of photos and videos from our year. If you take any that you would like to share please email them to us!
MakeMusic Troubleshooting ~ If you are struggling with MakeMusic here is a link to solutions that have worked for us.
CISD Volunteer Form ~ If you are EVER planning to be with us and the kids you must have this form filled out
Class & Handouts
These links go to a Google Doc that you can view links to handouts from class, videos walking you through the concepts, and extra practice links. This also where to find papers and videos when you are absent.
Contact Information
Email: kkresta@conroeisd.net & eigomez@conroeisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/orchestramusic/home
Location: 6800 Alden Bridge Dr. The Woodlands Tx
Phone: (832) 592-8500
Instagram: @mitchellorchestra