Orchestra (After School) - 2025-2026

AFTER SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

All information is subject to change.

Updated May 22, 2025 - Guitarist. pianist, and 6th grader clarifications

About 2025-2026 7th & 8th Grade After School Orchestra:

• Weekly 75-minute practices
• One winter and one spring semester concert. (Saturday, December 13 & Saturday, March 28)
  • Students can qualify and choose to try out for area competitions for an additional fee.
• Participants:
  • 7th-8th grade students (in 2025-2026)
    • 6th graders (in 2025-2026) who meet the minimum qualifications noted below should reach out to Ms. Beckham to verify that they are eligible to participate.
  • Minimum participants = 24 students
  • Up to three pianists. Pianists must also be able to play a second instrument with the same minimum qualifications on the second instrument. (See below).
    • We have reached our maximum registration for pianists. Additional pianists should register with their second instrument only.
  • Students who only play guitar should not register. The guitar is not a mainstream instrument for Orchestra, and the music used will not be written for guitar.
• Minimum Qualifications: A minimum of one full academic year of beginning Orchestra or one full year of ensemble experience. Questions about qualifications should be sent to the director, Trisha Beckham.
• Students will need to provide their own instrument (except pianists) and concert apparel.

Practice Schedule:

Mondays - 4:15 - 5:30 p.m.

First practice = Monday, August 18

Last practice = Monday, May 11

Practice Location:

Music Room

After School Orchestra Director:

Trisha Beckham

Hello Meridian! My name is Ms. Beckham, and I will be your Orchestra teacher starting in 2025-2026!  Music has brought so much joy to my life, and I am here to guide you in hopes that you may experience some of the same joy.

I started playing violin in the Suzuki Program when I was 4 years old in Arlington, Texas.   My mom taught middle school  & high school Orchestra, and my brother played cello.  I grew up playing classical music, and while attending Texas A&M University, I fell in love with the versatility of the violin and began learning other musical styles. In 2006, I moved to Austin to play fiddle with touring bands and learn luthiery, the art of stringed instrument repair.  I am the mother to two beautiful children, ages 9 and 12, and I began my journey in music education in 2014 after they were born. As I plan for next year, I am most enthusiastic about working with the wonderful students here at Meridian!

Fees:

Fees: $52.30 Registration Fee +  $325 Participation Fee ($339.95 if paying through MySchoolBucks).  

• All fees are non-refundable and non-transferrable and are due in full even if the student withdraws from the program or the school.
• A $25 late fee will be added once a payment is more than 3 days late. The student will then lose financial eligibility until the late payment and the late fee are paid.

A payment plan for the participation fee is available. Please select “Payment Plan” on the registration form when registering. The payment plan is as follows:

25% due August 11 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)

25% due November 1 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)

25% due January 6  - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)

25% due March 2 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)

Financial assistance is available to those who need it. See Financial Assistance. To inquire, please email Financial Aid.

Eligibility:

Please see Eligibility for Extracurricular Clubs and Activities. 

• Students must be academically eligible to perform in concerts and pep rallies. Students must be academically eligible to compete in Soundwaves and other competitions entered by the school. 
• Students must be financially eligible to participate in practices, performances, and competitions.
• Students must maintain their Character in Good Standing eligibility, which requires that students adhere to the Meridian Student & Parent Handbook and the After School Band and Orchestra Terms for Participation.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, May 14 - Registration opens. ($52.30 registration fee)

Tuesday, May 27 - Registration closes at 9 p.m.  (Extended from May 22.)

Wednesday May 28 - Registration confirmation emails sent.

Wednesday, July 30 - Late registration opens. ($104.60 late registration fee.)

Thursday, August 7 - Late registration closes at 9 p.m.

Tuesday, August 12 - Late registration confirmation emails sent.

Tuesday, August 12 - Participation fees invoiced via MySchoolBucks.

Thursday, August 14 - Participation fees due via MySchoolBucks invoice. (Or the first payment plan payment is due.)

Monday, August 18 - Practices start

Friday, November 1 - 2nd payment due for those on the payment plan

Saturday, December 13  from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Winter Concert

Tuesday, January 6 - 3rd payment due for those on the payment plan.

Monday, March 2 - 4th and final payment due for those on a payment plan.

Saturday, March 28  from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. - Spring Concert

Monday, May 11 - Last practice

Registration:

Regular registration ($52.30) is now closed. It ended at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. May 27. (Extended from May 22)

Late registration ($104.60) opens Wednesday, July 30 and ends Wednesday, August 7 at 9 p.m. Late registration will not be available if the minimum registration of 24 participants was not reached during the regular registration window.

Lettering Requirements:

Lettering is reserved for high school students. 

Questions:

• About After School Orchestra: Please email  Trisha Beckham.
• About After School Orchestra registration, Invoices or lettering: Please email Secondary Enrichment.