String Orchestra (After School) - 2026-2027

Updated July 31, 2026

About 2026-2027 After School String Orchestra

New grade levels this year! The After School String Orchestra is open to 7th-12th grade intermediate-level musicians. Please see "Minimum Qualifications" below.
Mandatory Practices: Weekly 75-minute mandatory practices
Concerts: One winter and one spring semester concert. (Saturday, December 12 & Saturday, May 15)
- Students can qualify and choose to try out for area competitions for an additional fee.
Participants:
- 7th-12th grade students
- Minimum participants = 20 students
Instruments: This is a String Orchestra.
- Instruments included in the After School String Orchestra:
  - Violin
  - Viola
  - Cello
  - Double Bass
- Instruments not included in the After School String Orchestra:
  - Piano
  - Guitar
  - Keyboard/digital instruments
  - Brass instruments: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba
  - Woodwind instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone
  - Percussion instruments: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Timpani, Mallet Percussion, Auxiliary Percussion (Cymbals, Triangle, etc.)
  - For Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion instruments, please see our After School Band webpage.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Scales: All students need to know the finger patterns for the D and G major scales.
- Bow Technique: All students need to know how to perform slurs (2, 3 and 4 notes), bow lifts, and staccato/legato articulation.
- Notation: All students must know how to read music for their instrument.
- Questions about qualifications should be sent to the director, Trisha Beckham, and may result in an audition to verify these skills if the student has not previously taken a beginning orchestra course. The registration deadline applies.
Students will need to provide their own instrument and concert apparel.

Practice Schedule

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

First practice = Monday, August 24

Last practice = Monday, May 10

No practices during school holidays.

Practice Location

Music Room

After School String Orchestra Director

Trisha Beckham

Hello Meridian! My name is Ms. Beckham. 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 10 and 13, and I began my journey in music education in 2014 after they were born. 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 27 - ($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 5 - ($81.25 by check or $84.98 by MySchoolBucks)

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

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

Eligibility

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. Participation fees must be paid by noon on August 31 for students to be financially eligible to participate in the second practice on August 31.
Students must maintain their Character in Good Standing eligibility, which requires that students adhere to the Meridian Student & Parent Handbook and the After School Music Terms for Participation.

Important Dates

Wednesday, August 12 - Registration opens. ($52.30 registration fee) - First day of school

Thursday, August 20 - Registration closes at 9 p.m.

Friday, August 21 - Registration confirmation emails sent and participation fee invoices issued.

Monday, August 24 - Practices start

Thursday, August 27 - Participation fees due. (Or the first payment plan payment is due.)

Monday, August 31 - Participation fees must be paid (or the first payment must be paid if using a payment plan) for students to participate during this practice.

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

Saturday, December 12 - Winter Concert

Tuesday, January 5 - 3rd payment due for those on the payment plan.

Monday, March 1 - 4th and final payment due for those on a payment plan.

Monday, May 10 - Last practice

Saturday, May 15 - Spring Concert

Registration

Registration opens Wednesday, August 12 and ends at 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 20.

No late registrations accepted.

Lettering Requirements

Lettering in an extracurricular activity is reserved for high school students participating at the highest level. Lettering requirements for high school members of the After School String Orchestra will be available before Fall Break. In the meantime, feel free to check out Letter Jackets & Lettering for more information.

Questions

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