Permian Orchestra

It is our distinct pleasure to announce Dr. Rachel Gonzales as the new head orchestra director at Permian High School. Dr. Gonzales is entering her 15th year of teaching. She is the former Director of Orchestras at Lubbock-Cooper ISD, a district-wide program she built in 2019, with numerous student-successes and large collaborative concerts since it’s beginning. Dr. Gonzales graduated from Midland High School in 2005. She attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene where she received a double major in music and communications. She received her Master’s of Music in Violin Pedagogy from Texas Tech University in 2012, and is currently dissertating for the Ph.D in Music Education from Liberty University. Prior to building the program in Lubbock-Cooper ISD, she has taught in Lubbock, Plano, Abilene, Nashville, TN, St. Louis, MO, and Lynchburg, VA. As a musician, Gonzales has toured, accompanied, and recorded with various country artists, and was privileged to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN during her college years. When she is not teaching, Dr. Gonzales cherishes spending time and traveling with her husband and three kids. She is excited to return home to the Permian Basin, and join the Permian Orchestra family. We invite you to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Gonzales to the Permian Orchestra program and to Odessa!

Final day of our 2025 Spring Trip! 🌊⚓️ We said goodbye to our home away home, the always beautiful Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center and wrapped up our adventure with visits to the Texas State Aquarium and the legendary USS Lexington Museum. What an unforgettable way to end an incredible journey! Huge thanks to Greenlight Group Tours for making every moment seamless and spectacular—and a special shoutout to our outstanding tour director, Emily Grandgeorge, whose energy, organization, and positivity made this trip truly unforgettable. 💚 From beach bonfires to dolphin cruises, cooking competitions to go-karts, and everything in between—this was a trip for the books! #SpringTrip2025 #UnforgettableAdventure #GreenlightGroupTours #EmilyRocks #PermianPride #GoMojo

After a lazy morning on the beach, we loaded the bus and set sail on a dolphin cruise! 🐬 While the dolphins clearly had other plans (rude), we did get up close and personal with a few other sea creatures—some cute, some… slimy. Then it was time for our Iron Chef: Condo Edition showdown! 🍳 The students whipped up an impressive and slightly chaotic mix of culinary creations. The judges bravely ate as much as they could stomach — and a winner was crowned after much chewing, debating, and maybe a little praying. We wrapped up the evening with a bonfire on the beach and classic s’mores, because what says “refined palate” like melted chocolate on a flaming marshmallow. 🔥😎 Up next: Texas State Aquarium and a tour of the legendary USS Lexington. Stay tuned—fish and history await!

Mojo Orchestra Spring Trip ‘25 rolls on! 🌊☀️ After a sun-soaked day of swimming and building some serious sandcastle masterpieces, the group refueled with a delicious fajita dinner at Doc’s! 🐟🍔 But the fun didn’t stop there—we hit up Funtrackers Family Fun Park for some high-speed go kart action 🏎️💨 and arcade games galore 🎮🎯. Up next too: more beach time and dolphin watching on the horizon! 🐬 Stay tuned! #MOJOSpringTrip25

Day 2 unfolds with a visit to the beach, where the kids participate in a sandcastle-building tutorial/competition conducted by a professional expert. This activity proves both entertaining and creative! Talented bunch.

Driving is the main activity today, but the kids have shopped for groceries for their condos and most have been in the ocean. Tomorrow will be a full day!

We are on the road for our Spring Trip to Corpus Christi and Padre Island! Get ready…MOJO is heading your way!

This Memorial Day, we honor two remarkable former directors of the Permian Orchestra who not only shaped generations of musicians but also served our nation with courage and distinction. Mr. J.R. McEntyre was a WWII paratrooper, bravely jumping into the heart of battle. Mr. Charles E. Nail flew helicopters in Vietnam, navigating danger to serve others. Their legacy lives on through the music, discipline, and heart they instilled in their students. We remember their service and sacrifice with deep gratitude. #MemorialDay #PermianOrchestra #HonorAndRemember #GoMojoOrchestra

2025 #Permian HS Graduation #GoMOJO

After many requests, here is the Senior Slideshow from Saturday's Spring Concert: canva.com/design/DAGjZWg…

Orchestra Banquet 2025! #GoMojoOrchestra

A FEW REMINDERS: 1. Don’t forget to take your instrument and music home this afternoon. 2. Banquet starts at 7pm tonight! 3. All officers meet at PHS at 9:30am tomorrow morning to load equipment. 4. Be at the church tomorrow NO LATER than 1:15pm (DRESSED in your formal uniforms) for soundcheck. 5. Unpack & leave your cases in your vehicle: NO cases in the building. 6. Concert begins at 2pm. No admission fee - ITS FREE! 7. The concert is mandatory and part of your final exam. 8. All students (except Seniors) help load-out after the concert and unload at Permian.

🚨🚨URGENT🚨🚨 Because of the threat of dangerous severe weather, The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for our area. I am postponing the Symphony after school rehearsal. We need the rehearsals, but with the potential for severe weather, it’s prudent to postpone. Please let others know. Stay safe!

🚨🚨UPDATE: Due to the potential for SEVERE WEATHER this evening, after school Symphony rehearsal is CANCELED. Sorry for the late notice! Will send out a replacement date soon. Stay safe!

🎶 Join us for our Spring Concert as we celebrate the end of the school year with a joyful afternoon of music & talent! We will also honor our 2025 Seniors: 📅 Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 🕖 Time: 2PM 📍 Location: Odessa Christian Faith Center, 9000 Andrews HWY 🎟️ Admission: FREE

🎻 The 2025 Orchestra Spring Banquet is almost here! 🎟️ TICKETS NOW ON SALE! ✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening! 💵 Tickets: $25 for all attendees. 🎓 Seniors attend FREE! See Mr. Berridge to get your personalized promo code for your ticket. 📅 Don’t wait—secure your spot now! 🔗 Click the link to grab your tickets: events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/phso…