Good afternoon- I like to remind everyone that graduation is our most public/visible performance all year. Thanks for staying focused this week as we continue to work hard in preparation!
TUESDAY 5/19: These details/updates about our graduation performance are based on last year- It's the same timing, so I don't expect much, if anything, to change, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything else...
Who: Required for all students who auditioned into 2026-27 Sinfonia or Chamber Orchestra; optional for others
What to Wear: Semi-formal/business casual/Sunday best...Collared shirts and pants, dresses, skirt or pant and blouse, etc. Light materials and colors recommended to stay cool. No concert black, no jeans, no athletic shoes, no shorts. Look nice but stay cool, and make sure everything is appropriate for being up on stage.
When: Tuesday, 5/19: Be at the gate for 5:30 pm entry and setup (see map/read below); 5:40 pm sound check; 6:45 pm prelude music; 7:30 pm ceremonial music
READ CAREFULLY AND CHOOSE...
**Students have the option to silently depart midway through the ceremony once we are done playing the Alma Mater. This is the only opportunity to leave- anyone choosing to stay on stage must remain there through the end! Cases will be in different places depending on your choice- so know ahead of time which you are doing. If you leave, you must go directly out of the venue to your car or ride (unless joining family in the audience). Leaving early allows you to miss the traffic at the end, but you are welcome to stay on stage to watch the whole ceremony. I'll be there through the end. I don't know precisely what time this will be, so have a way to communicate with your ride if applicable. If going to the audience, come back immediately to get your instrument at the end- I remember that being an issue last year.**
Where: Ameris Bank Amphitheatre- see map attached
Other notes:
- If driving, students should park in lot C (same as graduate parking) off of Maxwell Rd.
- If being dropped off (recommended especially for large instruments), your best bet is to pull into the Faculty/VIP parking off of Encore Pkwy. If it's being monitored that early, tell them you're dropping off for the orchestra- do not park in this lot, though. Drop off only. That will get you to a closer gate or the loading dock for entry with instruments.
- Water will be provided backstage. You cannot bring in food or drink.
- Highly recommended to eat before coming. You might have a short time after soundcheck to visit the concession stands before we have to be back in seats.
- I believe the ceremony (including our music) will be live streamed again. Keep an eye out for a link from Principal Jones.
- After the ceremony if staying to end (see note about early dismissal above): Students can hang back with me in a central location until they've made contact with their ride and know where they are being picked up. The traffic flow can get a little hectic afterwards, so this is recommended.
- If using a school instrument, remember to take it with you that day and return it the next morning (or at another time arranged with me). Make sure I know you're taking an instrument.
Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Regards,
Andrew Cummings, Director
Milton HS Orchestras
