Universal Trip Registration

9/4/2026 11:04 am

Good morning, Milton Orchestra families,

Our March 13-16 Universal Studios Orlando trip package is live and ready for you to register! (via Creative Group Tours)

• It is important to register asap- Deposits are due by September 15th in order to plan accurately.  In the event that we exceed bus capacity and do not have enough students to add a second bus, participation would be capped in the order that students register.  We also need to mostly fill a bus early in the process for everything to proceed as planned.  
• The trip includes Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure AND Epic Universe.  PLUS, we will get a campus tour and lunch at University of Central Florida along with a clinic with their orchestra faculty
• Given that both middle schools feeding into Milton now go to Universal, this could be our last trip there.  But it has been a very popular request (especially with the addition of Epic Universe) and is always a great experience!  

LOTS more details here (flyer also emailed): https://creativegrouptours.wetravel.com/trips/milton-high-school-orchestra-universal-2027-creative-group-tours-8582276947#about-this-trip

Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks!

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director 

Milton HS Orchestras

Several deadlines today for orchestra!

8/28/2026 9:12 am

Good morning,

Just a reminder that the following registrations are due today, 8/28/26, via miltonorchestra.org: 

• Tuxedo rental fee
• GMEA All State Orchestra audition registration and fee
• GMEA Fall Solo and Ensemble registration and fee

PAST DUE:

• Annual Orchestra Activity Fee: Because we realized this link was not on the calendar previously, we'll extend the deadline to Tuesday, 9/1 for your T-shirt to be included.  Fees paid late after that date will NOT include the annual Milton Orchestra shirt, which will only be available in limited quantities later.  

The simplest way to find/pay/register for any event is to visit miltonorchestra.org/calendar and click on the event or deadline.  Links are provided- you'll need to be logged in to Membership Toolkit.  Remember to also follow any external links listed to find things like audition music and event details when applicable.  

Thanks!

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

Forms, fees, and volunteers

8/20/2026 3:45 pm

1. Annual orchestra fees and onboarding forms are due TOMORROW (Friday, 8/21).  https://www.miltonorchestra.org/onboarding
2. We had some potential booster board members express interest at the meeting but have not been able to touch base with everyone yet.  If interested in being involved, especially at the Treasurer position, please reply here and/or email miltonorchestra@gmail.com 
3. Volunteers still needed for upcoming events, including Uniform Rentals (it's really easy) and the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony (Chamber Orchestra performing, but anyone can volunteer).  https://www.miltonorchestra.org/open_forms will take you to the sign-ups if logged in.  

Orchestra parent meeting and required beginning of year forms/fee/info

8/10/2026 11:08 am

Good morning, Orchestra Families and Students,

I hope everyone had a great first week (and weekend) of back-to-school season.  I really enjoyed beginning to work with our student-musicians again!  I've made an effort to reduce the annual onboarding process/forms to the fewest possible steps, but each is important.  Please take a look at these upcoming dates and reach out with any questions/concerns you might have.  

1. August 13th, 6:30 pm, MHS Orchestra Room:

Orchestra parent meeting.  It is essential that we have an adult representative from every family.  We've found that an in-person meeting drastically improves engagement and enhances everyone's experience for the rest of the year.  The orchestra boosters and I will pass along important info regarding trips, onboarding, volunteering, Membership Toolkit, concert attire, events, and more.  We're counting on your support!  

2. August 21st: Required annual forms and fee due (also view optional registrations like All State and Honor Orchestra)

https://www.miltonorchestra.org/onboarding

4 steps: Student form, parent form, Membership Toolkit update or registration, annual fee (now through Toolkit- no separate school payment)

3. Check out the rest of the calendar HERE and communicate early about potential conflicts (complete excused/unexcused absence policy in syllabus/handbook on Canvas). 

Please know that I sympathize with you regarding the quantity of messages and events this time of year!  Our family has so far completed 3 of the 7 open house type events (across 4 different schools) on our combined calendar for these opening weeks.  One of our boys is trying to figure out middle school, and the other is home sick already, so I'm right there with you!  

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone Thursday.

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

Milton HS Orchestra Preview/Announcements

7/19/2026 9:12 pm

Good afternoon!  I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer!  

Don’t worry, I’m not trying to end your (or my) vacation early.  I just thought that the planners among you might like a heads up/reminder about a few things…

1. Do you know a student who will need a parking spot?  Watch our Instagram and Facebook pages (@miltonorchestra) for the July 27 auction link (spot in the Teal Row of the Red Lot).  Proceeds support the Milton HS Orchestra Booster Club! 
2. If you already saved concert dates, please note that we had to move our Spring Concert back one day to May 12, 2027.  This change is reflected at miltonorchestra.org/calendar
3. Our Milton Orchestra parent meeting will be at 6:30 pm on 8/13 at Milton HS.  It is important that every student has at least one parent/guardian present.  We’ll keep it focused and kick off the year strong!
4. Looking at school supplies?  Don’t neglect your instrument.  As a general rule, violinists, violists, and cellists should begin the year with new strings on their personal instruments (while bassists can go longer, evaluate whether your instrument is due).  Many shops will do this for you if you purchased/rented your instrument there.  Maybe it’s even time for an instrument and/or bow upgrade!  I’m happy to answer questions about any of this.  

FAQs (New to Milton Orchestra?  Think of something I missed?  Email cummingsas@fultonschools.org to ask a question or simply introduce yourself/say hello!)

Do I need my instrument on the first day of school?

No, but we do usually begin playing by Day 2.  Take the first day to say “hi”, get an instrument locker, and more.  

What is going on this year?  

Lots!  It’s like a “choose your own adventure” with our core concerts/performances for everyone and many optional performance and social opportunities through Milton Orchestra, FCS Music, and the Georgia Music Educators Association.  

The best way to stay on top of things is through our website calendar (you will also find registration links when available by selecting the event on the calendar).  https://www.miltonorchestra.org/calendar

Why orchestra?  

Wow, we’re getting philosophical now!  I’ve thought a lot about this over the summer and can’t wait to explore this topic with students, parents, and future Milton Orchestra members.  First of all, if we’re doing it right, it’s fun!  Beyond that I believe, in the age of AI more than ever, performing arts classes play a crucial role rounding out your school/life experience and cognitive/social development.  

In case you need more reasons, I have it on good authority that many college admissions officers and future employers feel the same way.  Specifically, they value grit, problem solving, and pro-social skills, and many are well aware that music students possess these in higher than average proportions.  

Do we go on trips?

Yes!  We are currently planning (optional) trips to Universal Orlando in Spring 2027 and Italy in early Summer 2028.  

Do I need my own instrument?  

At the high school level, it is expected that you are reviewing/practicing at home.  Violinists and violists bring their personal instruments back and forth (lockers are available), while most cellists/bassists use their personal instruments for practice/concerts and school instruments on a daily basis for rehearsal.  

Most students who are successful have invested in a high quality student or step-up instrument from a reputable string-focused shop.  Of course, we recognize that this could be financially or otherwise difficult for some families and in those cases have school instruments available upon request to ensure access for all.  

Can I balance orchestra and other activities such as sports?  

Yes!  We recognize that orchestra students are a diverse group with many interests, including academics and athletics.  In the spirit of Milton’s claim as a “Triple A” school (Arts, Academics, Athletics), we work well together to weigh options and resolve conflicts in an equitable manner.  These are handled on an individual basis.  

Is there a financial/fundraising obligation? 

Like music programs nationwide, the funding we receive directly from our district only covers a portion of operating costs.  Realizing that many orchestra families don’t want to spend a lot of time throughout the year fundraising, we rely primarily on an initial activity fee, donations, and business sponsorships to cover the difference.  These funds help with student activities, instrument maintenance and upgrades, guest clinicians, and much more.  

The Milton HS Orchestra Booster Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Beginning this year, we will collect all payments, including activity fee, through the orchestra booster club via Membership Toolkit (miltonorchestra.org) in order to reduce the number of digital platforms you have to interact with (no more separate activity fee through the Milton HS website).  

Bottom line: Last year’s fee was $125.00.  I expect this year’s to remain about the same, and the whole patron/sponsorship program will be easier to navigate for those who can help in a bigger way!

As mentioned above with instruments, flexibility is available for families needing financial assistance.  

I’m looking forward to a great year!  Once again, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, to introduce yourself, or just to say hello.  See everyone soon!  

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

miltonorchestra.org

cummingsas@fultonschools.org

Graduation Performance Details May 19th 2026

5/12/2026 1:15 pm

Concert Thursday: Times and Other Reminders

5/5/2026 9:00 am

Good morning, Orchestra Families,

Our final concert of the year is Thursday (although many students will still perform for graduation May 19th- details below)!  

CONCERT

5/7 Spring Concert (final performance and major grade for everyone)

5 pm: Sinfonia and Chamber rehearse on stage with band (How to Train Your Dragon)- this is mandatory...we canceled the remaining Advisement rehearsals to do this instead

6:15 pm: Pizza served (unless you opted out- there wasn't a form, just tell Mr. Cummings if you don't want any)

6:15 pm: Concert Orchestra arrive, eat pizza, warm up; unless staying at school in between, arrive in concert attire)

7 pm: Concert begins

• Make sure your concert attire hasn't gotten too...adventuresome (our guidelines are flexible but still professional and uniform!):

https://www.miltonorchestra.org/attire

• Only 1 out of 20 volunteer slots are filled for Thursday.  Please help! 
  • https://www.miltonorchestra.org/volunteer/151202

Share the concert flyer from our Instagram and Facebook pages (@miltonorchestra)!  

OTHER REMINDERS

• Graduation Performance (future Sinfonia and Chamber members)

  Our graduation performance is May 19th beginning at 6:45 pm at Ameris Amphitheatre.  Call time/sound check will be earlier and is TBA.  This is a required performance for all students on next year's rosters for Sinfonia or Chamber Orchestra.  Students are responsible for their own transportation/ride and will have the choice to depart mid-ceremony (after our last piece) or stay to watch the whole thing.  

• Thank you to everyone who completed the trip survey.  Response has been positive, but we still don't have enough overall responses to give a very clear picture (respond even if you have no trip interest)...if it slipped your mind due to a busy testing week, please complete TODAY!  I have a meeting with one of the trip reps this afternoon, and every little bit of info helps.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJzgcoDX5nZUICx5PXk_zeO61BrcG8FwRic3y4CVWvQuXz7w/viewform?usp=header

Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks!  

Banquet tickets, award voting, and other action items

4/14/2026 2:21 pm

ACTION REQUIRED:

Banquet (all)

Our annual Orchestra Banquet is next Thursday, 4/23! Log into Membership Toolkit and get your tickets for this catered meal and celebration: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/packet/1958 .  All orchestra members and families are invited and encouraged to come!  

Or go to miltonorchestra.org>My Account>My Forms/Paperwork to find the registration.  You'll need to be logged in.

NSOA Voting (all)

All current orchestra students should submit their nominations for the National School Orchestra Award by the end of Wednesday, 4/15.  The form is here and includes a detailed explanation. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesb5u1ssKZ19YaPeZ6eStF16QEchtIovWKPMhyFVYFWLRz5w/viewform?usp=publish-editor 

Senior Program Info (seniors)

Seniors, please complete this very brief form by the end of the week to the best of your current knowledge for our senior recognitions at the concert.  You can make updates with me until spring programs go to print: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezC0Fw5vusgL5qD5cb1b5xPvp4N_a1J6YBtSP_E50GW6XoTA/viewform?usp=publish-editor 

INFORMATION

Concert (all)

Our Spring Concert is May 7th at 7 pm in the MHS Auditorium. This is a required event for all orchestra students.  

Graduation Performance (future Sinfonia and Chamber members)

Our graduation performance is May 19th beginning at 6:45 pm at Ameris Amphitheatre.  Call time/sound check will be earlier and is TBA.  This is a required performance for all students on next year's rosters for Sinfonia or Chamber Orchestra.  Students are responsible for their own transportation/ride and will have the choice to depart mid-ceremony (after our last piece) or stay to watch the whole thing.  

Fine Arts Signing Day (seniors)

This event is in the Media Center on Friday, May 8 at 7am.  IF majoring or minoring in music (you need to have completed an audition/portfolio process and have been accepted), indicate that in the above form and I'll follow up with you.  Families and friends are invited to the event as well.  This is a very special Milton tradition that a lot of other schools have now adopted.  

Final LGPE Reminders (Thurs/Fri)

3/11/2026 1:38 pm

Schedule below (with minor updates).  A few reminders first...

• Remember your concert attire when you come to school.  No athletic/casual shoes.  Review miltonorchestra.org/attire for guidelines.  You can hang items in the orchestra room in the morning.  
• Music/folders!  Coordinate with your stand partner to make sure your folder makes it to AHS.  
• Instrument, rock stops, rosin, shoulder rests, etc. are all your responsibility.  
• Family/friends are welcome and encouraged at our performance.  The audience size at LGPE can be underwhelming, and it's always better to play for a crowd.  Plus, this is the culmination of a lot of hard work!

Sinfonia (2nd period orchestra)

Thursday, 3/12

1:25 pm Report to orchestra room (change/warm up)- teachers have this info in an email

2:15 Latest departure time (bus)

3:30 Warm up at Alpharetta HS

4:40 Perform

5:05 Sight reading

Approximately 6:25: Back at MHS (make sure you have a ride)

Chamber Orchestra (4th period orchestra)

Thursday, 3/12

6:15 pm: Arrive @ Alpharetta HS

6:45 Warm up

7:50 Perform

8:30 Sight reading

Approximately 9:10: Leave or be picked up

Concert Orchestra (7th period orchestra)

Friday, 3/13

7th period: Arrive to class and change* quickly/warm up

*we will have to load on the stadium side due to dismissal timing, so we may need to move large instruments before you change

3:45 Latest departure time (bus) 

4:20 Warm up

5:20 Perform

5:45 Sight read

Approximately 6:45 Back at MHS (make sure you have a ride)

LGPE Details (same as on permission slips)

3/2/2026 2:12 pm

Permission slips for LGPE were due today!  For quick reference, here are each ensemble's details:

SINFONIA- 2ND PERIOD

Event: Milton Orchestra Large Group Performance Evaluation Date: Thursday, 3/12/26    

Address: Alpharetta HS, 3595 Webb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Transportation: Commercial Carrier (charter bus)

*No scheduled meals/snacks due to performance timing- please plan accordingly (bring a snack/concessions may be available)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAMBER- 4TH PERIOD

Event: Milton Orchestra Large Group Performance Evaluation Date: Thursday, 3/12/26    

Address: Alpharetta HS, 3595 Webb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Transportation: Private auto (parent/guardian/self)

*EAT DINNER BEFORE YOU ARRIVE!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONCERT- 7TH PERIOD

Event: Milton Orchestra Large Group Performance Evaluation Date: Friday, 3/13/26    

Address: Alpharetta HS, 3595 Webb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Transportation: Commercial Carrier (charter bus)

*No scheduled meals/snacks due to performance timing- please plan accordingly (bring a snack/concessions may be available)