<p>I was going to post this in the Cafe, under the "So How was graduation?" thread. But decided it belonged on the music forum instead. So I'll start a new thread here for music graduations. I'm a bit brain dead at the moment, and can't remember how many others might be graduating this year.</p>
<p>We just got back today from S2's graduation in NYC. We had a wonderful 3 days - Wednesday was the commencement concert, Thursday we helped S2 pack up his room, then went to see "Gypsy" and got Patti Lupone's autograph (have to support those Juilliard grads!). Friday morning was commencement. Friday afternoon and evening we walked to Brooklyn (via the bridge) - fabulous weather and beautiful pictures. (Which, to my family's chagrin, is how I rate my travels - on how many pictures I can take.)</p>
<p>S2 has had a couple of hectic months - one thing after another. The search for a new horn, various stressful events like auditions and finals, the search for a new apartment for next year.... He's not done yet. After H & I left today, S2 spent the day in rehearsals, and dealing with apartment rental contract details. We talked to him tonight and it's the first he's really sounded happy and relaxed. Rehearsals done, apartment settled (we hope), and he leaves Monday for a 10-day orchestra tour of China. </p>
<p>Thursday night (while H & I were at Gypsy) S2 went to Philly to try out a new horn. He came home with it, and will continue testing it after he comes back from his trip. We are hopeful that this is one more thing he can cross off his list!</p>
<p>He says he doesn't really feel graduated, since he's going back there next fall. But the ceremony was nice (except they ran out of food at the reception really early, and many people, including us, never got any!) Pl</p>
<p>Wassamatta, you no can understand Placido? </p>
<p>Congrats to all of you, especially your S. The reception food scenario can be frightening. Either you behave with a bit of decorum, hang back and wait in line and hope to get a morsel or else swoop in with the rest of the locusts in the initial swarm. We usually don't even bother, unless we have D with us. She can swarm with the best of 'em, carry three plates and moves so fast very few can compete with her plate filling abilities. </p>
<p>Didn't realize S had to change apartments. I do hope the new horn works out for him, and this China trip does not turn into a repeat of last year's Korean fiasco. I trust the All Controlling Entity is not involved this time.</p>
<p>Congratulations to Binxson. What a wonderful time (yes busy...but terrific)!! I'm so glad the graduation was great. Just FYI...they ran out of food at the Music graduation ceremony last year at BU also...too many people, too small a room, and to be honest, punch and cookies were not what we wanted anyway. I think the only ones who got the cookies were younger siblings (and there were plenty of those) who were able to brave the crowd to get to the table.</p>
<p>Looking forward to hearing about the China trip and MAW...and the new horn!!!!</p>
<p>Thanks, both. I don't get the food shortage -- they knew exactly how many tickets were issued! It was in the park behind Lincoln Center - plenty of room. After all the money I've given them over the past 4 years, you'd think they could at least save me a sandwich! I did get a couple cookies and a drink, though. </p>
<p>Violadad - S2 was back in the dorm this year, but decided he wanted to be out for grad school. </p>
<p>The All Controlling Entity will not be involved in this trip. She is a pianist, and to my knowledge, is not included. It's an interesting time to be going to China, and I am hoping and praying all goes well. However, strange things happen when S2 travels, so we will be holding our collective breath for the next 10 days.</p>
<p>Congrats on the graduation. I was not able to get to my son's Eastman graduation 2 years ago - too many family conflicts - but hubby made it. It is exciting to see what the next chapter brings.</p>
<p>So far, so good-- Juilliard set up a travel blog, which says they have arrived. S also sent a brief email via his PDA. We are always relieved when his flights are uneventful!</p>