Aloha Everyone,
The Music in the Air is a semi-annual outdoor concert presented by the Music Department of Millikan High School. Located in the Long Beach School district, Millikan High is one of the magnet schools emphasizing smaller learning communities (SLCs) designed to promote academic excellence, personal integrity, and essential life skills. Out of the three specialized programs, Sean, the oldest son of my niece, Jennifer, is enrolled in COMPASS (Community of Musicians, Performers, Artists, and Social Scientists). Among the 3,816 total students in grades 9-12, 600 of them are enrolled in music programs.
The event began at 4:15 pm and ended promptly at 6:45 pm. All 14 groups, including marching band & color guard, bands, vocal ensemble, orchestras and choirs presented short selections.
Well organized and family-oriented, we estimated that there were more than 1,000 family and friends. My sister had lawn chairs for each of us. Others spectators sat on blankets or backpacks munching food eager to catch a glimpse of their love ones on stage.
There was a $5 entrance fee per individual and typical outdoor event food such as hot dog, nacho, French fries with chili con carne, soda and water were selling briskly. J.J. bought me a pastrami sandwich which I shared with my niece Jennifer. The money raised goes to the music department. The night air was balmy; music was enjoyable. It was a very pleasant evening.
Aloha -- Cathi