News From Britt Hill – November 2018

Ever since the smoke rolled in on July 16, 2018, your Britt team has been busy making plans on how we will deal with the new “norm” during the 2019 Orchestra Season and beyond.

Thanks to the strong partnership between Medford Public School District and Britt Music and Arts Festival, your Britt Festival Orchestra will perform every program next season, smoke or no smoke. We have secured the North Medford High School Auditorium (NMHS) for the 2019 Britt Festival Orchestra, just in case we need it.

Furthermore, we will have the stage set-up simultaneously at both venues throughout the entire three-week festival. Chairs and music stands will grace both stages. Unlike this year, Maestro Abrams will be able to determine the venue as needed and the Britt team will be prepared to facilitate the move on a moment’s notice. Planning for the 2019 season is well underway and is shaping up to be spectacular. The concerts will offer repertoire that can be performed on or off the Hill—Jacksonville or Medford!

So, you might ask, what happens if I purchase reserved tickets to the 2019 Britt Festival Orchestra season and we have to move one or more concerts to NMHS? In that event, we have no choice but to move to NMHS. There will be three lines for patrons: the 1st line will be for reserved seat holders and will be seated first, the 2nd line will be for paid lawn ticket holders and will be seated second, and the 3rd line will be for all complimentary ticket holders and will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. These lines will be processed in 15-minute intervals. The only concert that this might present a challenge for is the pops concert. Do not worry! In the event that we have to move into NMHS, we will repeat the pops concert to make sure everyone has a chance to attend the performance.

Keep in mind: we hope that we do not need to implement this plan. However, we learned a lot this summer and want to be prepared for what could be another smoky summer. Flexibility, preparedness and good cheer will ensure another successful orchestra season. No matter what the conditions, your Britt Festival Orchestra can perform its magic anywhere!

Are you asking yourself about the long-term fix? We certainly are. That is why Teddy Abrams is coming back for a previously unscheduled trip. The Britt Board of Director’s and staff leadership will be meeting with Teddy in November to discuss long-term solutions. Nothing is off the table. Just know that your Britt Festival Orchestra is planning for a vibrant and viable future well beyond 2019. Stay tuned!