HHSOM 2024 Graduation and Convocation with Commencement Speaker UGA Alum Ana Abrantes

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music 2024 Commencement and Convocation is Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at the Hodgson Concert Hall of the UGA Performing Arts Center. Tickets are free but are required for entry. If you are in need of tickets, please speak to your graduating graduate or undergraduate student for more details. The commencement ceremony and convocation begins this evening at 6 p.m. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. If you're unable to attend, this event will be streamed below.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER: ANA ABRANTES

Dr. Ana Abrantes, originally from Campos do Jordão, Brazil, holds the esteemed position of Director of Education at the Sphinx Organization. In this role, she oversees the Overture Program, which provides access to music education to elementary school students in Detroit and Flint, as well as the Sphinx Performance Academy, a collaborative summer program with the University of Colorado, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Juilliard School.

Before joining the Sphinx family, Dr. Abrantes distinguished herself as the Curriculum Director for the renowned Heifetz Institute's junior division in Staunton, VA. Additionally, she played a pivotal role as Operations Manager, managing day-to-day operations and coordinating Heifetz On Tour activities throughout the year.

Dr. Abrantes' musical journey spans across the United States and Brazil. She held core positions in orchestras in Mississippi and Georgia. At the University of Georgia, she served as principal cellist of the ARCO Chamber Orchestra, a prestigious ensemble founded by Levon Ambartsumian in 1989. Her performances with ARCO included notable tours through Brazil as well as a feature as a cello soloist in Efrem Podgaits' CD, "String Fairy Tale," released under the Art Classics label.

Dr. Abrantes graduated with Honors from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance. She furthered her education at the University of Georgia, earning a Master of Music in cello performance and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a minor in music theory. Dr. Abrantes lives in Michigan with her husband and fellow UGA-HHSOM alum, Anderson Romero, where they remain committed to fostering excellence and accessibility in music education and performance.

FOR STUDENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

• Students graduating (in cap and gown) and students who will be receiving awards (in business dress) MUST check in at the Music Library starting at 4:45 to get your reader card. This is how we will recognize you at the ceremony so you must have this card.
   
• Everyone should be checked in and ready to participate no later than 5:45. If you will be late, please let us know. Faculty should be here in regalia by 5:45, as well.
   
• The event starts at 6 p.m. If you need tickets or have tickets for guests at Will Call, that opens at 5:15 p.m. It will be open seating and the doors open at 5:30 p.m. Please note that seats will be reserved for graduates, award recipients, and family needing special seating. Please honor these blocked spaces.