The pink music honor cord is worn at graduation recognizing your dedication and achievement in music.
Why pink? Pink is the universal color for music in graduation cords. It shows that you’ve been a committed, contributing member of your ensemble throughout high school.
It’s more than just a cord. It’s a symbol that says:
You stuck with something meaningful for four years.
You showed up, performed, and grew as a musician and teammate.
You went above and beyond by participating in extra opportunities and making music a real part of your high school experience.
Wearing the pink cord at graduation tells your classmates, teachers, and family: 🎶 "I earned this."
To be eligible for an honor cord at graduation, students must meet all of the following:
Be a member in Orchestra or Guitar Ensemble for all four years, including senior year.
Be in good standing — this means:
No unexcused absences from rehearsals or performances.
Fulfilling all daily participation and playing quiz expectations.
No disciplinary infractions related to this class.
Maintain an A or B average in Orchestra or Guitar class each 9-week grading period.
Earn 10 points from optional extra events listed below over your high school career.
🎯 1 Point Events
CRO / SRO / District Band audition*Â
All-State audition (VGE / AVO / AVB)*
Solo & Ensemble (Grades 1–2)**
Fiddle Fest participant
Rapid Fire national anthem orchestra (½ point per performance)
Volunteer stage crew or musician at Robious MS or Providence MS concert (1 point per concert)
Volunteer as a musician at:
International Night
Asian Heritage Night
Baccalaureate
Rapids on the Rise (8th Grade Night)
Freshmen Orientation
Other school-sponsored cultural events
🎯 2 Point Events
ACO / ACG participant
CRO / JRO / SRO participant***
ARGE participant (All-Regional Guitar)
District Band participant*** (bass only)
Solo & Ensemble (Grades 3–6)**
University Honor Orchestra (Longwood, VT, WVU, etc.)
Kings Dominion Festival (beginning 2025; must attend both required rehearsals in full)
🎯 3 Point Events
Participate in school musical as pit musician, actor, or stage crew (must attend all required rehearsals and performances)
VCU Community Guitar Ensemble (advanced seniors only; must attend all rehearsals and performances)
All-State participant (VGE / AVO / AVB)**
Youth Symphony (must attend all rehearsals and performances)
JMU Spring String Thing
Weeklong summer music camp (attendee or volunteer)
You earn points each time you participate in an event.
For example, if you do All-County Orchestra in both 11th and 12th grade, you’ll earn 2 points each year—for a total of 4 points.Â
* You must be fully prepared for auditions, but you do not need to be accepted to earn points.
** Solo & Ensemble credit is awarded based on level:
Grades 1–2 = 1 point
Grades 3–6 = 2 points
Both solo and ensemble (duet, trio, quartet, etc.) count. Superior rating is not required; however, you must be fully prepared to receive credit.
*** To receive points, students must be selected by audition and participate fully.
Additional events not listed above may be worth points. Please see the director to confirm eligibility.Â
APPLICATION LINK (seniors only)