Day-of Personnel Task Guides: Name Reader / Backup Name Reader
Live Ceremony Name Readers
Live ceremony name readers typically have some control over the on-stage timing. If they observe a bottleneck at the handshake area, they can briefly pause before reading the next name. They can also coordinate with the student marshal to ensure graduates are released at the appropriate intervals.
MarchingOrder can assist live readers prior to the ceremony as well. By adding a name reader as an administrator on the MarchingOrder website, they can review graduate submitted name recordings and phonetics to become familiar with the names in advance.
Backup Name Readers (ProNounce Ceremonies Only)
If you are using ProNounce for your ceremony, most graduate names are pre-recorded before the event. As each graduate is scanned, their name is added to the MarchingOrder software to be played as they cross the stage.
However, graduates who did not register before the deadline may not have a pre-recorded name and must be announced live. To manage this, these graduates will receive a blank graduate card upon arrival at the ceremony. These blank cards are printed in a distinct color, typically gold, to ensure that the on-stage staff can easily identify graduates who need to be announced live as they approach the stage.
It is important that name readers coordinate with the card scanner and student marshal to ensure a seamless handoff for graduates that are live read. There are several ways to do this, but most often:
- The card scanner signals that a live read is needed when they see a blank card.
As the graduate approaches, the student marshal collects the blank card from the graduate and hands it to the name reader. - The backup name reader takes their place at the podium and uses the blank card to announce the graduate. Please note that the backup name reader can be seated or standing, provided they have quick access to a live microphone.
Two-Line Ceremonies
In two-line ceremonies, name readers must work together to develop a consistent pace for the best stage flow. It helps to create a cadence – e.g., both readers agree to pause for one second after the other has finished reading a name. It helps to practice alternating between graduates during a rehearsal prior to the ceremony.