While the school's last four graduations were at the 15,000-seat amphitheater, the class of '96 learned in March from Irvine Meadows that there was a scheduling conflict this year.

        "The kids were very disappointed at first, but no one ever said they didn't understand," said Keith Sims, activities director for the high school.

        "A Grammy Award winner is coming to town," he said. "We were booked with the understanding that this was always a possibility if a big act came through."

        After searching for sites in Orange County that could accommodate 467 graduating seniors, their families, friends and school officials, El Toro settled on three possibilities: the Bren Center, the stadium at Trabuco Hills High School and the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

        The class voted overwhelmingly for the Bren Center, which can accommodate more than 5,000.