Graduation music around the world

As graduating seniors decked out in their caps and gowns walk across the stage to receive diplomas, the moment calls for music matching the emotion of the occasion — something appropriately grand and celebratory, but also upbeat and hopeful.

Pomp and Circumstance

The trio section from Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 is a very common graduation song in the United States. On June 18, the majestic melody will once again serve as the processional for PHS’s graduation, accompanying seniors as they file onto the front lawn to begin the ceremony. Originally composed as part of a series of marches celebrating British imperial power and glory, it was notably performed for the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. The march was later played when Elgar was awarded an honorary doctorate from Yale University. It made such an impression that other universities also began playing it for graduation. Pomp and Circumstance subsequently spread to high schools as it became the tradition it is today.

March from Verdi’s Aida

This bold and triumphant march from Giuseppi Verdi’s opera “Aida” sets the mood for a grand new chapter. In the opera, the piece is played as Egyptian military commander Radames leads the Egyptian army returning from a victorious battle against the Ethiopians. PHS Orchestra plays this piece for the recessional while graduates exit, but its energy has made it a favorite for ceremonies around the world. In the Philippines, it’s traditionally used as the graduation processional and is known as “Martsang Pandangal,” or “honors march.”

Gaudeamus Igitur

Latin for “let us rejoice,” Gaudeamus Igitur is a beloved academic anthem often sung at university graduations in Europe. The lyrics and music for the version sung today date back to the late 18th century, but parts of the song can be traced as far back as the 14th century. Despite its age and Latin text, the song is far from solemn. Its cheery tune combines with lighthearted lyrics that celebrate youth and student life, while reminding graduates to seize the day.

Auld Lang Syne

Most commonly associated with New Year’s Eve, the timeless Scottish folk song never fails to evoke nostalgia and memories of friendship and shared experiences. In Japan, the familiar melody is adapted to different lyrics in “Hotaru no Hikari,” meaning “glow of a firefly,” and is played as a farewell to the graduating classes.

Come graduation day, these tunes will mark the closing of this chapter of this year’s seniors’ high school experience. Once the music fades, a new piece begins as seniors embark on the next stage of their lives.