Music and Rites
High School Graduation
For my blog, I chose to discuss music and rites; in particular, I chose to discuss music in a high school graduation. The reason I chose high school graduation is because it is both something I have experienced and a rite of passage into the world. Graduation is when young adults reflect back on the times they had, look forward to the future, and go out into the world on their own for the first time. The music that is used in graduation ceremonies is full of nostalgia, love, excitement, hope, and a tinge of sadness.
My graduation included various styles and genres of music, including songs that exhibit the emotions I previously stated. One of the songs that was played at my graduation was "Whenever You Remember," by Carrie Underwood. This song was played at the beginning before the ceremony began and it served to set the mood of the ceremony. The purpose of playing this song at the beginning was not just to fill the silence, but it was to put everyone in a nostalgic mood and prepare them for not only the ceremony, but everything after the ceremony as well. Also, this song talks about how even though people may drift apart they will always have a special place in your heart. Another song that was played is "100 Years," by Five For Fighting. "100 Years" is about how quickly life goes by and how you should live it to the fullest. The purpose of playing this song before the ceremony would be to prepare the students for what the rest of their lives is going to be like, and by that I mean that it will show them that they need to hold on to each and every moment, because there are only so many moments in your life. Another, fairly popular song that was played at my graduation was the "Pomp and Circumstance," by Edward Elgar. The "Pomp and Circumstance" was played as the precessional, as it is in most graduation ceremonies, and it is a very confident sounding piece. This song is very dramatic and fairly upbeat, so it works perfectly to lead the graduates onto the field.
Graduation ceremonies each have their own music, but almost every high school graduation plays "Pomp and Circumstance" as the precessional. Most of the music that was played before the ceremony and before the "Pomp and Circumstance" were songs from the 21st century, although there were some songs from the 80's and 90' s. All of the music before the ceremony was vocal with accompaniment and all of the music was respectful. Even though most of the music was serious there were songs that were played that were fun dance songs to allow to people relax during an otherwise serious, structured ceremony. The "Pomp and Circumstance" was different from all of the other songs that were played in the sense that it was instrumental, very old (written in 1901), and it is used in many graduation ceremonies. The expectation in graduation music is that it is respectful, nostalgic, modern, well known, and varied in style. My experience of the expected performing styles at a high school graduation fits into what I just previously stated. Music at a graduation ceremony is meant to provoke emotions of joy, sadness, and nostalgia, while also creating a serious atmosphere to honor the accomplishments the students have achieved during their years of hard work.
"Whenever You Remember," by Carrie Underwood.
Tanner- this was a great music and rites article! I didn't even think about the importance of music in graduation settings! There are some very typical pieces played especially for graduation ceremonies like the "Pomp and Circumstance" you mentioned. Also, the songs you included that were in your own graduation ceremony were beautiful! I hadn't heard either one before but I could imagine how it set the emotion and feeling for that celebratory and nostalgic evening. Great work!
ReplyDeleteI love Pomp and Circumstance because even though it's confident and upbeat like you mentioned, it still feels reverent. It allows you to feel excited about what's happening but makes sure that the weight of the moment isn't lost on you. I'm not familiar with the other songs you shared but I like them! I missed out on a proper highschool graduation but the ones I've attended used different music. All the songs were carefully curated to create similar atmospheres. Graduation is definitely a music-heavy rite of passage.
ReplyDeleteWe had a similar setting for my Highschool Graduation. They would make a slideshow right before Graduation and it would be pictures of the seniors from freshman year all the way up to senior year. I want to say that Carrie Underwood song was played also.. it is definitely familiar. Reading your blog made me super excited for graduation this May! So yes I 100% agree with you on all of the feelings you described with the nostalgia and excitement! I had never heard the 5 for Fighting, but thats a really nice song to tie into the blog.
ReplyDeleteI am really glad that you decided to touch on graduation because the music really does impact everyone in that moment and it is something that sticks with you. Funny enough they did not play "Pomp and Circumstance" at my graduation. Music at these events through our lives does indeed make us all feel a little nostalgic like you said. I specifically remember one of my friends who seemed to not care too much about graduation balling his eyes out as we all processed in and sat down.
ReplyDeleteIve always loved Pomp and Circumstance. It is something i did not know i knew so well especially by name. But when i graduated i seemed to know the entire thing by heart. Which i think is really cool. Something very reverent that shows us gratitude for our achievements , but allows us to still have an upbeat tune in the back of our ears. Great post !
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you mentioned Graduations! I've been feeling slightly nostalgic with Graduation season coming up. I know when I graduated High School, the music played was performed by a small ensemble from the orchestra. As seniors you get to pick out a song when you walk, so I chose 'How Far I'll Go" from the Moana Soundtrack. I think having music like this played gives you a way to remember the moment as you move on in life.
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