Photo by Shannon Van Dyke
Why is “Pomp and Circumstance” the sonic representation of the graduation rite of passage? We explore the enduring legacy of this iconic song and the profound role music plays in our rituals, including this ceremony that marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new stage of life (for both the graduates AND their parents). Music accompanies us through every stage of life, weaving a tapestry of memories and emotions that enrich our human experience.
I’m Mindy Peterson, host of Enhance Life with Music podcast, where we explore the ways music makes our lives better. And this is Microhance, a micro-dose of musical enhancement.
It is that time of year. My daughter just graduated from college, and my husband Ian and I traveled to Florida for the occasion. As I anticipated the ceremony, experienced the ceremony, and reflected back on the ceremony, one thing was front and center: the sound of the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, by Sir Edward Elgar. This iconic piece has become synonymous with American graduation ceremonies, and I can’t imagine a graduation without this song, whether it’s a high school graduation, college, or even preschool graduation. Why is this?
It’s partly the melody itself. Its regal tempo evokes a sense of accomplishment and anticipation as graduates march solemnly toward their future. Its majestic strains reinforce equally the solemnity, triumph, and nostalgia of graduation rites. It is the perfect sound track for a ceremony that marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new stage of life – for both the graduates AND their parents.
But in addition to the melody itself, the ritual that has become infused in this song’s representation of graduation has made it a thread that binds generations together. For over a century, graduates have marched to its rhythm, creating a continuum that spans time and space. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all part of a shared human journey, marked by milestones and achievements celebrated through music. Music unites us in moments of joy, sorrow, and reflection; and facilitates the processing of these emotions and life events.
So, the next time you find yourself at a graduation ceremony, take a moment to recognize, in the majestic chords of this song, that you’re hearing not just a song but a symphony of shared history and aspirations, a reminder that music accompanies us through every stage of life, weaving a tapestry of memories and emotions that enrich our human experience. I’ll put some pictures in the show notes of Ian and me with our daughter Adrienne at last week’s graduation.
If you’d like to read about the history of this Trio from Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D,” you’ll find a link in the show notes. One tidbit I can’t resist sharing is that this American tradition began in 1905 when the song was played at Yale’s graduation ceremony, where Edgar was awarded an honorary doctorate in music.
And if you would like to hear about the ways music provided the scaffolding for American pioneers to retain their rituals and memories from home – and even facilitate diplomacy – as they ventured west, I’ll put a link in the show notes to Ep. 134 on how music shaped the exploration and settling of America’s west.
If there’s a song that you find synonymous with a certain ritual or milestone moment, I would love to hear about it. You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
In the meantime, congratulations to all graduating seniors – and the parents and teachers and other supporters who got them there.
I’m Mindy Peterson, and I hope this inspires you to enhance your life with music.
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