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SelectionsforGraduation: Sendingthemoffona positivenote

It’s that time of year again when we must plan for the musical finale of the school year—graduation. Whether you are looking for a simple choral piece, a large work for choir and symphony, or a great piece of appropriate band literature, many choices abound. The following list represents a quick search of online resources plus selections from my personal commencement experiences over the past 25 years.

This list is far from comprehensive, so for future publication, I’d appreciate your sending me any selections I should add.

Choral:

“And So It Goes,” Arr. Bob Chilcott, Hal Leonard

“Choose Something Like a Star,” Randall Thompson, ECS Publishing

“Flying Free,” Don Besig, Shawnee Press

“Homeward Bound,” Jay Althouse, Alfred

“I Will Remember You,” Arr. Mac Huff, Hal Leonard

“Laurie’s Song from ‘Tenderland,’” Aaron Copland, Boosey & Hawkes

“Leave No Sung Unsung,” Linda Spevacek, Heritage Music Press

“Lonesome Road,” James Taylor, Shawnee Press

“Peace I Leave with You,” Rene Clausen, Mark Foster

“Road Not Taken,” Rene Clausen, Mark Foster

“The Road Home,” Stephen Paulus, Paulus Publications

“The Road Not Taken,” Randall Thompson, ECS Publishing

“The Wish,” Audrey Snyder, Hal Leonard

“Things That Never Die,” Lee Dengler, Shawnee Press

“You and the Song,” Ben Allaway, Santa Barbara

“You are the New Day,” Arr. Knight, Warner Brothers

Instrumental/combined:

“Pomp and Circumstance,” Elgar: Traditional favorite that can be found in most libraries. Many different arrangements are available, some with a “Fanfare and Processional” on one side and “Fanfare and Recessional” on the other.

The school alma mater (if they have one): Adds a sentimental touch to the ceremony.

“Sine Nomine,” Alfred Reed: Great piece that is approachable by most groups. It has many “fall back” points for repeats that make it easier to coordinate with the number of graduates (idea respectfully borrowed from Dave Becker).

“Earl of Oxford Marche,” William Byrd: Can be repeated as many times as necessary to march grads in or out (also borrowed from Dave Becker).

“Battle Hymn of the Republic,” Wilhousky: Works well for all combinations of wind ensemble, orchestra, and choir. We use this every year and have a speaker recite The Gettysburg Address during the first section.

“America the Beautiful,” Arr. Carmen Dragon: Crowd pleasing arrangement with a big finish. There is more meat in the arrangement for instrumentalists than for singers.