As thousands of American teens make the walk across a graduation stage this month, one thing is certain: “Pomp and Circumstance” will be played. The marching song prompts instant recognition for many Americans, who have been hearing it played at graduations of all kinds as far back as the early 1900s.

What is it called when graduates march in?

As thousands of American teens make the walk across a graduation stage this month, one thing is certain: “Pomp and Circumstance” will be played. The marching song prompts instant recognition for many Americans, who have been hearing it played at graduations of all kinds as far back as the early 1900s.

What is a processional in graduation?

An academic procession is a traditional ceremony in which university dignitaries march together wearing traditional academic dress. An academic procession forms a usual part of college and university graduation exercises.

Who leads the graduation procession?

Academic Procession in General In some institutions, the procession is led by a mace bearer, in others by the chief marshal. Either may be followed by a color guard. On some occasions the colors are displayed on the stage and are not moved during the ceremony.

Who do you shake hands with at graduation?

Take the diploma with your left hand and shake the presenter’s hand with your right. Once you approach the presenter, reach out with your left hand to take your diploma. As the presenter hands you the diploma, reach with your right hand to shake hands.

Why is it called Pomp and Circumstance?

Sir Edward Elgar composed Pomp and Circumstance — the title comes from a line in Shakespeare’s Othello (“Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war!”) — in 1901. But it wasn’t originally intended for graduations. Elgar’s march was used for the coronation of King Edward VII.

Why does every graduation play Pomp and Circumstance?

She noted that there are reasons for the cultural foothold of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Its “regal melody, warm tone colors, and stately… tempo” set an “emotional tone,” she writes. It has been used for graduations for a long time. It’s been used so long that everybody knows what to expect when they hear it.

What do you call graduation ceremony?

The graduation ceremony is also sometimes called: commencement, convocation or invocation.

Why do they throw hats at graduation?

During the ceremony, the soon-to-be Navy officers were handed their Navy officer hats. This started the tradition at the US Naval Academy for every graduating class to symbolize the shedding of their midshipmen titles and preparing themselves for the role of Navy officer.

What are the parts of a graduation ceremony?

Order of the Ceremony

  • Processional – Pomp and Circumstance.
  • Presentation of the Colors – The National Anthem.
  • Greetings from the President.
  • Greetings from the Board of Trustees.
  • Introduction of the Graduating Class Representative.
  • Student Speaker Address.
  • Introduction of the Guest Speaker.
  • Commencement Address.

What’s the difference between baccalaureate and commencement?

Unlike the massive commencement exercises held in stadiums or arenas, baccalaureate ceremonies offer a quieter, more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect on this rite of passage, hear a keynote speaker, a faculty member and student speakers offer advice to the graduating class and enjoy students’ musical talents.

Who sits on the stage at high school graduation?

Parents, friends, and teachers are usually seated in designated areas prior to the time scheduled for the ceremony to begin. School officials are typically assembled on a stage in front of the assembled guests, and special seating is reserved for the graduates between the stage and the audience.

What do you say when presenting a diploma?

This would consist of:

  1. Name of document.
  2. School name.
  3. Name of student.
  4. Wording that explains purpose of document.
  5. Signature, line on which to sign with title of person signing.
  6. Date line with date filled in.
  7. Engraved school seal, usually at bottom left, right or center.