[Touching] Entrance/Exit Songs for Graduation Ceremonies: Classics & the Latest BGM

String Quartet No. 2, Movement III: “Nocturne”Alexander Porfiryevich Borodin

Borodin: String Quartet No. 2: III. Nocturne [Naxos Classical Curation #Romantic]

The third movement of String Quartet No.

2 in D major by Alexander Borodin, a leading composer of 19th-century Russia, was composed in 1881 as a gift to his wife, Ekaterina, and premiered in St.

Petersburg the following year, 1882.

The way the cello’s sweet melody is taken up by the violin is like an intimate conversation.

Serene yet deeply expressive, this piece is perfect for creating a solemn yet warm atmosphere at moments such as the presentation of diplomas or the recessional.

Its gently flowing lines will bring a quiet sense of emotion to the hearts of the departing children and those who watch over them.

Opera ‘Lohengrin’ – Elsa’s Procession to the CathedralRichard Wagner

Wagner: Opera “Lohengrin”: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral (Procession/Entrance) [Naxos Classical Curations #Fantasy]

In August 1850, the opera Lohengrin by the German master Richard Wagner premiered.

Because the composer himself was in exile due to political circumstances, the work was presented on the Weimar stage under the baton of his friend Franz Liszt.

The solemn processional music heard in Act II accompanies the scene in which the bride, Elsa, proceeds to the cathedral.

Rather than dazzling brilliance, it conveys a sense of prayer and dignity with its imposing sonority, weaving rich harmonies and a songlike melody into a leisurely tempo.

Its stately atmosphere makes it perfect for graduation ceremonies as well.

Why not accompany the proud entrance of the graduates with this majestic music?

Song of DepartureNattyPatty

[Children's Song] - Song of Departure - <Kindergartener ver.> / Graduation Song / Graduation Ceremony / Kindergarten / Oldest Class / Graduation

This original song by Natty Patty, who works to share the importance of singing with children, is perfect for graduation ceremonies.

Released for streaming in March 2024, the piece is arranged simply so that preschoolers can sing it easily, and kindergartens and nurseries across Japan have sent many messages saying it helped create a moving ceremony.

The lyrics gently express gratitude for days spent with friends and teachers, as well as feelings for moms and dads, resulting in a piece that warms the heart just by listening.

The catchy melody line by songwriter and composer Takeshi Nakamura is another highlight, making it ideal for a full-class chorus.

In addition to a version tailored for preschoolers, a standard version is also available, so it can be used as BGM for slideshows as well.

Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov

Tadaaki Otaka (conductor) · Tokyo Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra / Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2, Movement III / Orchard Hall Subscription Concert, July 21, 2014

Among the large-scale symphonies by the Russian Romantic composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, the third movement of his Symphony No.

2 is exceptionally beautiful.

Premiered in February 1908, this work became a landmark piece that helped him overcome past harsh criticism and regain his confidence as a composer.

The clarinet’s long-breathed melody seeps into the heart like an endless song, gently embraced by the warm sonorities of the strings.

Played during diploma presentations or recessional scenes, it can create a moving atmosphere befitting the children’s departure on their next journey.

Symphonic Poem “Finlandia”Jean Sibelius

Sibelius: Finlandia (Prom 75)

Composed in 1899, during a period when Finland was under pressure from the Russian Empire, Jean Sibelius’s symphonic poem is a historic piece that expresses resistance to oppression and hope through music.

The weighty brass and low strings at the opening create a sense of tension, which gradually gives way to a powerful rhythm that brings exhilaration.

In the finale, the beauty of the hymn-like melody that rises out of the quiet is breathtaking.

This melody was later given lyrics and has since become beloved worldwide as a choral piece.

At graduation ceremonies, playing it during the procession will envelop the entire venue in a solemn atmosphere and stage the children’s new departure with dramatic effect.

cherry blossomMoriyama Naotaro

Sakura

This song, a massive hit in 2003, is a masterpiece that depicts parting and reunion through the beauty and transience of cherry blossoms.

Naotaro Moriyama’s clear vocals and the simple, piano-centered arrangement resonate deeply with listeners.

The lyrics, which liken cherry blossoms scattering at the very moment they are in full bloom to the turning points of life, evoke both the poignancy of a departure and a forward-looking hope.

Chosen as the ending theme for the MBS/TBS program “Sekai Ururun Taizai-ki,” it sold over one million copies.

In 2019, it was revived with a new arrangement as the theme song for the drama “同期のサクラ” (Synchrony’s Sakura), and it continues to be loved across generations.

Sung at a graduation ceremony—one of life’s important milestones—it will etch memories with friends and a resolve for the future even more deeply.

Kitearashi

ARASHI – Kite [Official Music Video]

A grand message song by Arashi that you’ll want to give to friends setting off on a new chapter.

Like a kite catching the wind and soaring high, it portrays the resolve to move forward despite uncertainty.

There’s a warmth in this song that gently watches over that figure and gives a soft push from behind.

The single “Kite,” released in 2020, was written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu as the “NHK 2020 Song.” It was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” making it beloved across generations.

Parting with friends is lonely, but the sentiment embedded in this work—“we’re connected no matter where we are”—will surely reach their hearts.

If everyone sings it together at a farewell party, it becomes the perfect cheer, powerfully supporting the future of the one setting out.