Processional music on the piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies
Are you unsure which song would be suitable for the entrance music at a graduation ceremony? The entrance scene that highlights the children’s big moment is a crucial part that sets the tone for the entire event.
Whether you want to create a warm atmosphere with a piano performance or send them off in a festive way with bright J-pop melodies, the choice of music can dramatically change the mood of the venue.
Here, we’ll introduce entrance songs that are perfect for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies.
We’ve gathered songs that are both moving and uplifting, so please use this as a reference when selecting your music!
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Entrance Songs on Piano! A Collection of Perfect Ideas for Nursery and Kindergarten Graduation Ceremonies (11–20)
Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Second MovementAntonín Dvořák
A moving, beautiful melody by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.
The English horn theme, played at a gentle tempo, resonates deeply with listeners.
Composed based on his experiences in America, the work expresses both wonder at a new world and nostalgia for his homeland.
Since its premiere in New York in December 1893, it has continued to be loved by many.
Its nostalgic melody is widely used in films, television programs, and commercials, and in Japan it is also included in music textbooks.
The calm, soothing tune is perfect for processional music at kindergarten graduation ceremonies as well.
When I Become a First GraderSakushi: Mado Michio / Sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naosumi
Written by poet Michio Mado with music by Naotsugu Yamamoto, “Ichinensei ni Nattara” (“When I Become a First Grader”) is a classic that captures children’s positivity and anticipation.
Since its release in 1966, it has been sung at many preschool graduation and school entrance ceremonies, and it continues to be loved by children without losing its charm.
Its gentle, comforting melody gives a soft push to little shoulders and warmly celebrates a new beginning.
Highly recommended as a processional piece for graduation ceremonies—let this song add a bright flourish to the first steps of children who have grown so much.
rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko-san / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
Niji, created by the duo Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a classic that conveys warmth and hope.
Among the many preschool graduation songs, it’s one I especially recommend, and it has often been chosen as the entrance music for graduation ceremonies.
Born alongside the start of their series in Ongaku Hiroba in 1987, its gentle, companionable melody and lyrics that express hope for the future support children as they take their first steps toward tomorrow at this major milestone.
Beloved across generations, Niji will become an unforgettable page of memories for these young graduates.
majestic and dignifiedEdward Elgar
Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” is a perfect piece for a preschool graduation ceremony.
Composed in 1901, its powerful yet warm melody splendidly highlights the children’s new beginning.
In particular, March No.
1 is filled with grandeur and benevolence, resonating deeply with listeners.
Played on the piano, it would make a moving processional, gently encouraging the children as they walk in.
Why not offer Elgar’s richly expressive “Pomp and Circumstance” to mark this important milestone?
We Look Up to You with RespectSakkyokusha fumei
This is a traditional song that has been sung for many years at Japanese graduation ceremonies.
It is originally based on an American tune and was popularized in Japan by Shuji Izawa, who worked for the Ministry of Education’s Music Investigation Committee.
The lyrics, in which graduates express gratitude to their teachers, bid farewell to friends, and declare their resolve for a new life, are particularly memorable.
Its gentle, sentimental melody helps create the moving atmosphere of a graduation ceremony.
The song has three verses, each conveying the feelings of the graduates.
It also includes expressions that reflect classical language and the values of the time, giving it a timeless appeal that continues to be loved across generations.
It is often performed as a processional piece at kindergarten graduation ceremonies as well, making it a perfect song to celebrate children setting off on a new path.
Light of FirefliesSukottorando min’yō
It’s a song everyone knows.
Since it was included in the Shogaku Shoka-shu (Elementary School Song Collection) edited in Japan in 1881, it has continued to be sung at graduation ceremonies and farewells.
The original tune is the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne.” The Japanese lyrics were written by Chie Inagaki.
They depict studying by the light of fireflies and snow shining through the window, parting from friends, and setting out on a new path.
While the first and second verses are widely known, the third and fourth are seldom sung.
Performed as a processional at a kindergarten graduation, it would be a wonderful choice to celebrate the children’s growth and support their next step!
Processional music on piano! A collection of perfect ideas for nursery and kindergarten graduation ceremonies (21–30)
The Root of the HeartLyrics/Music: Minami Yume
Composed by Yume Minami, who has experience as a nursery teacher and kindergarten teacher, this song has been passed down and sung at many schools as a graduation ceremony staple.
Since its inclusion in the June 2011 album “Songs to Cheer on Moms — I’m Glad I Became a Mom,” it has been cherished as a song that watches over children’s growth.
The word “root” in the title symbolizes the invisible foundation that is nurtured little by little in everyday life.
When we notice how much the children have grown before we knew it, the gentle melody reminds us that those small accumulations have become an irreplaceable treasure.
Its message resonates deeply not only with the children themselves but also with the adults seeing them off, often bringing tears to both parents and kids.
It’s a perfect choice for those who want to color the entrance scene with the warm sound of the piano or share the joy of growth at the milestone of graduation from kindergarten.