Pomp and Circumstance

Pomp and Circumstance…again. Graduation season is upon us and that means a whole lot of graduation ceremonies. Bands across the US are working hard to make a good impression at their graduation events.

I’ve played in graduation bands and I’ve directed graduation bands. It’s a brutal exercise for a musician.

Marathoning

Everyone expects to hear Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance while the kiddos walk in. But, few people realize how tough it is for the band kids.

It’s a musical marathon.

When I worked for TKA we used to specifically train for Pomp and Circumstance. I’d start the music and make them repeat it for several minutes. We’d take a few minutes off and then do the same thing until I had them completely exhausted.

We played prelude music as well. So, the kids played for several minutes before Pomp and Circumstance began.

I played in a graduation band at James Madison. Dr. Rooney had us play Procession of the Nobles. I loved the piece, but the repetition was brutal. I tag teamed the parts with the guy next to me.

Work

Band kids are working while everyone else is celebrating. They’re providing the soundtrack!

Moms, Dads, Grandparents, neighbors, etc are recording the kids while they walk down the aisle and the band’s performance is the soundtrack!

It better be great!

And…who is setting up the band chairs and music stands? Who’s taking them down? How are the large instruments getting to the venue?

…The band kids, parents and director.

Some band kids want to celebrate with their friends, but they can’t do that with a trumpet on their face.

They’re working!

Recordings

Many schools have switched to recordings of Pomp and Circumstance. I’m glad that Somerset Canyons uses a recording.

I’d rather have live performances, but the juice of a live performance isn’t worth the squeeze that it takes to make this performance a positive experience for everyone.