One of my favorite parts of being in high school show choir was singing at graduation every year. It was always a little bittersweet, especially the year I graduated, but I loved it. I’m not in school anymore, obviously, but I still get to sing at my students’ graduation.
Every May, one of my job duties at The Hope Institute is choosing and performing a graduation song. In years past, I’ve sung In My Life, Seasons of Love, You Raise Me Up and For Good. It’s always a big decision, and this year I’m a little stuck.
So far, here are the front-runners:
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” the Israel Kamakawiwo’ole version
- “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
- “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
I know most of these are a bit dated, but I’m keeping in mind who the graduates are as well as the audience. So this is where I need your help: what options am I missing?! I’d really like to do something more current, however, I’m at a bit of a loss for ideas.
Please leave a comment with your ideas and input!
I remember when we “graduated” from elementary school they played “River of Dreams,” by Billy Joel. It’s really a great one for that, though obviously dated. And I personally LOVE that version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” it’s amazing.
I realize this is slightly off subject, but you brought to mind a slide show that my clinic always does during our Christmas Program (the one time our clients get to “perform” for people), and each year I find a song that I don’t think could be better. SO, I’m always challenged with coming up with one. The first year I used “Thank You For the Music,” ABBA. The second year I used “Sing A Song,” The Carpenters. Last year I used “Let There Be Light” by Andrew Peterson. Even if you don’t need it, you MUST look it up and listen to the words. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house! I think this year I may do “Your Song,” inspired by my recent attendance at an Elton John concert. But, I digress. Good luck!
Hi Jessica – thanks for the feedback! I love “River of Dreams” no matter how dated, and also “Thank You for the Music” (Mamma Mia is one of my fave musicals) and “Sing a Song” (Karen Carpenter has the best voice ever, in my opinion). But I am not familiar with “Let There Be Light” so I will definitely be looking it up. “Your Song” is fabulous, too – reminds me of Moulin Rouge :)
How about “The Prayer,” either the Celine Dion/Andrea Bocelli version or Celine Dion/Josh Groban version?
Ooh, love that song – thanks, Heath! I’ve sung it at many a wedding, but not considered it for graduation.
Personally, I’m a big fan of both “Over the Rainbow” and “My Wish”. Another to consider is “I Hope You Dance” by LeAnn Womak.
For our graduation, we form a student choir and have the students perform for their peers. The past few years we’ve used a song called “Friends Are Like Diamonds” but one of the parapros found it and I’m not sure who it is by.
I almost added “I Hope You Dance” to the list, Kellee! I’ve not heard the “Friends” song but I’ll look it up :) Thanks!
Ooh that just brought to mind “Friends” by Michael W. Smith. “Back in the day,” I went to his concert. Lol Not sure if I should brag on that or not, but it was good!
We’re doing a cover of “Joy To The World” by 3 dog night for our Transition Learning Academy graudation in June. We changed the chorus a little by singing “joy to the students at UCP, joy to you and me!” Some of the students are even playing piano and guitar, and we have a soloist who helped rewrite the verses to something more applicable to graduation. The rest of the students are singing and signing with the chorus. It is really coming together and I’m so excited for their “performance” on graduation!
That is TOO COOL, Amber! What a great idea. Good luck – I’m sure everyone will love it!
Hey Rachel!
Here’s a website with lots of songs mentioned on it. There are several of the ones you already listed and some additional ones as well!
http://celestinechua.com/blog/inspirational-songs/
Hey thanks Amanda!!!
“Good Life” OneRepublic….you could adapt the verses to make it more personal for your students/school :)
Nice!!! Now that would be fun. Thanks Lexie :)
Rachel, I work with students pre-k through 12th grade with special needs, and I once had a middle school teacher ask me to help prepare her students for a little middle school graduation ceremony. She really loved (and recommended) a song from the movie “Brother Bear,” called “On My Way,” by Phil Collins. It’s very cute but dependent on the age you may be working with. Could be really great for some instrument time or solos, and it even has a little whistling part. But the lyrics are great and talk about being “on my way,” to bigger and better things, to meet new people and experience new things. It has a great beat to it, which we used to incorporate some tambourines in an instrumental part. Good Luck!
Hi Rachel,
My students at the Learning Center I work at have performed both My Wish and Good Riddance at graduation. Another one we’ve done is World’s Greatest by R. Kelly using sign language.
try lea salonga’s song journey.. link: ►►
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP8gAUf9w2E