Piece of music for a graduation...

[perfect_pitch]

I have a piano student who is about AMEB Grade 7 level... not a great student in terms of practicing, but the school board has asked him to play something nice at his Graduation ceremony in a years time.

Fun question is I don't know what would make a good piece for a graduation ceremony. Any ideas?

I thought about playing Pomp and Circumstance, but that might be a little cliche... maybe...

[dogperson]

Not sure if you mean for processional? or for somewhere else in the ceremony 
Clementi Op 36  no 5,
 Rondo

A Moment Like This
https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0076201

In My Life- Beatles 
https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0062538

[pianoplunker]

I have a piano student who is about AMEB Grade 7 level... not a great student in terms of practicing, but the school board has asked him to play something nice at his Graduation ceremony in a years time.

Fun question is I don't know what would make a good piece for a graduation ceremony. Any ideas?

I thought about playing Pomp and Circumstance, but that might be a little cliche... maybe...

I dont think the music would need to be specific to graduation.  People will appreciate the students playing regardless of the music choice. Pomp and Circumstance is the standard but might not work out if the school band is playing it and did not put a spot for piano. In my mind the piano only will work with an arrangement of big chords and parallel octaves. It is not cliche, might want to learn it anyhow.  Not knowing anything about the school or the the music the students listen to, maybe a duet with singer doing an arrangement of an Adele song or some other type of pop ballade.

[visitor]

this is a really effective concert transcriptions and ive read through this  several timea including recently as a side piece, feels approrpriate in a variety of scenarios because
1. Its a prelude, so good as an opener, processional, or interlude
2. The 2nd half of the piece is where the magic happens with the overture, it has a pomp and circumstance feel, ive seen it used in wedding though not this version, this is by far one of the most effective, and the pianistic devices are pretty standard and not too far off from and early advanced level
3. Iconic so likely a hit w younger crowds and older too for nostalgic reasons
4. With a prelude and an opus 1 on title for this opera set works well on programs
5.  In print and easily obtained

[perfect_pitch]

Well visitor... it is a nice piece, and definitely gives a the ceremony splendour. Not sure if he's good enough to play it though... some of the faster runs might give him a worry - but something to think about for sure.

And no, the piece isn't for a particular part of the ceremony, but more just a solo performance. Nevertheless, I think the student needs the music to fit the occasion.

I mean, you can't just play 'We will rock you' or anything like that...

[quantum]

Take a look at wedding compilation books.  There are also books that collect festive or celebratory voluntaries for church music, and these can also work for a graduation ceremony.  You might also be able to find volumes like these which feature easy arrangements. 

[visitor]

what about an arrangement (or transcribe one for the student?) of the awards ceremony theme from the SW universe....