Music for University Graduation Ceremonies
One of our most rewarding regular engagements is playing for a series of graduation ceremonies at Oxford and this is the third year in which we have been invited to provide music. As we’re usually booked for a whole block of playing work over several days, we give a special ‘tied rate’ to the University so that it’s more economical all round.
With students from all over the world, including African nations, China and the Middle East we try to keep the programme of music as varied as possible so that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Often students (and their families) come and have their photographs taken with the quartet, or dance along to the music and we also aim to entertain other people who are working at the graduation event such as caterers, photographers and university staff members.
Playing for five ceremonies over three days needs to be kept exciting and fresh, with the music very upbeat and celebratory rather than sedate and contemplative, so we always take several folders of music with us so that we keep it varied and never have to repeat a piece.
It’s great to play for an occasion which signifies such a momentous achievement for many people, after a prolonged period of intensive studying. It’s equally important for us to enjoy ourselves whilst we’re playing as this definitely comes across through the music - after all, even when musicians are asked to supply background music, nobody wants a string quartet playing in one corner looking (and sounding) disinterested!
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