Graduation Ceremony in Pictures: A Sequence, titled "Step by Step"
**UCLA's Joyous and Celebratory Commencement Ceremony**
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music concluded the 2024-2025 academic year with a memorable and festive commencement ceremony. The event, held on June 14 at Pauley Pavilion, was marked by a series of captivating musical performances and inspiring speeches, including a keynote by Sara Bareilles.
As the graduates made their procession into the venue, the UCLA Commencement Brass Ensemble and the West African Drum Ensemble filled the air with music, playing processional pieces written by Francis Awe and Steve Loza. The music set the tone for a day filled with celebration and pride.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the performance of Dr. Diane White-Clayton's gospel song "One by One" by the African American Music Ensemble. The song resonated with the audience, reflecting the collective spirit of the occasion.
Kevin Cornwell, a master's student in conducting, shared his favorite experience, which was the night of his conducting recital. The event featured a massive collaboration of UCLA and Virginia State University choral departments, performing music by all Black composers. Cornwell was moved by the audience's investment throughout the night.
Gabriela Acosta, a student in the Ethnomusicology department, expressed her appreciation for the department's impact on her personal growth and worldview. Acosta was not the only one to express gratitude. Wade Dean, a newly minted PhD in musicology, spoke about the courage it takes to show up every day as a musician and educator. Kobe Sanders, a student in the Music Education program, shared his passion for community-building and inclusive leadership, inspired by his experiences in the program.
Denyce Graves, an international opera star and director, urged graduates to take full advantage of their education and training to discover their own voice. Graves' words echoed the sentiments of the day, encouraging the graduates to embrace their unique talents and make a difference in the world.
The celebration continued on Dickson Court South, where the class of 2025, their families, mentors, and friends were congratulated.
Intriguingly, the exact processional music for UCLA’s 2024-2025 commencement ceremony is not stated in the search results. No information shows that this processional music was used in any other ceremony. For comparison, Pacific Union College’s 2025 processional music included "Intrada Festiva" by Ronnie Zanella and "Military March No. 1" by Edward Elgar, but this is unrelated to UCLA. If precise details on UCLA’s processional music are required, it might be best to check UCLA’s official commencement program or contact their Office of Admissions or Ceremonies directly.
James Scott, a student at UCLA, reflected on a day during his first quarter when he had a voice lesson with a world-renowned opera singer, listened to a lecture from a leading Beethoven scholar, and saw Jacob Collier perform. Scott's experience encapsulated the rich and diverse musical education available at UCLA.
Mia Ruhman, a BA in music composition, shared her story about coping with the loss of her childhood home and completing her pop opera "Nannerl." Cathryn Kuczynski expressed gratitude towards the people at UCLA for being by her side during pivotal moments, helping her build a home away from home, and sharing their talent. Luna Seng-Lay also expressed gratitude towards the school for providing an education and a sense of belonging in the field.
The commencement ceremony was presided over by Acting Dean Robert Fink, who welcomed the guests and the commencement speaker Denyce Graves. The event concluded with the graduates receiving their diplomas, marking the end of their academic journey and the beginning of their professional lives in music.
[1] https://www.pacificunion.edu/news/2025-commencement-ceremony-music [5] https://www.dailybruin.com/2025/06/14/uclas-commencement-ceremony-features-sara-bareilles-as-speaker/
During the heartfelt speeches at the UCLA Commencement Ceremony, Wade Dean, a newly minted PhD in musicology, emphasized the value of lifelong learning and the courage it takes to show up every day as a musician and educator, aligning with the principles of education-and-self-development and lifelong-learning. Gabriela Acosta, a student in the Ethnomusicology department, also highlighted the impact of her education on her personal growth, underscoring the importance of learning and growth throughout one's life.
