Click to hear Brianna's Procession of Graduates
Brianna Christianson, Iolani Class of 2001, graduated this past June from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Composition with Honors.
What made this an extra special occasion for her was the fact that she composed the music for the Procession of Graduates. Her piece was performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
And as if that were not honor enough, she met Sir Paul McCartney, formerly "the cute Beatle."
Brianna wrote to Iolani saying, "After three really tough years, my last one was incredible.
"Besides being asked to write the music for our graduation ceremony, and having it recorded by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, I received first class honours, and then I later learned that I received the highest mark in the institution this year.
"Add to that the fact that I got to shake the hand of none other than Paul McCartney at our graduation (as he is the lead patron of my uni) and it's hard to complain (Oh yes, let's not forget the kiss on the cheek).
"What's more, because I wrote the graduation music, I was invited to the VIP reception afterwards, at which I was personally introduced to McCartney and was able to tell him what a huge influence he's had on my music and my life and to thank him for that. (He's been one of my top musical inspirations, really.) So yes, all in all it was a very good day."
Click to hear Brianna's Procession of Graduates
