Rites of passage and the music that acompanys it.

To me being a rebellious child who was across town at friends houses the second I learned how to ride a bike, having my license was one of thee biggest rites of passage to this day. Now of course, the driver gets to choose the music in the car, and so the second I received my license I immediately put on my favorite pop band of the moment and had my step mom or dad then had to suffer to my music! Of course they didn't drive with me to often however, it will still one of my biggest rites personally. Another big one in the western culture is graduation. Be it High school or College there is always the school band playing, with Americas being "Pomp and Circumstance". I'm not sure if any of the members in Latin America ever tire of certain San Juan's, but for 3 straight years every band member was responsible for playing that (and repeating it as many times as necessary). As a musician this of course would grow old while playing it, however I don't think that Graduation would be the same if it wasn't played.
I'm not sure if joining band is considered a rite of passage to most, but growing up as a younger sibling to a bigger brother in band, I could not wait to play an instrument. Than when fifth grade rolled around, I was finally able to pick an instrument and lo and behold my "Buzz" was too high for the tuba. Heartbroken I settled on the horn. Although not one of the big "Rites" that many people think of, I think that the vast majority of elementary school kids are really excited to play an instrument, be it for orchestra or band.
A few more rites would have to be baptisms and birthdays. For most religions it is imperative for the baby to be baptized in the family’s church. This is typically a huge deal in that the whole family gathers and after the baptism a celebration is typically held afterwords. During the baptism there is often organ music In celebration that the child will be innocent and if it were to die would be saved. With that in mind the music follows in religious music, sometimes on organ with the members and family accompanying in a celebratory song. Last but not least, Birthdays are the ultimate rite of passage, now granted not all of them are special. There is the golden birthday (When you turn the number of your birthday) along with sweet sixteen (license yes!) double numbers, finally a teen at 13 and becoming legal at 21. All in all though every year is typically celebrated with the happy birthday song, either sang by friends or family. It’s just sad that the happy birthday song is technically owned by Michael Jackson, and therefore restaurants cannot use it. Following the tradition is typically cake and perhaps a family favorite recipe is served.