Lovely childcare

Ensemble Performances by Older Kindergarteners Heat Up! A Collection of Recommended Song Ideas for Recitals

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

There are likely many ensemble pieces performed at senior kindergarteners’ recitals and graduation ceremonies.

Playing in an ensemble with all the children together not only creates fun memories but also provides an important opportunity to foster the joy of making music together and to develop expressive skills.

Here, we introduce recommended ensemble pieces that senior kindergarten children can enjoy performing.

We’ve gathered popular selections among nursery and kindergarten teachers, spanning a wide range of genres from pop to classical.

Enjoy performing together as a team and make lasting memories.

Ensemble performances by the oldest kindergarteners get exciting! A collection of recommended song ideas for recitals (1–10)

Flowers will bloom.Kanno Yōko

Momoyama Kindergarten, senior class, ensemble, 'Flowers Will Bloom'

Flowers will bloom.Kanno Yōko

Hana wa Saku (Flowers Will Bloom) is a charity song created to support the disaster-stricken areas and people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011.

Its simple, nostalgic sound and lyrics—depicting people who, while remembering the hometowns they lost, are striving to move forward—resonate deeply.

Although it is an event that took place before our children were born, it is also something that no Japanese person should ever forget.

Through choral singing, it may be important to convey both the terror of natural disasters and the preciousness of life.

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Country RoadJon Denbā

Senior kindergarten instrumental 'Country Road'

Country RoadJon Denbā

Country Roads is also well loved as the theme song of the anime Whisper of the Heart.

This version was created by Yoko Honna, who is also active as an actress.

It’s actually a cover; the original song is John Denver’s 1974 release Take Me Home, Country Roads.

In addition to having different lyrics, the cover version is a bit slower in tempo.

If you plan to perform it, it’s best to use the relaxed tempo as a reference.

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Space Battleship Yamatosasaki isao

Fusadai Kindergarten, Ensemble, Senior class (5-year-olds), “Space Battleship Yamato”

Space Battleship Yamatosasaki isao

It’s a popular anime theme song among children.

It features a powerful vocal performance and a grand melody, with lyrics that stir a sense of adventure set in outer space.

In 1974, it was used as the opening theme for an anime of the same name.

Because it enriches children’s imaginations and gives them courage and hope, it’s recommended as an ensemble piece for recitals and events.

When everyone performs it together, they’ll experience a sense of achievement and unity.

It’s a classic beloved across generations that will also evoke nostalgia for parents.

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Ensemble Performances by Older Kindergarteners Heat Up! A Collection of Recommended Song Ideas for Recitals (11–20)

Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō

Hiraga Nursery School: Passion Continent – Ensemble by the oldest kindergarten class

Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō

Jonetsu Tairiku, with Taro Hakase’s powerful violin melody and Latin-influenced rhythms, leaves a strong impression.

True to its title, it’s a passionate piece, and the intricate rhythms can be quite complex.

At the same time, it pairs well with rhythm instruments, making it perfect for ensemble performances using various percussion.

By having the teacher take the melody or accompaniment and layering the children’s rhythms on top, you can create a very cool performance.

It might also be fun to include homemade instruments like plastic bottles or cans.

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Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko

Nanao Minato Nursery School, Elephant Class (2013), Ensemble Performance: 'Full of Dreams'

Full of dreamsSeki Yumiko

Yumiko Seki’s “Yume Ippai” is the song chosen as the very first opening theme for the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

Its lyrics are bursting with excitement that makes you want to run out and play with your friends right away—perfect for energetic kids! By combining ensemble performance and chorus, you can really bring out the children’s overflowing energy.

If you present it at a recital, the parents are sure to listen along with enthusiasm!

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Winter WonderlandFerikkusu Bānādo

[Ensemble] Winter Wonderland [5-year-olds] [Daycare]

Winter WonderlandFerikkusu Bānādo

Felix Bernard’s classic “Winter Wonderland” is a song that portrays a happy moment shared by a couple walking through a snowy landscape.

Packed with winter’s beauty and romance, the piece has been covered and cherished by many artists since its release in 1934.

Its lively, bright melody warms the listener’s heart.

I think it would also be wonderful as an ensemble piece for older children.

If everyone picks up an instrument and plays together, it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

And if parents join in singing, the whole venue will be filled with smiles!

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paprikaYonezu Kenshi

#3 [Ensemble by Middle and Senior Kindergarteners] “Paprika”

paprikaYonezu Kenshi

Written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu, it was released in 2018 by the elementary and middle school music unit Foorin.

The song and dance became a huge craze and a major hit.

The somewhat nostalgic melodic development, which evokes a touch of folk music, is striking, and the children’s straightforward singing was incredibly appealing.

It’s a bright, catchy piece that’s easy on children’s ears, so it’s also recommended for ensemble performances.

The open, exhilarating melody combined with the children’s energy creates a synergistic effect that will hopefully result in an ensemble that feels like a glimpse into the world of the future!

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