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

When I Become a First Gradersakushi: mado michio / sakkyokusha: yamamoto naozumi

Easy Pianica Performance: Preschool Graduation Song 'When I Become a First Grader' — Tried Playing It on the Melodica

This is a song that captures children’s excitement about starting elementary school.

It expresses the wish to make a hundred friends and portrays thrilling dreams like climbing Mount Fuji and dashing all around Japan.

Since its release in 1966, it has become a classic sung at kindergarten graduation and school entrance ceremonies.

The lyrics by Michio Mado and the melody by Naotsune Yamamoto blend beautifully.

It’s a heartwarming piece that encourages children as they look forward to a new environment—please consider performing it!

Flowers will bloom.sakushi: iwai shūji / sakkyoku: kanno yōko

[Senior Kindergarten] Flowers Will Bloom – Pianica (5-year-olds)

Accompanied by a teacher’s or adult’s piano performance, the gentle melody of “Hana wa Saku” is easy to play and its beautiful tune resonates in the heart.

Let’s try performing this tender piece on the melodica.

“Hana wa Saku” is a charity song wishing for the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011.

You may have heard the chorus melody somewhere before.

The lyrics were written by film director Shunji Iwai from Miyagi Prefecture, and the music was composed by Yoko Kanno, who is also from Miyagi.

It would be wonderful to play it softly and with feeling, keeping in mind those who lost their lives in the disaster and the affected areas.

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nikki

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strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku: Hisaishi Joe

♪ Stroll – Let’s walk, let’s walk, I’m feeling great~ ♪ <with choreography> [Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro” opening theme]

This bright, cheerful march-style song is perfect for connecting with your child.

It was included on the album “My Neighbor Totoro Image Song Collection” released in November 1987, and is also well known as the opening theme song of Studio Ghibli’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.” The lyrics were written by children’s author Rieko Nakagawa, with music composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Its appeal lies in a simple melody that conveys a positive feeling and warm, heartfelt lyrics.

Because it’s easy to sing while moving energetically, it’s also recommended for musical play in preschools and kindergartens.

It’s a wonderful piece you can enjoy together—holding hands, interacting, and facing your child as you share the experience.

Silent Night

Kindergartners perform a handbell concert at Tonami City Hall (Dec 20, 2011)

This piece is perfect for creating a lovely musical moment on a quiet winter night.

Its gentle, soothing melody is ideal for playing together with children.

Beloved around the world for over 200 years, it was first performed in December 1818 at a church in Austria.

The warm atmosphere of that original performance, sung with guitar accompaniment, continues to resonate in people’s hearts today.

If you play it with children on handbells, you can share the joy of making music together and create memories as Christmas approaches.

And if parents join in as well, it will make for an even more wonderful concert.

Medaka no Gakkō, etc.

Friends Gathering: Handbell Edition

It’s a charming children’s song that captivates young hearts.

With a light melody and gentle lyrics, it portrays medaka fish happily swimming in a river.

It was first broadcast in March 1951 on NHK’s “Infants’ Hour,” and from April it spread nationwide as Toshi Matsuda and Aiko Anzai performed it.

Through the lively medaka thriving in nature, the piece conveys a sense of the vitality of life and the joy of cooperating and having fun together.

When performed with handbells, you can create a soft, flowing sound like water together with the children and express the medakas’ delightful world.

It’s easy to incorporate into musical activities at nursery schools and kindergartens, and it can also serve as a springboard for discussing nature and the importance of life with children.

Jingle Bells

Handbells 3-Year-Olds [Jingle Bells]

The bright melody that conveys the fun atmosphere of winter is perfect for playing with children.

Composed in 1857, this piece vividly depicts dashing through the snow in a sleigh and scenes of cheerful youth at play.

It has been featured in numerous films, including Home Alone, and has long been loved as a song that enhances on-screen moments.

As an emblematic tune of the Christmas season, many artists have covered it in a variety of styles—jazz, rock, pop, and more.

Playing it with handbells alongside children makes for a wonderful time, letting everyone share the joy of harmonizing sounds and working together with friends.

concert

Farewell Concert

A concert performed by the children is a perfect program for a preschool graduation party or ceremony.

Because choir and ensemble pieces aren’t done freely by one person but require coordinating with other parts, they can really show parents how much the children have grown.

The experience of creating one piece of music together with friends will surely be useful after they enter elementary school, too.

It’s an ideal performance to conclude their time in kindergarten or nursery school—one that makes everyone participating smile.

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Hoshino Takashi

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