A Must-See for Middle and High Schoolers! Recommended Free-Choice Songs for Choir Competitions Catalog

Birds of a FeatherNEW!Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Official Music Video)

Birds of a Feather (Billie Eilish) | One Voice Children’s Choir

The American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish’s iconic song “Birds of a Feather.” Released in May 2024 as a track on the acclaimed album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, it drew major attention after being performed at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.

Contrary to its pop, airy sound, the song expresses deep love and an eternal bond—the desire to stay together until death.

Its delicate vocals and harmonies stand out, and layering voices in a class setting can convey beautiful resonance and emotional richness.

It’s a perfect piece for anyone looking to create a choral performance that’s moving and unlike the usual.

End Of BeginningNEW!Djo

Djo – End Of Beginning (Official Audio)

End of Beginning – Live A cappella Cover

This song is one I highly recommend for anyone who wants to win a competition with an emotional vocal performance.

It’s a work by Joe, the project of Joe Keery, an American actor and musician.

Centered on the theme of returning to where one’s past self once was, this piece is a charming, nostalgic number.

It’s included on the acclaimed 2022 album “Decide,” and its popularity spread in tandem with the buzz around his acting roles, becoming a long-running hit that reached No.

1 on the UK charts in January 2026.

It’s a well-known track you’ve almost certainly heard while scrolling through social media, and its gently simmering, heartfelt melody pairs beautifully with choral arrangements.

If everyone layers their voices with care, it will become a moving stage piece that beautifully colors the memories of youth.

Man I NeedNEW!Olivia Dean

Olivia Dean – Man I Need

New York Vocal Collective – Man I Need

Here’s a piece I highly recommend for those who want to win a choir competition with bright, forward-looking energy: a song by the British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean.

She’s an accomplished artist who has earned acclaim for her sound that fuses neo-soul and pop.

With its dynamic rhythm and sweet harmonies, this track centers on the empowering theme of recognizing your right to be loved and moving forward with strength.

Released as a single in August 2025, it’s included on the album “The Art of Loving,” which portrays diverse forms of love.

Choosing a song by this hot, of-the-moment artist—who became a global singer-songwriter after winning a Grammy in 2026—will surely make your choir stand out for its impeccable taste!

Let DownNEW!Radiohead

Let Down (Remastered)

The Choir: Let Down (Radiohead cover)

Here’s a piece I highly recommend for anyone who wants to deliver a soul-stirring harmony at a choral competition: this classic track from the rock band Radiohead’s landmark album OK Computer.

Released in June 1997, it explores themes of alienation and ennui in contemporary urban life.

At first glance it may seem dark, but its airy, floating melody and the layered, overlapping vocals in the latter half make it a perfect fit for choir, don’t you think? Over the years, the song saw a resurgence, going viral on TikTok in 2025.

It also gained renewed attention after being featured in season 1 of the drama The Bear.

It’s a piece I’d love to see a class take on if they want to express delicate emotional nuance through their voices.

The Fate of OpheliaNEW!Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia (Official Music Video)

Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia (Cover) | Epic Orchestral & Angelic Choir

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who captivates the world with her diverse musicality.

This work was released in October 2025 as the lead single from the album “The Life of a Showgirl.” While drawing on the motif of a tragic heroine, the song explores a profound theme of love that overcomes adversity.

It also drew attention for being tied to the limited-release film “Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,” which premiered in the same month.

Though characterized by a light, upbeat rhythm, adding choral arrangements would fully bring out its dramatic atmosphere.

It’s recommended for classes aiming to create a theatrical stage.

Be sure to check it out.

How Far I’ll GoNEW!Auli’i Cravalho

Auli’i Cravalho – How Far I’ll Go (from Moana/Official Video)

How Far I’ll Go-Voices Of Hope Children’s Choir Get GOLDEN BUZZER From Ken Jeong

A signature song by Auli‘i Cravalho that sings of emotions wavering between a longing for the vast ocean and a deep love for home.

Created as a number in the 2016 November release of Disney’s film “Moana,” it dynamically captures the movements of the protagonist’s heart.

In January 2017, it became a worldwide hit, reaching No.

41 on the U.S.

Billboard charts.

Blending a catchy pop melody with a dramatic arc, the piece also shines in choral performance.

With fresh, powerful harmonies, it can send a refreshing breeze across the stage.

Perfect for young performers who carry hope for the future to sing together—consider adding this work to your repertoire.

GoldenNEW!KPop Demon Hunters

“Golden” Official Lyric Video | KPop Demon Hunters | Sony Animation

Golden (Netflix K-Pop Demon Hunters) | One Voice Children’s Choir (Official Music Video)

Golden offers a completely new musical experience that feels as if it’s leapt straight from the screen into reality.

The track was released in June 2025 from the soundtrack under the name Huntrix, the in-story group from the animated musical KPop Demon Hunters.

It was later released as a single, becoming a global smash hit that sparked major buzz.

Riding the driving force of electropop, its melody builds a soaring sense of uplift—pure anthem energy.

When you join voices with your crew to deliver its expansive chorus, the stage’s intensity will surge to an absolute peak.

This is a number you’ll want to tackle if you’re aiming to craft a dramatic, emotionally charged choral performance in true musical-theater fashion.