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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

The choir competitions held at schools every year.

Many junior and senior high school students look forward to working together as one class, don’t they? Still, the big headache is choosing the repertoire.

It’s often said that, especially in choir competitions, the choice of the free piece can greatly affect the results.

That’s why there are many points to consider, such as “a piece that won’t overlap with other classes” or “a song that’s topical yet can be polished to a high level.” In this article, we’ll introduce recommended pieces for junior and senior high school choirs.

We’ve picked not only the classics but also rarer choices for choir, like Western pop and Vocaloid songs, so you can find the perfect piece for your class.

Choral songs in Western music (1–10)

Champagne SupernovaOasis

Champagne Supernova – Oasis (Irish Choir Cover)

Champagne SupernovaOasis

Oasis – Champagne Supernova (Official Video)

A band that represents the UK rock scene, Oasis released a track on their 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? that stands as a seven-minute epic incorporating elements of psychedelic rock.

Its gradual build from a relaxed tempo and its dreamlike lyrical world offer a universal appeal that invites each listener’s own interpretation.

The song reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Modern Rock Tracks chart, and a slowed-down version is used in the film The Electric State, scheduled for release in 2025.

Oasis, who announced their reunion in August 2024, are set to embark on the world tour “OASIS LIVE 25” in 2025, with performances planned in Japan as well.

Through choral performance, the song’s grand and beautiful melody can be reimagined in a different form.

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ZombieThe Cranberries

Choir! Choir! Choir! sings The Cranberries “Zombie”

ZombieThe Cranberries

The Cranberries – Zombie (Official Music Video)

This song, one of The Cranberries’ signature tracks, was created in response to a terrorist attack in the UK in 1993.

The heavy guitar riff and Dolores O’Riordan’s powerful, commanding vocals give the track a sense of intensity and tension.

Although its political message stirred controversy, it became a worldwide hit and resonated with many people as a timeless classic.

It’s also striking as a choral piece, and it’s a track that’s sure to move anyone who listens.

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Wake Me UpAvicii

Wake Me Up – Avicii | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” is a captivating song with an exhilarating, moving melody.

Its fusion of country sounds and electronic freshness has kept it beloved across generations.

Singing it wholeheartedly in a choral competition can feel surprisingly uplifting and may even help you discover a new side of yourself.

With a simple yet powerful beat, it’s enjoyable and approachable for everyone—from beginners to seasoned performers.

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MemoriesMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Memories | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Music Video)

MemoriesMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Memories (Official Video)

“Memories” is a warm-toned ballad released by Maroon 5, a song for remembering loved ones we’ve lost.

With its soothing melody, the lyrics resonate by evoking a connection to the past.

Choosing this piece for a choir competition will convey something more than just a performance to both participants and the audience.

Its simple structure makes it easy to learn, and it’s accessible for singers of all vocal ranges.

It creates a moving moment and supports a dynamic performance that will become a lasting memory of the choir competition.

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Something Just Like ThisThe Chainsmokers & Coldplay

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This (cover by COLOR MUSIC Choir)

Something Just Like ThisThe Chainsmokers & Coldplay

The Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This (Official Lyric Video)

If you’re looking for a choral performance that stands out, “Something Just Like This” is the perfect choice.

The collaboration between The Chainsmokers and Coldplay blends electronic and rock to create a comfortably immersive sound.

The song’s message celebrates the beauty of being ordinary and conveys the importance of being yourself without needing any special powers.

The positive energy woven into the lyrics will resonate with the students singing and inspire courage and hope in the audience.

By stepping outside conventional boundaries and opening the door to a new genre, you’ll create a choral stage that’s truly unforgettable.

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Choral pieces of Western music (11–20)

This Is MeKeala Settle

This Is Me from “THE GREATEST SHOWMAN”

This Is MeKeala Settle

An inspiring song about self-affirmation born from the film The Greatest Showman.

Sung by American artist Keala Settle, the piece won Best Original Song at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

In step with the film’s story, it gives voice to the courage and hope to confront prejudice and discrimination while being marginalized by society.

Settle, who portrays Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady and a member of the circus troupe, delivers a powerful vocal performance that underscores the importance of embracing individuality.

In choral settings, the song shines even brighter when each singer expresses their true self while connecting with their fellow performers.

By understanding the lyrics and practicing with the film’s narrative in mind, you can achieve a deeper level of expression.

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EverydayZac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens

Troy, Gabriella – Everyday (From “High School Musical 2”)

EverydayZac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens

Known as a song featured in a classic Disney film, this piece is a heartwarming duet that vividly portrays the dreams and friendships of youth.

The harmonious vocals of American performers Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are memorable, and the track was included on the soundtrack of the August 2007 release High School Musical 2.

Its bright, soaring melody and lyrics about hope have a remarkable power to unite those who sing it together.

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