Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day BGM] A selection of classic tunes that liven up the venue

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
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.

Many famous classical pieces are used as background music at sports days, but there are probably quite a few tunes that you can hum the melody to even if you don’t know the title.

In this article, we’ll introduce a curated selection of recommended classical pieces for anyone looking for music to play at a sports day event.

From that song that makes you want to start running to the perfect march for a parade, we’ve covered all the classics—use this as a reference.

Try listening while imagining which scene each piece would suit.

[Sports Day BGM] A selection of classic staple pieces to liven up the venue (21–30)

The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa

Sousa: March "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (1976)

The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa

A march composed by John Philip Sousa, a former United States Marine Band director.

It’s a piece well known to Americans, and in December 1987 it was designated as the country’s official march.

Despite its simple instrumentation, the clarinet and the bright, trilling piccolo are used effectively to liven up the music.

It’s the kind of piece that naturally makes you want to clap along, so it’s sure to excite any sports day! Highly recommended as background music for entrances and exits.

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Funiculi FuniculaLuigi Denza

Funiculì, Funiculà (Orchestral ver.)

Funiculi FuniculaLuigi Denza

Your body can’t help but fall into the rhythm of this familiar melody! “Funiculì, Funiculà” was originally commissioned by an Italian railway company from composer Luigi Denza as a promotional song for the railway.

It’s even called “the world’s oldest commercial jingle.” In Japan, it’s well known through parody versions like the children’s song “Oni no Pantsu.” With its cheerful, pastoral vibe, I think it’s perfect for marches or activities with a more relaxed, moderate pace.

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Trepak from The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky

P. I. Tchaikovsky / Trepak from The Nutcracker

Trepak from The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky

A ballet piece by the Russian composer Tchaikovsky.

It has a fast tempo, feels light, and also conveys a sense of brilliance! The music depicts the story of a girl named Clara, whose Nutcracker—given to her on Christmas Eve—turns into a handsome prince at midnight and leads Clara, now a princess, to the Land of Sweets.

It’s often used at school sports days and is recommended as background music for events like “borrowed item” races or between competitions.

Its pleasant sound makes it perfect for activities that parents and children participate in together.

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From the opera Aida: ‘Triumphal Chorus’ and ‘Triumphal March’Giuseppe Verdi

Verdi: Opera “Aida”: Triumphal Chorus & Triumphal March [Naxos Classical Curation #Silvester]

From the opera Aida: 'Triumphal Chorus' and 'Triumphal March'Giuseppe Verdi

Watch “From the opera Aida: ‘Triumphal Chorus’ and ‘Triumphal March’ Giuseppe Verdi” on YouTube

Characterized by its grand sound, this piece is perfect for entrance marches and award ceremonies at school sports days.

The valiant brass and powerful chorus create an atmosphere that celebrates victory and glory.

Born as part of an opera premiered in Cairo in December 1871, it has continued to be loved by many and is cherished around the world, even influencing the Philippine national anthem.

Playing it at opening or closing ceremonies will surely envelop the entire venue in a festive mood.

It will not only boost the children’s morale but also create lasting memories for parents.

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Fiddle-FaddleLeroy Anderson

Fiddle-Faddle / Leroy Anderson (K2Orch, Live) | Fiddle-Faddle / Anderson (Ketsu-Oke!)

Fiddle-FaddleLeroy Anderson

I think the bright and lively atmosphere is perfect for livening up a sports day! “Fiddle-Faddle,” composed by Leroy Anderson, a composer from Massachusetts in the United States.

You can probably understand why he’s called a master of American light music just by listening to this piece.

That’s how sprightly and poppy this classical number is.

It’s a perfect match for footraces, and it would also work well as an exit march for moving at a quick trot.

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