[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs
Choral performances by the choir club and whole-school or class-wide chorus numbers are staple events at cultural and school festivals.
“You want to pick popular, classic songs to get everyone hyped!”—but many of you may be struggling to find a track that really clicks.
So in this article, we’ll introduce perfect songs for cultural and school festival performances, from timeless choral standards to J-pop arranged for chorus.
Consider the performance setting and the overall vibe of the event, and choose the best song!
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[Choral Songs] Recommended for school culture festivals! Classic Choral Pieces & the Latest Popular Songs (71–80)
paprikaFoorin
This song was created as the cheer song for NHK’s 2020 Support Song Project, produced by Kenshi Yonezu.
With its familiar dance, it has since grown into a song widely known by many people, from children to adults.
Although “Paprika” may not seem to have any elements of choral music due to its lively tone, it can also be seen as a piece that allows for pop-style expression.
The chorus has simple choreography, so I think it’s fun to sing while dancing.
Please be sure to create an even better chorus performance as a lasting memory.
Wasted wishesAKB48
“Negaigoto no Mochigusare” is a song by the popular idol group AKB48.
Its slightly melancholic triple meter makes it a great way to add variety to the selections for a choral concert.
The song was also chosen as the required piece for the Junior High School division of the 2017 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.
There is a mixed three-part choral arrangement that makes it easy to practice authentic choral singing, so be sure to check it out.
Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko / sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shorou
It’s a three-part mixed chorus piece released in 1990.
It’s a staple for junior high and high school choir competitions.
The song features frequent key changes, and unlike typical choral works, the part that sings the main melody changes with each modulation.
The beauty of the main melody is the key element.
[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs (81–90)
Love’s Form feat. HIDEMISIA
A song that gained attention as the theme for the TBS drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues.” It portrays deep feelings for a loved one.
Released in August 2018 as the 35th single, it reached No.
4 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 weekly chart.
It also received high acclaim across the board, including winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance.
Recommended for those who want to express their feelings to someone important or are searching for the shape of love, this heartwarming track is perfect for school events where high school students gather with people who matter—friends, teachers, and parents.
Because I want to be by your side.Miyazaki Asako
“Because I Want to Be by Your Side” was specially composed as the set piece for the 2019 NHK National School Music Competition, junior high division.
Lyrics and music are by Asako Miyazaki, known as the vocalist of the popular girls’ band SHISHAMO among middle and high school students.
It’s a full-fledged mixed three-part choral work, making it easy to rehearse.
The score is also commercially available, so be sure to check it out.
Riding a hot-air balloon, anywhere and everywhereSakushi: Azuma Tatsuo / Sakkyoku: Hirayoshi Takeyasu
This dreamlike song would surely bring the house down if performed at a culture festival or school festival.
Its charming worldview—traveling across the sky in a hot-air balloon—tickles children’s imaginations with delightful lyrics.
Ever since it was selected as a required piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition in 1974, it has been loved for many years and can truly be called a timeless classic passed down through generations.
It was also used as the ending theme for the anime Nichijou, etching it even more deeply into people’s hearts.
Because it can be sung in various choral formats—such as two-part equal voices and three-part mixed chorus—it’s perfect for school events.
It’s an ideal piece for music classes and choir competitions, where children can let their voices ring out.
It’s a work I hope will be sung energetically, with handclaps to add to the fun.
Positive Taro ~A Beginning Anytime~tsunku
This song, which also made news because Tsunku wrote the lyrics, was the set piece for the high school division of the 2018 NHK School Choir Competition (N-Con).
From the title alone you might expect something playful, but the lyrics, written in plain, accessible language, carry a very positive message.
By choosing familiar words, the song communicates clearly, making it a perfect choice to perform at a culture festival where many people attend.
