[Choral Songs] Recommended for cultural and school festivals! Classic choir pieces & the latest popular songs

Kitearashi

[Chorus] Kite / Arashi・Kenshi Yonezu (Mixed Choir ShallWeSing?)

This song, written and composed by the hugely popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and performed by Arashi, was created as the NHK 2020 Song.

The lyrics, which talk about dreams and the future, are a perfect fit for the 2020 theme, aren’t they? I believe the sentiment embedded in the music also makes it an ideal theme for students to sing.

While pop songs are often difficult to perform as choral pieces, this one has a slow tempo and relatively simple rhythm, so I think it’s easy to sing in a choir.

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Hane Keisuke

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I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

2-7 I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

It was featured in the Fuji TV drama “Hakusen Nagashi” and became a major hit.

This classic song has been covered by many artists and is well-suited for three-part mixed chorus.

With its warm, comforting choral sound, it’s a piece where each singer can convey their feelings by singing to someone dear to them.

HEART BEATYOASOBI

YOASOBI「HEART BEAT」Official Music Video

Many of the songs by the music duo YOASOBI feature narrative lyrics and melodies that truly resonate.

Created as the theme song for NHK’s “18 Festival,” this piece is a moving track that portrays the heartbeat and growth of young people.

It encourages listeners to reexamine their own identities and find the courage to take a step toward the future.

Filled with the feelings of a thousand 18-year-olds, this song would surely make for a deeply moving performance if sung together at a school or cultural festival—the heartfelt vocals would envelop the entire venue.

sparkleFuji Kaze

Inter-High Arts Festival Tokyo 2022: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, August 4 – “Tabiji ~Kirari” Tokyo Performance Version

Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, who enjoys explosive popularity especially among younger generations.

His song Kirari is marked by its bright tone and bouncy rhythm, making it a top recommendation for choral pieces as well.

The message—“Both the shining future ahead and the varied past behind us all glimmer together”—beautifully symbolizes student youth.

Also, because the piece is highly rhythmic, adding handclaps and other accents to emphasize the beat will give it an even cooler vibe.

Definitely give it a try!

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Yuuki

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WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

The intro phrase is often played on TV and elsewhere, so there will likely be plenty of audience members who know it at cultural and school festivals.

Besides a three-person chorus, arranging it for mixed three-part harmony could also work well.

Since it demands quite a high level of vocal skill, make sure to practice thoroughly before taking the stage.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Hata Motohiro - Promise of a Sunflower (choral/chorus version)

It was used as the theme song for the blockbuster 3DC animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon.” The song expresses feelings about the greatness of someone precious who is always by your side as if it were natural, and about their kindness.

Sung in a gentle, calm three-part mixed chorus, it’s sure to warm the hearts of all who listen.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

A Letter to Tomorrow / Aoi Teshima

This is the theme song for the first “Getsu-9” drama of 2016, ‘Someday, When I Recall This Love, I Will Surely Cry.’ It became a hot topic as “a gentle song that perfectly matches the drama’s content and brings tears.” The lyrics feel somehow nostalgic, evoking memories of someone dear.

It would be moving to sing this piece tenderly in four-part mixed choir harmony.