A collection of cheerful choral pieces—songs you’ll want to perform at choir competitions and school events.
When everyone is singing a choral piece together, it can sometimes take a while to decide which song to choose, right?
Even if you have a vague idea like “I want something with this kind of vibe,” it can be hard to think of a song that fits.
So in this article, I’ll introduce some recommended choral pieces for those who are thinking, “I want to sing something with a bright feel, but nothing comes to mind.”
All of these songs have an upbeat tone and are fun both to listen to and to sing, so please use them as a reference when choosing your repertoire.
A collection of cheerful choral pieces: songs you’ll want to perform at choir competitions and events (1–10)
Earth Star SongNEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Mimasu
This work, written and composed by Mimasu—known as a member of the musical duo Aquamarine—and arranged for chorus by Yutaka Tomizawa, was first performed at the Tanabata Festival in 2008 and has since become a beloved classic sung at schools across Japan.
Its inclusion in a 2012 song collection by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha further cemented its place as a staple of school choral repertoire.
The piece is rooted in the author’s travels through South America, Africa, and beyond, where he was moved by Earth’s majestic nature and warm encounters with people.
Gently celebrating a sense of solidarity that transcends borders and the joy of living together on the same planet, it’s a perfect choice for choral performances at cultural and school festivals.
Today is your birthday.NEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan
This is a choral piece written and composed by Kan Wakamatsu.
Long beloved as a staple for class choirs—especially in junior high schools—many people likely sang it during their school days.
It is included on the album “The Sea I Saw With You: Kan Wakamatsu Chorus Selection [Mixed Chorus Version],” released in July 2010.
While themed around the special day of a birthday, it also weaves in a warm gaze toward another person and slightly bittersweet feelings, such as the weight of passing time.
Because its content has a depth that’s more than just cheerful, it’s perfect for students who want to sing with heartfelt emotion at cultural or school festivals.
Blue BirdNEW!Sakushi: Yasuoka Yuu / Sakkyoku: Kitayama Youichi
This is a number by The Gospellers, a vocal group known for their beautiful harmonies, depicting youth and new beginnings.
Released in March 2008, it was written as the theme song for the film “Utatama♪,” starring Kaho and centered on choral music.
The lyrics, shining with Yutaka Yasuoka’s gentle touch, intertwine with Yoichi Kitayama’s expansive melody to evoke a deep emotion that closely follows the film’s story.
While featuring an emotional sound that incorporates orchestral elements, the piece later saw the release of mixed-chorus sheet music and became beloved as an actual choral repertoire.
A heartwarming song themed around graduation, growth, and hope, it’s perfect for uniting everyone’s hearts in song at cultural and school festivals.
To tomorrowTomioka Hiroshi
A choral piece composed by a junior high school teacher.
It features a comfortable rhythm and a beautiful melody.
While it expresses anxiety about an uncertain future, the lyrics leave a strong impression with their powerful message: “Even so, let’s believe in tomorrow and move forward,” conveying a resolute, positive stance.
ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism
A grand song by Official HIGE DANDism that likens the broad canvas of life to a chessboard.
Created as the set piece for the NHK National School Music Competition’s junior high division, the work pairs gentle piano tones with lyrics that warmly portray how we keep searching for our roles amid the interwoven happiness and sorrow—like a checkerboard pattern.
Released as a digital single in August 2023, it was also featured on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” For choral performances at school festivals, we recommend singing in a way that layers each person’s feelings while making the most of the harmony between the piano accompaniment and strings.
RPGSEKAI NO OWARI
This song unfolds a grand, fantastical world centered on the themes of friendship and adventure.
It portrays the protagonist pressing forward without fear in the face of hardships and trials, and sings of the sights seen along the path ahead and the longing to search for what has been lost.
Released in May 2013 as SEKAI NO OWARI’s fourth major single, it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Crayon Shin-chan: Very Tasty! B-Class Gourmet Survival!!” Its dynamic, marching band–like sound makes it perfect for choral performances at school or cultural festivals.
Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN
A song beloved by many as the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Yell.” Its warm melody—born from the fusion of a grand piano tone, string arrangements, and rich harmonies—and its lyrics, which speak to the preciousness of life and the depth of friendship, resonate deeply.
Released in June 2020 as GReeeeN’s 34th single, the track offered support during the harsh days of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a message of encouragement that reached far and wide, helping people find light even in the darkness.
Performed in concerts or choirs, it can help an entire audience share the importance of supporting one another.