RAG MusicSchool Festival
Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

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)

Always!Sakushi sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan

A choral piece by Kan Wakamatsu that combines upbeat, friendly lyrics with a bright musical tone.

Centered on themes of friendship and the pursuit of dreams, its heartwarming message about the importance of bonds with peers and taking action blends beautifully with a gentle melody that speaks to children.

The simple arrangement—anchored by piano accompaniment—and the singable melodic line make it perfect for school events such as music assemblies and graduation ceremonies.

As you sing together, you’ll be reminded anew: “I’m so glad I met you, and I’m so glad we became friends.”

Mela!Ryokushokushakai

"Mela!" (Ryokuoushoku Shakai) Osaka University Mixed Chorus Freund Chor 64th Regular Concert (2021)
Mela!Ryokushokushakai

“Mela!” is a powerful track by the four-member co-ed band Ryokuoushoku Shakai (Green Yellow Society).

In July 2022, it became the band’s first song to surpass 200 million streams.

Given how explosively its popularity spread, many people have probably heard it at least once.

Choosing such a well-known song for a choir piece should make it easier for everyone to practice.

Also, the recurring “la-la-la” sections throughout the song are ideal for creating harmonies and arranging mixed male-female vocals.

Be sure to come up with a one-of-a-kind, wonderful arrangement!

MemoriesMaroon 5

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

A tear-jerking ballad released to the world by the quintessential American band Maroon 5 in September 2019.

Its gentle, soothing melody embraces the experience of losing someone dear and the memories that linger in the heart, resonating deeply.

Featured on the album Jordi, the song is an accessible piece based on Pachelbel’s Canon.

It is said to carry Adam Levine’s feelings for a close friend.

It was also used in the trailer for the Disney film The One and Only Ivan and in the final scene of Venom: The Last Dance, warming the hearts of many.

Sung as a chorus, each person’s emotions overlap, creating a profound impact on listeners.

A collection of cheerful choral pieces: songs you’ll want to perform at choir competitions and school events (11–20)

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

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.

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

This is a heartwarming choral piece born as part of the “Sing NIPPON Project,” which was launched to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Created through a collaboration between Keiji Ito and Ko Matsushita and released in July 2011, the work gently sings of the harmony of nature and the bonds between people.

Its friendly melody brings listeners comfort and hope, and its structure makes it easy to perform even for school class choirs.

The vocal range is not very wide, making it a practical choice for choral competitions as well.

Let’s search for tomorrowSakushi: Hori Tetsu sakushi, sakkyoku: Osawa Tetsunori

Let’s search for tomorrow レッツ サーチ フォー トゥモロー
Let's search for tomorrowSakushi: Hori Tetsu sakushi, sakkyoku: Osawa Tetsunori

One of the choral standards, “Let’s Search for Tomorrow.” It’s a bright choral piece filled with hope and dreams for tomorrow.

The melody jumps up in the chorus, so try singing with the image of your voice stretching upward.

With many repeated phrases and an easy-to-follow rhythm, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident singers.

It’s a piece that evokes a sense of anticipation for the future to come.

ultramarineYOASOBI

Gunjou / YOASOBI (A cappella cover.)
ultramarineYOASOBI

If you don’t want your song choice to overlap with others, set your class apart with a recent track.

Among them, YOASOBI’s “Gunjō,” released in 2020, is highly recommended.

In the latter part of the original song, there’s a chorus in a choral style performed by members of Plusonica, the unit that vocalist ikura belongs to.

On the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, where YOASOBI appeared in February 2021, they actually performed “Gunjō” accompanied by a choir.

Its pop sound and driving rhythm offer an appeal you won’t find in conventional choral pieces, so give it a try!