RAG MusicSchool Festival
Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Upbeat Choral Pieces: A Curated Selection of Energetic Works Perfect for 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.

[Cheerful Choral Pieces] A handpicked selection of lively works perfect for chorus contests and events! (31–40)

Song of Fresh Green Leaves

Class 5-3 “Song of Fresh Green Leaves”
Song of Fresh Green Leaves

A perfect piece for uniting the class in one voice is “Aoba no Uta” (“Song of Fresh Green Leaves”).

With lyrics by Akiko Kobayashi and music by Kenichi Kumagai, it’s a choral work released in 1987.

The lyrics reflect Kobayashi’s hopes for world peace—she was also a peace activist—expressed through the imagery of fresh green leaves.

In performance, everyone can sing in unison right from the beginning, allowing the sheer power of the voices to overwhelm the audience.

If your class boasts strong sopranos and robust lower voices, this is a piece you should definitely try!

rainbowNaotaro Moriyama · Kaito Okachimachi

If you want to sing a song with satisfying back-and-forth between parts, this one is for you.

Its bright, refreshing vibe is wonderful.

Just imagine a rainbow spreading across the sky after the rain—doesn’t it make you feel positive? The chorus surges all at once, so be mindful of your volume and try singing with clear dynamics.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

Set to a samba rhythm, this classic sings of freedom and joy.

Released by THE BOOM in 1995, it uses simple words to convey the importance of everyday happiness and encounters with loved ones.

The lively sound woven by diverse percussion enhances the joy of singing together.

The unique fervor generated by the large chorus and samba rhythm makes listeners feel the pulse of life.

It’s easy to incorporate as a choral piece for school events or a dance at sports festivals, making it a perfect song for moments when you want to share a bright, uplifting feeling.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch - Kanade (奏) - March 13, 2011
KanadeSukima Suichi

This is a piano ballad that moves people with story-like lyrics and a gentle tone.

The mixed three-part chorus further heightens the song’s development and rising emotions.

The chorus, filled with tenderness and poignancy, envelops listeners’ hearts and has the power to move them.

It’s a piece I highly recommend you try.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda
Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS

One of The Blue Hearts’ signature songs, and the kind you can just scream and have fun with—whether live or at karaoke! For the quiet intro, sing carefully and with feeling, then for the chorus don’t worry about pitch—just belt it out and it’ll always get everyone hyped! Momentum is important, of course, but if you just shout recklessly you’ll hurt your throat, so focus on engaging your vocal cords and resonating in your chest.

Even just placing a hand on your chest while you sing helps you feel the resonance and hear your own voice better! You might get caught up in the intensity, but don’t forget to breathe—and enjoy singing!

[Bright, Upbeat Choral Pieces] A curated selection of lively works perfect for choir competitions and events! (41–50)

See?Matsushita Kou

“See?” Hata Boys & Girls Choir “Horane”
See?Matsushita Kou

A heartwarming song that celebrates the importance of human connection.

Born from a project following the Great East Japan Earthquake, this piece delivers the message “You are not alone” with a bright, conversational tone.

Released in 2011, it has been cherished by many choirs.

With the power to unite people’s hearts through music, it’s perfect for school events and choral competitions.

Highly recommended for those striving to overcome difficult times or wishing to strengthen bonds with their friends.

To the futureSakushi: Tanikawa Shuntarō / Sakushi: Nobunaga Takatoshi

To the Future (poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa / music by Takafumi Nobunaga) - Mixed Chorus Collection “Sadness Is New” - Saitama Prefectural Omiya High School Music Club
To the futureSakushi: Tanikawa Shuntarō / Sakushi: Nobunaga Takatoshi

This is a wonderful choral piece that fuses Shuntaro Tanikawa’s profound poetic expression with Takafumi Nobunaga’s delicate melodies.

It sings of the hope contained in the small things of everyday life and depicts the flow of life from past to future.

Since its premiere in March 2008 at the Kyoto Echo Choir’s 45th anniversary concert, the work has been loved by many choirs and drew attention as a song that gives people grappling with the sense of loss and sorrow after the earthquake a “strength to look toward the future.” It’s a recommended piece for those who wish to share an appreciation for the present and the courage to move forward into the future.