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A collection of cheerful choral pieces—songs you’ll want to perform at choir competitions and school events.

A collection of cheerful choral pieces—songs you’ll want to perform at choir competitions and school events.
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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)

Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN

An Encouragement from the Starlight / GReeeeN [Mixed 3-Part Choir]
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.

To tomorrowTomioka Hiroshi

Lyrics and composition by Hiroshi Tomioka / To Tomorrow
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

N-Con 90 Required Piece “Chessboard” (Junior High School Division) | Kobe City Mixed Chorus
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

RPG / SEKAI NO OWARI [Mixed Three-Part Choir]
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.

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.”

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.

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.