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[Choral Songs] Recommended for High School Students! A Comprehensive Showcase from Classics to the Newest J‑Pop

The choral performances that move people at events like school festivals and graduation ceremonies.

In this article, we’ve gathered choral pieces recommended for high school students, as well as popular songs that have been arranged for choir.

We’ll introduce a wide range of music across genres—from classic pieces you find in textbooks to the latest J-pop.

In high school, there are often situations where students discuss and choose the repertoire together.

Even for the latest hit songs, you’ll often find published choral arrangements if you look, so don’t feel constrained by the idea that you must choose from a “choral anthology.” Be sure to consider a variety of songs.

[Choral Songs] Recommended for High School Students! A Comprehensive Introduction from Classics to the Newest J‑Pop (61–70)

AldebaranAI

Aldebaran / AI [Mixed Chorus in 3 Parts]
AldebaranAI

The song I’d like high school students—who are just beginning to climb the steps into adulthood—to sing in chorus is “Aldebaran.” It was released in 2021 by AI, an R&B singer who moves freely between Japanese and English, and it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Come Come Everybody.” Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama wrote both the lyrics and the music, resulting in a melodious piece that suits choral performance.

I recommend a three-part mixed chorus arrangement that gives each section a moment to shine.

How about showcasing the beautiful timbre along with the voices of high school students?

mutō
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ultramarineSakushi: Minamisōma Shiritsu Ogataka Chūgakkō Heisei Nijūyon Nendo Sotsugyōsei / Oda Miki / Sakkyoku: Nobunaga Takutomi

A moving choral piece that unites the hearts of students separated by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

This gem was created by the 2012–2013 graduating class of Odaka Junior High School in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, together with composer Takafumi Nobunaga.

The work powerfully yet poignantly gives voice to the feelings of students who were forced to live in evacuation.

In August 2013, a CD and score were released by Panamusica, and in August 2014 it was featured on Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television,” where an inspiring joint performance by Kanjani Eight and the students was showcased.

Centered on themes of recovery from the disaster and the bonds that connect us, this song expresses hope for the future and is perfect for choral performances at school and cultural festivals.

It’s an ideal piece for bringing hearts together across classes and grades, sharing precious feelings through song.

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Ellen’s Songs No. 3Franz Schubert

“Ave Maria” (composed by Schubert), 2012 Choir Competition Gold Prize
Ellen’s Songs No. 3Franz Schubert

Ellen’s Song No.

3 is one of Franz Schubert’s most celebrated masterpieces, composed in 1825 and commonly known as “Schubert’s Ave Maria.” Its beautiful melody has long been beloved as a classic that captures the hearts of many.

In addition to being featured in Disney’s masterpiece film Fantasia, it’s a piece you’ll hear in all sorts of settings.

It’s also very popular as a choral work, so do try singing it with all your heart.

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The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki

“The Thing I Wanted Most” — Encore by the Class that Won the Choir Competition
The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki

It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Last Present: The Final Summer Living with My Daughter,” starring Yuki Amami.

It’s a warm song about sharing the many “gifts” of happiness you have with many people; if you keep doing that, someday a wonderful gift of happiness will come to you as well.

Because you’re a high school student close to adulthood, I hope this song helps you become someone who can wish for others’ happiness, not just your own.

SAKI
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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.

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OrangeSMAP

Chorus Contest “Orange” by SMAP
OrangeSMAP

When it comes to SMAP’s hidden gems, isn’t it Orange, the track included on the B-side of their 2000 single Lion Heart? It’s their most famous coupling track, beloved by fans for years.

Perhaps thanks to lyrics that evoke farewells and graduation, it’s also popular as a choral piece and is sometimes performed as a set piece in choir competitions.

Layering voices over the heartrending chorus melody is sure to fill the venue with emotion so powerful it’ll bring tears to your eyes.

Hamada Takuya
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Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko

[Choral Piece] Lapis-Colored Earth / Mixed Three-Part Chorus [With Lyrics]
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko

Often featured as an incredibly moving, tear-jerking song, this piece was released by Seiko Matsuda in 1986.

It’s a gentle ballad whose grand worldview and tender lyrics resonate deeply.

While it’s known as a standard choral piece for junior high school students, its relatively mature feel makes it well-suited for high school graduation scenes.

Its straightforward, beautiful harmonies can further bring out the song’s appeal, and its message—like a blessing for the future—will sink into the hearts of those setting out on their next journey.

KEI
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