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

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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)

Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko, sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shōji

Time Traveler

Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko, sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shōji

“Travelers of Time” is a classic favorite in middle and high school choir competitions.

It was composed by Shōji Hashimoto, a musician known for his many choral works.

The piece features a classical melody that evokes hope for a bright future.

Its fresh, invigorating sound suits high school students in their youth, leaving a strong impression.

With a structure in which the main melody shifts, it lends itself to showcasing vibrant choral work in mixed three-part harmony.

How about singing this choral piece that conjures images of clear skies and natural landscapes?

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Full of memoriesH₂O

Memories Are Full – H2O [AiemuTV – Acoustic Cover]

Full of memoriesH₂O

Because it was used as the theme song for the anime “Miyuki,” it has come to be frequently sung as a choral piece in junior high and high schools.

In fact, it’s even included in middle school music textbooks.

Of course, it’s perfect for junior high school choirs, but high school students tend to have more memories packed into their “albums,” so to speak.

That’s why it could be said to be an ideal song for high schoolers, who can sing it with even more emotion than junior high students.

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MiracleGReeeeN

[Chorus Version] GReeeeN - Kiseki

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN is a four-man group shrouded in mystery.

Their song “Kiseki” features a catchy melody and a gradually building structure, making it perfect for choral performance.

The title carries a double meaning: “kiseki” as the “tracks” or “footsteps” of the journey you’ve shared together, and “kiseki” as the “miracle” of everyone meeting by chance.

In either sense, it’s an ideal theme to sing with classmates who have spent their school days together.

With its simple, easy-to-remember melody, this song can be a real help even when there isn’t much time to practice!

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Song of LifeManakana

Mariya Takeuchi – Inochi no Uta (Song of Life) with Lyrics (Two-Part Chorus)

Song of LifeManakana

This is a song performed by the duo Mana Kana, who also appeared in the drama, as an insert song for NHK’s morning drama “Dandan.” It’s a highly recommended piece that’s especially popular as a choral song among high school students and other students.

In the original version, the gentle accompaniment and the duo’s beautifully clear voices leave a strong impression, so it feels completely natural even when arranged for choir.

Not only is the composition itself beautiful, but the words in the lyrics are also truly lovely—this is a song you’ll want to sing with great care.

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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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Philosophy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)

Philosophy[Alexandros]

A song produced for 18-sai, an event created together with 18-year-olds across the country.

In the original version by [Alexandros], the main vocals are performed by Yohei Kawakami, with the voices of 18-year-old youths also recorded.

Their vocals mainly serve as chorus parts supporting Kawakami’s lead, but it could be interesting to arrange it for a full choir.

Since English lyrics also appear, there may be challenging sections, but we’d love for you to sing this song, whose lyrics empathize with the struggles faced by people around high school age.

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Blue BenchSasuke

2014 School Year Choir Competition: "Blue Bench"

Blue BenchSasuke

When it comes to hit songs by Sasuke, the one by Yuta Shimizu and Yuji Okuyama is “Aoi Bench” (“Blue Bench”).

Released in 2004 as their debut single, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

In 2008, it was included in music textbooks and has since become a staple for junior high and high school choral competitions.

It’s a heartbreak song that conveys bittersweet emotions, so hearing it sung by students in their youth really resonates.

The upbeat, rhythmic melody can be a bit challenging, but give it a try!

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