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

Wandering peopleSakushi: Ishikura Kozaburou, Sakkyoku: Roberuto Shūman

[Choral Piece] The Wandering People / Mixed Chorus in Four Parts [With Lyrics]

The German art song “The Gypsy Life” (“Zigeunerleben”).

It was composed in 1840 by Robert Schumann, a leading figure of the Romantic era.

Although it seems to be sung less frequently in recent years, it has long been familiar as a choral piece in junior high school competitions.

The brisk, galloping tempo contrasted with the more relaxed melody creates a pleasing ebb and flow.

It would be nice to sing it while delving into the lyrics by Kozaburo Ishikura, considered a masterful translation.

Scored for mixed chorus in four parts, it is quite challenging, but singing it is sure to lift your spirits.

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Youth PhotographLittle Glee Monster

[Little Glee Monster] Youth Photograph [Litoguri]

A heartwarming youth pop song that wraps the bittersweet feelings of graduation season in a bright expression! Sparked by the moment of taking a photo, it portrays the importance of friendship and the excitement for the future, while also expressing the brave facade of masking loneliness with a smile.

Released by Little Glee Monster in March 2015, this work is one of the group’s signature songs that leads into the albums “Colorful Monster” and “Joyful Monster.” Its gentle lyrics, which weave together the value of friendship in a cheerful student life and the desire to preserve memories of life’s milestones, make it perfect for chorus performances at school festivals and graduation ceremonies.

Tomorrow’s notesMatsushita Kou

N-Con 2024 High School Division Required Piece “Tomorrow’s Notebook” | Kobe City Mixed Chorus & Kobe High School Choir

This piece, chosen as the compulsory song for the High School Division of the 2024 All-Japan School Music Competition, is a choral work composed by Ko Matsushita with lyrics by Machi Tawara.

The lyrics, written in relatable, down-to-earth language, express both hopes and anxieties about the future, along with words that capture daily change and growth.

Blending Matsushita’s meticulous harmonies with a rich melody—and enhanced by its dramatic structure—the work resonates powerfully with listeners.

It’s a highly recommended song for anyone about to take a new step forward.

Beloved by many high school students, it’s drawing attention as a piece to be tackled at the N-Con.

ChessboardOfisharu Higedan Dism

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

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.

Love’s Form feat. HIDEMISIA

Aino Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN) / MISIA (Mixed Three-Part Chorus) [Osaka Toin Wind Ensemble]

A song that gained attention as the theme for the TBS drama “Gibo to Musume no Blues.” It portrays deep feelings for a loved one.

Released in August 2018 as the 35th single, it reached No.

4 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 weekly chart.

It also received high acclaim across the board, including winning the Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance.

Recommended for those who want to express their feelings to someone important or are searching for the shape of love, this heartwarming track is perfect for school events where high school students gather with people who matter—friends, teachers, and parents.

futureTakashima Midori

future

The final piece of the five-song mixed chorus suite “Flute Sounding in the Wind.” Because the same lyrics are repeated and there are many key changes, it’s a challenging work in terms of expression.

The lyrics, filled with hope for the future, leave a strong impression.

It’s a piece that evokes an image of a clear, limitless blue sky.

Positive Taro ~A Beginning Anytime~Ueda Maki

Positive Taro ~Always the Beginning~

This is the set piece for the High School Division of the 85th NHK National School Music Competition.

The lyrics were written by Tsunku, the vocalist of Sharam Q and producer of groups such as Morning Musume.

While it’s easy to become negative, the song was created with the hope that you, too, will become a “Positive Taro,” believing “I’m invincible, I’m okay!” and face all kinds of challenges.

The repeated phrase at the end of the song will give you, a high school student, the power to take your first step forward!

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