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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 (41–50)

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Choral ver. “A Bouquet with Love” – Three-part mixed chorus
A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Let’s sing with a feeling of love and gratitude.

One of the challenging parts of this piece is where the English lyrics appear.

As high school students who have studied English in class for several years, I especially encourage you not to give up and to give it a try.

Also, because the key is on the higher side, it may be difficult to sing—especially for girls—but if you can let your uniquely high school, resonant, beautiful voices ring out, it will make for a truly wonderful chorus!

[Choral Songs] Recommended for High School Students! A Comprehensive Introduction from Classics to the Newest J‑Pop (51–60)

Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu

Kokoro no Hitomi [Chorus] With Lyrics
Eyes of the heartSakamoto Kyu

Known as one of Kyu Sakamoto’s signature songs, this moving piece portrays love and the bond between two people.

Its gentle melody is memorable, and the lyrics—depicting a wordless connection of hearts and a pure bond that never changes with time—are deeply touching.

It’s also very popular as a choral piece, so please give it a try.

It’s sure to create a powerful sense of emotion.

ultramarineYOASOBI

This is “Gunjō,” which was scheduled to be performed at the 2021 Chorus Festival. Okayama Joto High School Choir♪
ultramarineYOASOBI

When it comes to songs that can draw out the full passion of high school students, “Gunjō” stands out.

Released in 2020 by YOASOBI, a music duo especially popular among Gen Z, it’s an up-tempo track featuring a beautifully piano-driven sound that unfolds dynamically.

With lyrics and melodies that gently embrace worries and anxieties, it’s sure to boost students’ motivation for choral performance.

Highly recommended for those seeking a J-pop number that’s perfect for mixed choir.

The Bell of PeaceNakasato Yukihiro

Yukihiro Nakazato / Bell of Peace (HEIWA)
The Bell of PeaceNakasato Yukihiro

“The Bell of HEIWA” is a song that emphasizes the importance of passing down the spirit of our predecessors—who sought to protect peace without taking up arms—so that we never forget the tragedies of war and the sacrifices that came with them.

Carrying a strong, optimistic message along with a wish for peace, it has moved many people.

Released in 2000, it is a signature song by Yukihiro Nakazato, and later, thanks to an arrangement by Tetsuya Shiraishi, it became widely loved as a choral piece.

It’s a staple often performed at choral competitions and is highly recommended for high school students.

Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE

A song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that has garnered support from a wide range of listeners, especially young people.

The track centers on a strong determination to face the hardships and challenges of everyday life, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Released on April 25, 2023, it drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Sunday Night Probably…”.

It’s especially recommended when you want to sing something with a bright, uplifting vibe.

Ballad of the MonstersTōkairin Osamu

This is a fast-paced choral piece characterized by its distinctive, lively rhythm.

Its atmosphere is quite different from more relaxed choral works, so it likely left a strong impression on many listeners.

With its highly challenging, rhythmic piano accompaniment and the spirited final shout of “Yah!”, it’s a popular piece packed with elements that excite both listeners and performers.

Castle in the Sky LaputaHisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi Budokan Concert – Castle in the Sky: Carrying You (HD)
Castle in the Sky LaputaHisaishi Joe

This is “Carrying You,” the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky (Laputa).

The song was created by adding a chorus to the in-film soundtrack piece “Sheeta and Pazu,” with Isao Takahata and Joe Hisaishi organizing Miyazaki Hayao’s notes into the final lyrics.

Although it’s from an anime, its mature atmosphere and vocal difficulty make it feel more fitting for singers around high school age.

Some people may have even played it on the recorder or other instruments in elementary or middle school music classes.