[Choral Music] Recommended for Middle Schoolers! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements

Oyashirazu Ko ShirazuIwakawa Saburō

[Chorus] Oyashirazu Koshirazu [with lyrics]

Here’s a recommendation for those looking for a distinctive choral piece.

Its slightly dark atmosphere and colloquial, old-fashioned lyrics make it truly unique.

It begins with a calm, unhurried melody, but midway the tempo suddenly surges, shifting to a driving, insistent line.

The piece feels like staging a play from start to finish, so expressive ability is crucial.

It’s a piece I’d love to see advanced choirs take on.

premonitionSakushi: Kataoka Akira, Sakkyoku: Okuma Takako

Ayauta Junior High School Chorus Contest, 2017: Class 3-2 “Premonition”

Yokan (Premonition) was the set piece for the junior high school division of the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition held in 2002.

It is modeled on agronomist Masaei Toyama, who continued planting trees in regions suffering from desertification, and the lyrics were reportedly inspired by the image of planting trees in the desert.

The song’s lyrics contain many words expressing dreams and hope, making it a perfect piece for junior high school students with bright futures.

As a competition set piece, its difficulty is somewhat high, with tempo changes and modulations, but by all means, give Yokan a try!

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Hamada Takuya

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Green GreenThe New Christy Minstrels

Green Green

It’s a song performed in 1963 by the American folk group The New Christy Minstrels.

It’s also a staple in school music classes.

Since it features many high notes overall, it’s perfect for a middle school class that includes boys whose voices haven’t fully changed yet.

Let’s show off some cool harmonies.

AldebaranAI

Aldebaran / AI [Mixed Chorus in 3 Parts]

Aimer’s song “Aldebaran,” which was selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Come Come Everybody and became a hot topic for moving listeners to tears.

It’s also known for having been written and composed by singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.

This heartwarming piece is perfect as the theme for a drama whose three protagonists weave a 100-year story that stirred audiences.

It’s also a great choice as a choral piece that builds toward the end.

Arranging it for a three-part mixed chorus adds depth and impact, doesn’t it? By all means, try arranging it with your class and give it a go as a chorus.

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miyabi

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paprikaFoorin

paprika

A song that gradually gained popularity from around 2018 and finally made it to the 2019 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a recommended piece because all middle schoolers already know it, so there’s no need to learn it from scratch.

Even schools with little practice time or few full rehearsals should be fine with “Paprika.”

Become a flowerLyrics: Ikuya Sashida ・ jam / Composition: Ikuya Sashida ・ Toshiyuki Mori

[SSA Women’s Chorus] Become a Flower / ensemble LEMON

This is a ballad characterized by a gentle, translucent melody and the warm timbre of the piano.

Released in June 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK BS Premium period drama “Hidamari no Ki.” It also drew attention when figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu used it for his exhibition program.

The piece shines in women’s chorus as well, where its delicate harmonies and graceful melody highlight the soft beauty of female voices.

It’s an ideal choice for groups looking to take on choral singing.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boyhood [Choral Version]

A smash hit and signature song by Yosui Inoue that people will probably keep singing forever.

If you’re a middle school student, you can likely sing it in the original key.

Those with lower voices can really shine in the B-melody chorus, too.

The gentle melody makes it approachable even for students not used to choral singing.

A highly recommended song overflowing with nostalgia.