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

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.

In junior high school, there are many opportunities to perform choral pieces as a class or grade.

Music classes, choir competitions, school events like entrance and graduation ceremonies, and more.

In particular, it seems that more schools are putting effort into choir competitions.

However, when you want to “deliver a highly polished performance” or “choose songs that will stand out without overlapping with other classes,” selecting the repertoire can be difficult, and many teachers likely struggle with it every year.

In this article, we’ve picked out recommended choral pieces for junior high school students.

From classics to hidden gems, we’ll introduce moving works along with videos—please use them as a reference!

[Choral Music] Recommended for Junior High Students! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Arrangements (91–100)

U&ISakushi sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan

"U & I" Inzai Children’s Choir – 6th Regular Concert

U&ISakushi sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan

A choral piece woven from a delicate, beautiful melody and heartwarming, gentle lyrics.

Composed by Kan Wakamatsu, it is arranged for three-part mixed chorus with piano accompaniment, tenderly singing of the small joys found in everyday life and the importance of time spent together.

Its calm melody and harmonies resonate as if embracing the singers’ hearts, at times powerful and at times gentle.

The warm harmonies spun by children’s pure voices are sure to captivate many listeners.

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To the futuresakushi: tanikawa shuntarō/ sakkyoku: nobunaga takatomi

"To the Future" composed by Takafumi Nobunaga / Women's Choir Prunus

To the futuresakushi: tanikawa shuntarō/ sakkyoku: nobunaga takatomi

A choral piece by Shuntaro Tanikawa and Takatsugu Nobunaga whose calm yet powerful melody resonates in the heart.

With delicate word choices and beautiful harmonies, it delves deeply into reflections on life and the future.

Included on the album “Kanashimi wa Atarashii,” the work was premiered in June 2009 at the 45th Anniversary Special Regular Concert of the Saitama Prefectural Omiya High School Music Club.

Frequently performed at school choir competitions and regular concerts, it is highly regarded as a piece well-suited for women’s choirs.

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Peace on EarthSakushi: Tsurumi Masao / Sakkyoku: Ogikubo Kazuaki

IN TERRA PAX Peace on Earth (from the mixed chorus suite “IN TERRA PAX Peace on Earth”)

Peace on EarthSakushi: Tsurumi Masao / Sakkyoku: Ogikubo Kazuaki

A choral piece imbued with prayers for peace.

Its beautiful melody, quietly poised yet brimming with strength, and its rich harmonies fill the hall with emotion when sung with care, as if conveying heartfelt wishes.

As symbolized by the title, which means “Peace on Earth” in Latin, the work carries a universal message hoping for a world free of war and conflict.

Performed by choirs in various regions since the late 1990s and featured at peace memorial events and music festivals, it is a perfect piece for intermediate to advanced choral singers.

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Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya / Haru yo, Koi (Women’s chorus Coro CARINE by students of Osaka College of Music)

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

A timeless masterpiece by Yumi Matsutoya that gently embraces nostalgic memories and bittersweet farewells.

The lyrics, woven with feelings for someone dear, resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in October 1994 and used as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, this piece is also highly popular as a choral work and cherished by many women’s choirs.

It’s perfect for choral performances at school events such as graduation ceremonies.

Clear voices and beautiful harmonies will fill the venue with a warm atmosphere.

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KanadeSukima Suichi

“Kanade” Eimei High School Choir Club

KanadeSukima Suichi

A beloved classic by Sukima Switch, distinguished by its beautiful piano tones and emotional vocals that gently embrace meetings and farewells.

Released in March 2004, this song has graced numerous tie-in works, including the film “Rough,” the Fuji TV drama “Sotsu Uta,” and commercials for Tokio Marine & Nichido Life Insurance.

Depicting the feeling that everyday life looks completely different after meeting someone special, this piece—when sung at graduations or choral festivals—will make the presence of the friends beside you feel even more precious and help create a wonderful stage.

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I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

I want to become the wind.

I want to become the wind.THE BOOM

Set to a samba rhythm, this classic sings of freedom and joy.

Released by THE BOOM in 1995, it uses simple words to convey the importance of everyday happiness and encounters with loved ones.

The lively sound woven by diverse percussion enhances the joy of singing together.

The unique fervor generated by the large chorus and samba rhythm makes listeners feel the pulse of life.

It’s easy to incorporate as a choral piece for school events or a dance at sports festivals, making it a perfect song for moments when you want to share a bright, uplifting feeling.

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Let me have that wonderful love once moreKato Kazuhiko

That wonderful love once more

Let me have that wonderful love once moreKato Kazuhiko

When it comes to the song with lyrics by Osamu Kitayama and music by Kazuhiko Kato—also beloved as a choral piece—you’re probably thinking of The Folk Crusaders’ “Ano Subarashii Ai wo Mou Ichido” (“Let That Wonderful Love Come Once More”).

Released in 1971, it reached No.

10 on the Oricon singles chart and has been covered by countless artists.

It even appeared in junior high school music textbooks, making it a staple for choral competitions.

Thanks to its simple, easy-to-remember melody, it’s a classic known across generations, so audiences at choral contests are likely to find it familiar!

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