[Choral Music] Recommended for Middle Schoolers! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements
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!
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[Choral Music] Recommended for Middle Schoolers! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements (111–120)
MoldauSakushi: Iwakawa Saburō, Sakkyoku: Bedorujia Smetana
This is a three-part mixed chorus version with lyrics and arrangement by Saburo Iwakawa of the first theme from Vltava (The Moldau), the second piece in Bedřich Smetana’s cycle Má vlast (My Country).
It greatly condenses the structure of Vltava and arranges it for piano and mixed choir, and this version is currently well known in Japan.
Many musicians abroad have also created their own lyrics and arrangements.
[Choral Music] Recommended for Junior High Students! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements (121–130)
swallowYOASOBI
A song of hope woven together with the pure voices of children.
Its powerful message—that small actions can change the world—perfectly matches the beautifully clear, translucent vocals.
Chosen as the theme song for NHK’s SDGs program series for children, “Hirogare! Irotoridori,” it was also broadcast on “Minna no Uta” in October and November 2021.
With its gentle melody, grand soundscape, and the children’s soaring voices creating a rich harmony, this work delivers a moving experience that resonates deeply.
It’s also recommended as a piece for choir practice or for singing at school events.
footprint(s)Little Glee Monster
This song by Little Glee Monster was chosen as the set piece for the junior high school division of the 87th NHK All-Japan School Choir Contest in 2020.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, many schools could no longer even hold choir practices, and the contest was canceled.
That said, since they’re known for their harmonies, just humming the song at home can be good practice—and uplifting, too.
The group also showcased their beautiful harmonies in a remote live performance, didn’t they?
paprikaFoorin
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.”
To the EarthLyrics and Composition: Hanzaki Yoshiko
A grand ballad themed around environmental issues and love for our planet.
Misako Hanazaki’s clear, translucent vocals, together with the gentle tones of piano and strings, envelop the listener’s heart.
Released as a digital-only single in November 2021 and later included on the August 2022 album “Utaben 3,” this piece has, since 2024, been featured in fifth-grade music textbooks and cherished as a choral song in elementary schools across Japan.
Combined with children’s pure voices, it offers listeners a chance to reflect on the preciousness of the Earth.
To the futureNobunaga Taketomi
“Mirai e” (To the Future) is included in the mixed-chorus collection Kanashimi wa Atarashii, with lyrics by Shuntaro Tanikawa and music by Takafumi Nobunaga.
The lyrics, which liken the future to a blue sky, leave a strong impression.
There are relatively simple two-part same-voice and mixed four-part arrangements, so you can choose according to your level.
The middle section also features a showcase for the piano, making it a rewarding piece to play for accompanists as well.
It’s a work that lets you feel the flow of time from past to present, and from present to future—be sure to give it a try!
Graduation PhotoMatsutōya Yumi
When it comes to classic graduation songs, Yumi Matsutoya’s “Sotsugyo Shashin” is a must.
It’s a song from her pre-marriage days as Yumi Arai, and a renowned track included on the 1975 album “COBALT HOUR.” The lyrics sing of how I’ve changed since graduation, contrasted with how you remain the same, and of my feelings for you.
With its simple melody and relaxed tempo, it isn’t too difficult, so why not try having the whole class perform it as a chorus for your final pre-graduation event?