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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 Songs] Recommended for Junior High Students! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements (11–20)

MiracleGReeeeN

[Chorus Version] GReeeeN - Kiseki

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN’s “Kiseki” is a song that celebrates both the “traces” of time spent together and the “miracle” of having met.

It’s perfect for performing with classmates who share school life.

With its simple melody that’s easy to memorize, it should be manageable even when you don’t have much time to practice.

Let the whole class come together, practice steadily, and create a wonderful harmony.

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Beyond the tearsShingu Auto

Hisamatsu Junior High School Chorus ~Beyond the Tears~

Beyond the tearsshingu・auto

This work offers deep comfort to young people in their adolescence who are striving to overcome past sorrows and take a new step forward.

Released in November 1969 as an original song for NHK General’s “Stage 101,” it sold 210,000 copies.

Its gentle, consoling message for troubled hearts and its beautiful harmonies are truly moving.

Conveying the importance of looking to the future with a positive spirit, this piece is perfect not only for chorus competitions but also for milestones such as the start of a new school term or the graduation season.

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to youMONGOL800

Chorus to you

to youMONGOL800

This is a song by the rock band MONGOL800.

It began to be performed as a choral piece after it was used as the final scene’s choir song in the 2008 film “Utatama♪.” It’s a song that expresses feelings for someone special and fills you with warmth.

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Wasted wishesAKB48

[MV full] Negai-goto no Mochigusare / AKB48 [Official]

Wasted wishesAKB48

A track notable for its unusual 6/8 time signature and a mysterious melody reminiscent of Russian folk songs.

AKB48’s expressive harmonies pair perfectly with the original choreography, which evokes a wizard manipulating dolls.

Released in May 2017, the piece was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and was also selected as the required song for the Junior High School Division of the 84th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

Its appeal as a choral work is fully brought out, making it a song you’ll want to perform in school music classes and choir competitions.

Recommended as a piece that invites singers to reflect together on the meaning of making dreams and wishes come true.

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Riding a hot-air balloon, anywhere and everywhereSakushi: Azuma Tatsuo / Sakkyoku: Hirayoshi Takeyasu

Riding a Hot-Air Balloon, Anywhere We Go [Tokyo Mixed Chorus]

Riding a hot-air balloon, anywhere and everywhereSakushi: Azuma Tatsuo / Sakkyoku: Hirayoshi Takeyasu

Watch on YouTube: “Riding a Hot-Air Balloon, Anywhere and Everywhere” Lyrics: Tatsuo Azuma / Music: Takeyasu Hirayoshi

A captivating song with a heart-thrilling world of “traveling through the sky in a hot-air balloon.” Since being selected as a required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition in 1974, it has remained a beloved classic for many years.

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime Nichijou, engraving itself even more deeply in people’s hearts.

Because it can be sung in various choral formats—such as equal-voice two-part and mixed three-part—it’s perfect for school events.

Add some handclaps and sing it with lots of energy!

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Because we are living beingsNagay Haruko

Lyrics and music by Haruko Nagaya (Ryokuoushoku Shakai), choral arrangement by Naoko Sakurada / Because We Are Living Beings

Because we are living beingsNagay Haruko

This song, chosen as the compulsory piece for the middle school division of the 2024 NHK School Choir Competition (N-Con), is a moving work crafted by Haruko Nagaya of Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

Centered on the theme of emotional change and growth in adolescents, it carries a message of accepting who you are now and looking forward as you live your life.

Its catchy melody, imbued with Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s musical sensibilities, shines with Naoko Sakurada’s light and nimble choral arrangement, making it exciting to sing.

I believe it’s a piece that will truly resonate with middle schoolers going through a sensitive time.

Let’s sing it at the choir competition and celebrate our youth together!

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[Choral Music] Recommended for Junior High Students! A Collection of Moving Choral Works & Choral Arrangements (21–30)

Because I want to be by your side.Miyazaki Asako

Because I Want to Be by Your Side [Tokyo Mixed Chorus] NHK School Choir Contest 2019, Middle School Division – Set Piece

Because I want to be by your side.Miyazaki Asako

“Because I Want to Be by Your Side” is the set piece for the 2019 NHK School Choir Contest (Junior High Division), created by Asako Miyazaki, the vocalist of the hugely popular girls’ band SHISHAMO.

The song has a cute, SHISHAMO-like vibe, but singing pop-style rhythms and melodic lines in a choral setting can be a bit challenging.

Even so, it’s a highly recommended choice for classes that want to stand out with their selection.

The lyrics are filled with encouragement and positive messages, expressing a strong desire to cheer someone on.

It’s sure to resonate with junior high students aiming for choir competitions.

Precisely because it’s difficult, the emotional payoff when you pull it off is unbeatable!

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