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

My BalladMatsui Takao

[Chorus] My Ballad (Mixed Choir, Four Parts)

“My Ballad,” composed in 1987 by Takao Matsui—renowned for creating numerous dramatic effects and choral works—is a staple piece suited to a wide range of ensembles, including mixed chorus in three parts, treble chorus in three parts, and equal-voice chorus in two parts.

Many of you may have heard it in music classes or at choral competitions.

Its moving, dramatically unfolding melody resonates deeply.

Master the distinctive triplet phrases to capture attention.

Why not deliver these tender yet passionate words of love at your next choral competition?

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mutō

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Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Graduation Ceremony ~ Bridge of Glory

Popular not only for choir competitions but also for graduation ceremonies, this song was released by Yuzu in 2004.

Since it was originally a major pop hit, many people can probably hum the main melody without learning it from scratch.

It has fewer harmony parts than other choral pieces, making it a great choice for classes that aren’t confident in their choral singing.

When you do sing the harmony sections, try not to focus only on your own melody—be mindful of how it relates to the other parts.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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About meMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Me (Chorus Version) by Kanagawa Prefectural Shonan High School Choir

A ballad that offers words of encouragement and stays close to the hearts of those who feel anxiety or loneliness.

Its grand sound, infused with marching elements, and its powerful message that affirms life—including those who have lost—will move you.

Released in January 2019 as Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s eighth single, it was chosen as the support song for the 97th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

In 2023, an orchestral arrangement was also produced for a Calorie Mate commercial by Otsuka Pharmaceutical.

Questioning the differences between oneself and others while portraying an attitude of facing the joys and anxieties felt in everyday life, this work is also perfect for choral performances at school and cultural festivals.

YELLikimonogakari

[Chorus Contest] YELL by Ikimonogakari – Gold Prize Awarded (Suma Gakuen Junior High School)

A highly popular graduation song, it’s an anthem that cheers on the future.

It’s one of the signature tracks by the three-member music unit Ikimono-gakari, released in 2009 as their 15th single.

It was specially written as the set piece for the junior high school division of the NHK National School Music Competition.

The melody is moving, and the lyrics carry a message that resonates with everyone, regardless of age or gender.

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Araki Jakkan

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Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko, sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shōji

Time Traveler

“Toki no Tabibito” (Traveler Through Time) is a three-part mixed chorus piece released in 1990, with lyrics by Junko Fukada and music by Shōji Hashimoto.

It’s well known as a staple for middle and high school choral competitions.

The melody passes between parts, giving each section a spotlight, and the character of the music changes along the way, which may make it a bit challenging for middle school students.

That said, it’s very rewarding, and if you can master it, it’s a piece that can aim for top prizes in competitions.

If you’re undecided about your selection for a choir contest, why not try singing “Toki no Tabibito”?

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Hamada Takuya

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Blue BirdSakushi: Yasuoka Yuu / Sakkyoku: Kitayama Youichi

Aoi Tori – Movie Edit Version – Mixed voice four part chorus

A quintessential choral piece also sung by the vocal group The Gospellers.

The opening “la-la-la” chorus that quietly builds the introduction to the story is rich with breathing space.

The lyrics, based on Maeterlinck’s The Blue Bird, tell the beginning of a boy and girl’s adventure—indeed, the beginning of life itself—woven with great hope and a touch of anxiety, in a story-like style.

In that sense, it’s perfect for junior high schoolers in the midst of adolescence.

Another charm of this song is its dramatic development: once the chorus hits, the voices split into high and low parts before merging back together.

It’s a highly recommended song you could call a ‘go-to when in doubt!’

Precious thingssakushi sakkyoku: Yamazaki Tomoko

“The Important Things” sung with a University of the Arts–trained vocalist #choir #chorusCompetition

A choral piece by Tomoko Yamazaki, warmly cherished in educational settings for its gentle message about the importance of friendship and companionship.

It depicts, with a beautiful melody, a young man looking back on his past and coming to realize the bonds with his friends and his feelings of gratitude.

Published by Ongaku Geijutsu-sha in 2006, the work was also used as an insert song in the film “School-Live!” and deeply moved many listeners.

It is included in junior high school music textbooks and has now become a standard piece for choral contests and school events.

This masterpiece is often sung at memorable occasions such as graduation ceremonies and school festivals.