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

waxing; filling up; becoming full; growing (e.g., the moon growing fuller)NEW!Fuji Kaze

“Michita Yuku” by Fujii Kaze OJC 2025 The first and last performance by 100 members: Okayama Prefectural High School Choral Festival: Takahashi General Cultural Hall The performance is still very much a work in progress, but we’d be happy if you could watch over us warmly♪

This song was released in March 2024 as the theme for the film “April, Come She Will.” Crafted by singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, it resonates with a gentle piano melody and a tender vocal delivery.

It delves deeply into the importance of embracing life’s changes and letting go of attachment, as well as the notion of unconditional love that seeks no return, conveying an introspective and philosophical message.

Its calm tempo and beautiful melody make it perfect for choral arrangements at school culture festivals.

It’s a deeply moving, beautiful ballad recommended for classes that want to sing as one or for events aiming for an emotional finale.

A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouNEW!HIPPY

君に捧げる応援歌 / HIPPY

Singer-songwriter HIPPY is known for words that hit straight to the heart.

Featured on his March 2017 album “HomeBase ~Arigato~,” this track is an anthem that cheers on everyone giving their best.

It later spread in sports contexts as well, becoming a walk-up song for pro baseball players and appearing in corporate TV commercials, making it increasingly familiar in many settings.

The lyrics, which both acknowledge the anxieties of taking on challenges and give you a gentle push forward, are sure to resonate deeply with students facing club activities or entrance exams.

It’s a warm, uplifting song that makes you want to link arms with friends and sing together.

Perfect for a group chorus on stages like school culture festivals or campus festivals, where everyone wants to unite their hearts!

MoldauNEW!Sakkyoku: Bedřich Smetana / Henkyoku, Yakushi: Iwakawa Saburō

EMG4-0025 The Moldau [Mixed Choir, 4 Parts]

This piece is based on a symphonic poem composed in 1874 by Bedřich Smetana, regarded as the founder of the Czech national school, with Japanese lyrics and arrangement by Saburō Iwagawa.

It had become established in Japanese schools by the late 1990s and has been sung for many years.

A major feature of this work is that it condenses the grandeur of the original into an approximately three-minute mixed three-part choral arrangement.

The dramatic changes—from the gentle flow of a river to swirling rapids—resonate in the hearts of those who sing it.

Many people may remember singing it in music classes or at choral competitions.

It is a highly recommended arrangement for those who want to unite their class and take on a classical masterpiece at cultural or school festivals.

Earth Star SongNEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Mimasu

[Choral Song] Earth Star Song ~For Smiles~ / With Lyrics [44/200]

This work, written and composed by Mimasu—known as a member of the musical duo Aquamarine—and arranged for chorus by Yutaka Tomizawa, was first performed at the Tanabata Festival in 2008 and has since become a beloved classic sung at schools across Japan.

Its inclusion in a 2012 song collection by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha further cemented its place as a staple of school choral repertoire.

The piece is rooted in the author’s travels through South America, Africa, and beyond, where he was moved by Earth’s majestic nature and warm encounters with people.

Gently celebrating a sense of solidarity that transcends borders and the joy of living together on the same planet, it’s a perfect choice for choral performances at cultural and school festivals.

Unchanging ThingsNEW!sakushi sakkyoku: Yamazaki Tomoko

[Choral Song] The Unchanging Things (Three-Part Chorus) cover by MELOGAPPA / With Lyrics [MELOGAPPA]

This is a choral piece that lyrically depicts scenes of graduation, parting, and new beginnings.

Written and composed by Tomoko Yamazaki, it was included in the collection “Tomoko Yamazaki Original Songs: Mixed Chorus Edition,” released in July 2010.

Characterized by straightforward, approachable melodies and beautiful harmonies, it carries a positive message that memories of encounters and the value of human connections do not fade with time.

It’s often chosen for choral competitions, so many people may have sung it before.

Transforming the sadness of farewell into warm memories, this work is perfect not only for choirs at cultural and school festivals, but also for graduation ceremonies and farewell gatherings.

Today is your birthday.NEW!Sakushi sakkyoku: Wakamatsu Kan

[Remote Chorus] Today Is Your Birthday (With Lyrics)

This is a choral piece written and composed by Kan Wakamatsu.

Long beloved as a staple for class choirs—especially in junior high schools—many people likely sang it during their school days.

It is included on the album “The Sea I Saw With You: Kan Wakamatsu Chorus Selection [Mixed Chorus Version],” released in July 2010.

While themed around the special day of a birthday, it also weaves in a warm gaze toward another person and slightly bittersweet feelings, such as the weight of passing time.

Because its content has a depth that’s more than just cheerful, it’s perfect for students who want to sing with heartfelt emotion at cultural or school festivals.

Oyashirazu Ko ShirazuNEW!Sakushi: Yamamoto Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Iwakawa Saburou

[Choral Song] Oyashirazu Koshirazu / With Lyrics [43/200]

This work, created by poet Kazuo Yamamoto and composer Saburō Iwakawa, is a mixed chorus piece themed on a tragic legend from Oyashirazu in Niigata Prefecture.

It was also included on the compilation album “Kokoro no Harmony 2008: Best Collection,” released in January 2008, and it continues to enjoy enduring popularity.

The profound lyrics, depicting harsh natural scenery and a mother-and-child tragedy, resonate deeply alongside the dramatic melody.

As a piece that demands expressive power and carries a high level of difficulty, it’s perfect as a free-choice selection for upper-grade students to perform at choir competitions or school festivals.

Highly recommended for those who want to convey a story dramatically through layered voices!