[For Junior High School Chorus] A Curated Selection of Challenging Popular Works and Classic Songs

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”)

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.

Pegasus Galloping Through the SkySakushi: Tate Horai / Sakkyoku: Kurosawa Yoshinori

Lyrics by Hourai Tate, Music by Yoshinori Kurosawa / Sky-Galloping Pegasus

Yoshinori Kurosawa, one of the leading 20th-century composers, left a large number of choral pieces for elementary through high school students.

Pegasus Galloping in the Sky is a three-part mixed chorus piece composed in 1978, and its biggest challenge lies in the section where the parts split into five in the middle of the piece.

It’s not a true five-part composition; rather, the three parts branch into five partway through, which makes it tricky.

Additionally, there are sections where the tempo suddenly slows and others where the pitch rises, and this complex structure further increases the difficulty of the piece.

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Because we are living beingsLyrics・Composition: Haruko Nagaya (Ryokuoushoku Shakai)

N-Con 2024 Junior High School Division, Set Piece 'Because We Are Living Beings' | Kobe City Mixed Chorus

Selected as the compulsory piece for the Junior High School Division of the 2024 NHK National School Music Competition, this song is a moving work created by Haruko Nagaya of Ryokuoushoku Shakai.

Centered on the theme of the emotional changes and growth of adolescents, it carries a message of accepting who you are now and moving forward with your life.

Its catchy melody, characteristic of Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s musical style, shines even more with Naoko Sakurada’s light choral arrangement, making it exciting to sing.

It’s a song that closely resonates with junior high school students navigating a sensitive time in their lives.

JourneyFuji Kaze

"Tabiji" by Fujii Kaze❣️ Okayama Joto High School Choir♪ The final scene is a "smile" expressing gratitude to our beloved senior, Kaze.

A song by Fujii Kaze that gently embraces the many experiences and emotions we encounter on the long journey of life.

Created in March 2021 as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama Nijiiro Karte.

It weaves in an acceptance of mistakes born of youth, a spirit of mutual learning, and an awareness of the preciousness of everyday life.

Deeply resonating with young people standing at life’s crossroads, this piece is recommended for those who want to reaffirm their bonds with friends through choral singing.

To the futuresakushi: tanikawa shuntarō/ sakkyoku: nobunaga takatomi

To the Future (poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa / music by Takafumi Nobunaga) - Mixed Chorus Collection “Sadness Is New” - Saitama Prefectural Omiya High School Music Club

This is a wonderful choral piece that fuses Shuntaro Tanikawa’s profound poetic expression with Takafumi Nobunaga’s delicate melodies.

It sings of the hope contained in the small things of everyday life and depicts the flow of life from past to future.

Since its premiere in March 2008 at the Kyoto Echo Choir’s 45th anniversary concert, the work has been loved by many choirs and drew attention as a song that gives people grappling with the sense of loss and sorrow after the earthquake a “strength to look toward the future.” It’s a recommended piece for those who wish to share an appreciation for the present and the courage to move forward into the future.

footprint(s)Little Glee Monster

N-Con 2020 'Footprints' Little Glee Monster / Mixed Chorus (3 parts) / Full (All) - with full lyrics - For part practice Covered by Singer micah

A song that deeply empathizes with junior high school students, this work was crafted with great care as the members wrote the lyrics while recalling their own middle school experiences.

Its gentle melody embraces the worries, anxieties, and hopes of the younger generation, resonating in the heart.

Released in September 2020 as Little Glee Monster’s 16th single and also included in their best-of album GRADATI∞N, the song was chosen as the set piece for the junior high school division of the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition in 2020 and 2021, and was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

It’s an excellent choice not only for performing as a choral piece but also for enjoying the joy of singing together with friends and peers.

Blue BirdSakushi: Yasuoka Yuu / Sakkyoku: Kitayama Youichi

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

This piece features a delicate, beautiful melody that leaves a strong impression.

It gently embraces themes of growth, departure, and the feelings kept in one’s heart, resulting in a warm and comforting song.

Released as a single by The Gospellers in March 2008, it was written as the theme song for the film “Utatama♪.” Arranged for three-part mixed chorus and four-part mixed chorus, it is frequently performed as a choral work in many settings.

Singing it together with classmates allows hearts to connect, creating cherished memories that will last.

It’s also perfect for graduations and farewell occasions.