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

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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: 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.

Choral performances are showcased at various school events, such as choir competitions and graduation ceremonies.

Why not take on a slightly challenging piece and surprise your audience during this special opportunity to sing together as a class or grade?

In this article, we introduce difficult choral pieces suitable for junior high school students.

Because of the higher level of difficulty, this lineup is especially recommended for 9th graders and choir club members.

Of course, 7th and 8th graders are welcome to try, too!

There are many challenging aspects—like achieving beautiful harmony and keeping precise rhythm—but with solid practice, you can deliver a wonderful, resonant performance.

[For Junior High School Chorus] Carefully Selected Difficult Popular Works & Standard Songs (21–30)

proofflumpool

Akashi / flumpool [Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts]

proofflumpool

This is a song by flumpool dedicated to junior high school students.

Chosen as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the NHK Nationwide School Music Competition, it portrays two people parting ways to pursue their dreams.

The lyrics express the loneliness of losing an “ordinary warmth” and lingering feelings for the other person, yet they also convey the importance of having the courage to move forward.

Released in December 2011, the song was also broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” While there are challenging aspects such as the beauty of the harmonies and the rhythmic nuances, practice well and let your wonderful voices ring out!

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I can hear (it)Sakushi: Iwama Yoshiki / Sakkyoku: Niimi Tokuhide

Audible [Tokyo Mixed Chorus]

I can hear (it)Sakushi: Iwama Yoshiki / Sakkyoku: Niimi Tokuhide

This choral piece weaves moving harmonies with intricate rhythms.

Its lyrics, depicting the feelings of a young person listening to the many voices from around the world, leave a strong impression.

Composed as the set piece for the high school division of the 58th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition in 1991, it has since been sung by many choirs.

Expressing the emotions of youth who care about social and global events yet struggle with the dilemma of feeling powerless, this work is perfect for junior high school students who are beginning to look out at the wider world.

It’s a song that lets you experience the joy of uniting your hearts through choral singing!

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[For Junior High School Chorus] Carefully Selected Difficult Popular Works & Standard Songs (31–40)

refrainNobunaga Taketomi

Refrain (Mixed Chorus Collection “Isobars”)

refrainNobunaga Taketomi

Loved by many schools and choirs as a choral piece that honestly expresses the feelings of adolescents, this work beautifully blends Wakako Kaku’s fresh poetry with Takafumi Nobunaga’s approachable melodies, delicately portraying the “here and now” of children’s emotions.

Released in September 2016, it is arranged for three-part equal voices with piano accompaniment, making it accessible for singers from beginners to experienced.

The lyrics convey the importance of the time spent singing with friends, hearts united—perfect for class or grade-level performances such as choral competitions and graduation ceremonies.

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GiftShiho Ochi · Koichi Tsutaya

Gifts [Iwate University Chorus]

Gift Ochi Shiho / Tsutaya Koichi

A song marked by a warm, compassionate melody and a powerful message that boosts self-esteem.

It gently conveys the importance of finding your true self while supporting the unique anxieties and loneliness of adolescence.

Released in September 2019, it was also chosen as the set piece for the junior high division of the 85th NHK National School Music Competition.

The music video portrays junior high students just as they are, resonating with many viewers.

When everyone sings it together—at choir contests, graduation ceremonies, or other class- or grade-wide performances—it’s sure to become a wonderful shared memory.

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Hymn to the EarthSakushi: Oki Atsuo / Sakkyoku: Sato Makoto

Hymn to the Earth (with lyrics)

Hymn to the EarthSakushi: Oki Atsuo / Sakkyoku: Sato Makoto

Celebrating gratitude to the earth and the joy of human life, this work is cherished as an indispensable classic for school events.

Composed in 1962 as the final movement of the cantata “Song of the Land,” it stirs listeners’ hearts with its rich harmonies and powerful lyrics.

It may feel a bit challenging for junior high school students, but if you all work together and practice, it will surely become a wonderful chorus.

If you sing it at a graduation ceremony or a choir competition, it will deeply resonate with the audience.

Please give it a try.

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fightYUI

YUI　『fight』

fightYUI

“fight” is a song composed by singer-songwriter YUI as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 2012 NHK National School Music Competition.

YUI also released it as her 21st single, and it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The lyrics, which starkly confront reality, are striking; YUI has said she infused the song with hope that emerges after accepting that reality.

It was also broadcast on NHK’s ‘Minna no Uta’ starting in August 2012.

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Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko / sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shorou

Time Traveler

Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko / sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shorou

This is a choral piece that powerfully sings of hope and dreams for the future.

Junko Fukada’s lyrics and Yoshimichi Hashimoto’s music blend beautifully, depicting people on a journey that transcends time.

With lyrics that resonate with junior high school students and a soaring melody, this work has been beloved by many choirs since its release in 1990.

Its structure—vividly portraying scenes while modulating through key changes—is also part of its charm.

Although the level of difficulty is on the higher side, dedicated practice will lead to a wonderful performance.

It’s a perfect choice for occasions where you sing as one with your peers, such as choir competitions or graduation ceremonies.

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