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

See?Sakushi: Itou Keiji/Sakki: Matsushita Kou

“See?” Hata Boys & Girls Choir “Horane”

This is a heartwarming choral piece born as part of the “Sing NIPPON Project,” which was launched to support recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Created through a collaboration between Keiji Ito and Ko Matsushita and released in July 2011, the work gently sings of the harmony of nature and the bonds between people.

Its friendly melody brings listeners comfort and hope, and its structure makes it easy to perform even for school class choirs.

The vocal range is not very wide, making it a practical choice for choral competitions as well.

One Morningsakushi:kataoka akira/sakkyoku:hirayoshi kishū

One Morning

One Morning was released in 1978 as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, high school division.

With lyrics by Akira Kataoka and music by Takekuni Hirayoshi, the piece was created around the theme of “friendship.” Since its debut, it has been known as a highly challenging work, with difficult rises and falls in the melody and nuanced control of dynamics.

The section that begins with the male voices feels calm, but once the female voices enter, the piece surges with excitement.

The chorus is the highlight; it sounds most effective when you shape the ebb and flow carefully and adjust dynamics according to each part.

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utatane

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Friend ~Time to Depart~yuzu

Friend ~Time to Set Out~ / Yuzu

A graduation song by Yuzu that is often sung in middle school music classes.

Released in 2013, it was selected as the compulsory piece for the Middle School Division of the 80th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition and was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” While it laments parting with friends, it carries the message that you’re bound by strong ties no matter where you are.

At graduation ceremonies or farewell parties, it’s nice to set aside your shyness for a moment, look back on your memories, and sing together through tears.

If you feel the bond with your friends, the sadness of parting should ease a little.

Song of Fresh Green LeavesSakushi: Komori Kōko / Sakkyoku: Kumagai Ken’ichi

Song of Fresh Green Leaves

The soprano part takes center stage in the striking choral piece “Aoba no Uta.” Released in 1974, this work is known as a challenging three-part mixed chorus.

Owing to its difficulty, it is also unusual in that there are versions with altered lyrics, accompaniment, and alto lines to reduce the level of difficulty.

Many sections are demanding due to the high range and quick, bounce-like color changes in the sound.

A key tip is to be mindful of passages meant to be sung in one breath without breaking, and to make the soprano line shine clearly.

Male voices should also aim to sing with a solid, deep resonance.

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utatane

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skySakushi: SKY-HI / Sakkyoku: UTA, LOAR, SKY-HI

[NHK School Choir Contest 2025 Junior High Division Set Piece] Sora [Mixed Three-Part Chorus]

A song by SKY-HI released in 2025 as the compulsory piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, Junior High School Division.

Featuring a warm, piano-driven melody and lyrics that convey a message to today’s youth who grapple with anxiety and inner conflict, this piece leaves a strong impression.

Arranged for choir by Masanori Kato, it is structured to be easy for middle school students to sing.

It’s an encouraging anthem that gives listeners the courage to move forward with their friends—without hiding their vulnerabilities or worries, and while embracing their true selves.

Be sure to check out the BE:FIRST version as well, which offers a different vibe.

Wild horseIwakawa Saburō

[Choral Song] Wild Horses / Three-Part Mixed Chorus [With Lyrics]

A classic piece for choir competitions that children eagerly practice.

It features poetry depicting wild horses and a dynamic musical style.

Composed by Saburō Iwakawa, born in 1923, this work expresses the power of nature and the courage of horses.

With lyrics by Chieko Nakamura, it vividly portrays horses galloping through a storm.

Widely loved in educational settings and a popular challenge for many junior high school students, the piece includes many difficult aspects—such as achieving beautiful harmony and maintaining rhythm—but if everyone works together and practices, they will surely be able to deliver a wonderful performance.

river mouthSakushi: Maruyama Yutaka / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

Mixed Chorus Suite Chikugo River V. Estuary with Lyrics

Estuary depicts the journey of a river’s water as it flows from upstream to downstream and eventually reaches the sea.

The image of the flowing river is also likened to the process students go through from enrollment to graduation, which is why it’s beloved as a graduation song.

Because the key for sopranos and other female voices is high, you need to be careful with your vocal technique.

The phrasing and dynamics are also challenging, so be sure to interpret the lyrics carefully as you sing.

Additionally, the piano accompaniment is difficult, not just the singing, so accompanists should take extra care as well.

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SAKI

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