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

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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YELLikimonogakari

[Chorus] YELL (Mixed Choir in Three Parts)

A song by Ikimonogakari that captured the hearts of young people as an anthem encouraging the courage to reflect on your past self and take a step forward.

It offers a warm message that stands by anyone facing anxiety or doubts on the path to their dreams and gives them a gentle push toward a new beginning.

After its release in September 2009, it drew major attention, including earning the group their first No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing on special days spent with friends—at graduation ceremonies, school events, and the culminating stages of club activities.

I can hear silence.Sakushi: Sumino Yoru / Sakkyoku: Matsumoto Nozomi

Hearing Silence [Conductor Cam] Conductor: Naoto Aizawa / 89th (2022) NHK National School Music Competition, High School Division — Set Piece

A gem of a choral piece by Nozomi Matsumoto that listens to the voice of the heart in the midst of silence.

Its delicate harmonies and richly expressive melody beautifully convey feelings beyond words.

Chosen as the set piece for the High School Division of the 89th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition, it deeply moved many students.

The work is available in several versions, including mixed chorus (SATB) and three-part women’s chorus.

Sung together at important occasions such as choral competitions or graduation ceremonies, it is sure to create a moving stage that resonates in the hearts of listeners.

Mysteries of the Seasakushi: Kawasaki Hiroshi / sakkyoku: Hirayoshi Takushu

[National Gold Prize] 'Mysteries of the Sea' ♪ The sea is vast and boundless~ (Hachinohe City Nejo Junior High School Choir) #NCon

This choral piece brilliantly captures the vastness and mystery of the sea.

Its wave-like, undulating melodies and harmonies are striking, and the lyrics—woven with references to the coelacanth, the Mariana Trench, and Ryukyuan legends—invite listeners into the ocean’s wondrous realm.

Selected as the set piece for the 1989 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (Junior High Division), it continues to be featured in choral competitions nationwide as a “high-difficulty” work.

Let’s practice together and bring to life a grand drama of the sea.

The Named LeafIinuma Nobuyoshi

[Choral Piece] The Named Leaves / Mixed Three-Part Chorus [With Lyrics]

The choral piece composed by Nobuyoshi Iinuma is based on a poem by Kazue Shinkawa.

Its lyrics, which contrast poplar leaves with human beings, emphasize the importance of individuality and uniqueness.

Published by Kyoiku Geijutsu Sha in June 1986, the work has been widely performed in junior high school choral competitions.

With a gentle yet powerful character, its delicate melody matches the content of the poem.

It is often used in school music education and choral contests, and is especially recommended for ninth graders and choir members.

The lyrics carry a profound social message that will resonate deeply with listeners.

DepartureSakushi: Yamazaki Kayoko / Sakkyoku: Matsushita Ko

[N-Con 2018] The 85th NHK All-Japan School Choir Competition, Ishimine Elementary School – Set Piece 'Departure'

This piece was selected as the set song for the junior high school division of the 85th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It sings directly about the conflicts and uncertainties of adolescence.

Adults who listen will be able to reflect on their own younger days and relate to it, while children who listen may feel at ease, as if they can open up about their worries.

Blue EagleSakushi: Sarashina Genzō / Sakkyoku: Hasebe Masatoshi

[Choral Piece] The Blue Heron / Mixed Chorus in Four Parts [With Lyrics]

A song beloved as a staple for chorus competitions.

The first half is gentle and unhurried, while the second half suddenly turns fast and intense.

Because of this modulation, it’s considered quite difficult.

Another key point is that the lyrics invite various interpretations.

Depending on how you interpret what happens to the Blue Eagle that appears in the lyrics, the feelings you put into your singing will change.

Be sure to discuss it with your team and align on a shared direction.

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