[Graduation Songs] Choral pieces perfect for singing at elementary school graduation ceremonies: A collection of moving classics

Time of DepartureHisaishi Joe

Mixed Chorus Piece 'Time of Departure'

This piece was composed by Joe Hisaishi, renowned for creating music for Studio Ghibli works.

It was made as the theme song for the 1997 Nagano Paralympics.

With its beautiful melodic piano line, it’s a rewarding choice for a graduation song, especially since students often take on the piano part.

While it’s a song about setting off on a journey, its grand lyrics that evoke the earth and flowers flow toward broader themes like life and hope.

It’s perfect for a graduation ceremony that marks the first step into something new.

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tsukada moe

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To the futureKiroro

To the Future – Kiroro (Full)

The song “Mirai e” (To the Future), which makes you want to move forward while holding onto six years of elementary school memories, was released by Kiroro in 1998.

From the excitement and nervousness of first grade to the fun times and the tough ones, it reminds us that all kinds of experiences form a path that leads to the future.

It’s a perfect recommendation for graduation ceremonies—singing it can help you face forward, slowly but surely, with both the anxiety and the anticipation of moving on to junior high school.

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mutō

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Connected SkyYamazaki Tomoko

Large) Osaka City, Mitsushima Junior High, “Connected Sky,” Lyrics/Composition: Tomoko Yamasaki (Female Duet) [West Japan Excellent Schools Presentation Concert]

Let me introduce a song that gives you a chance to look back on six precious years.

“Tsunagaru Sora” (Connected Sky), composed by Tomoko Yamazaki—who has created many graduation songs after graduating from Kunitachi College of Music—is a piece that honestly sings about the joys and sorrows experienced in school life.

Its lyrics are captivating, making you want to say goodbye to the path filled with memories and look toward the future after all you’ve been through.

The sentimental and moving melody brings back memories of the past six years.

It’s perfect for singing at a graduation ceremony because it helps you hold your memories close while giving you the courage to step into tomorrow.

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mutō

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Tomoë GakuenFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Tomoe Gakuen (Full ver.)

A song by Masaharu Fukuyama modeled on Tomoe Gakuen, the private kindergarten and elementary school that Tetsuko Kuroyanagi attended.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “Totto-chan!”, which portrays Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s reflections.

Alongside Kuroyanagi’s life, the song writes about freedom and happiness.

When you enter elementary school and discover a new, wider world, you may sometimes develop a complex about being different from others.

Even so, in the life ahead, that difference is by no means a bad thing; someday it will surely become a weapon for you.

It seems to teach us that.

Though it’s a challenging piece, it’s modeled on an elementary school, so it’s definitely one to try!

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SAKI

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proofflumpool

flumpool “Proof” Music Video (Full Chorus ver.)

A four-piece rock band, flumpool, released their seventh single, “Akashi,” in 2011.

The song was created as the set piece for that year’s NHK National School Music Competition.

It’s a staple both as a choral piece and a graduation song, with a moving, beautiful melody that is sure to resonate with the delicate feelings leading up to graduation.

Even after you’ve graduated and time has passed, it’s the kind of touching number that will bring back memories of your friends and move you to tears.

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utatane

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Shining in my heartHashimoto Yoshiji

Shining in my heart

With its warm melody and lyrics that cherish the present, “Kokoro no Naka ni Kirameite” is a song that helps turn memories of graduation day into treasures for the future.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could always remember each act of kindness and every word we received during our school life? The melody is catchy and easy to sing, and since it has elements similar to J-pop, it might be easy for children to sing as well.

By singing this song at the graduation ceremony, it may help everyone value their memories and hold on to the joyful moments without forgetting them.

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mutō

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At any timeYugeda Kensuke

[Lyrics Video] Donnatokimo (Alto) — Vocals: Oita City Matsuoka Elementary School Music Club

Set to a gentle melody that feels familiar to everyone, Kensuke Yugeda’s song expresses gratitude at the milestone age of ten.

It warmly conveys precious memories with friends and heartfelt thanks to family and teachers.

Its tender, embracing tune resonates deeply with listeners and invites empathy.

The piece is included on the album “Dream & Dream: Yume o Tsunagou,” and it has been selected for inclusion in elementary school music textbooks starting in 2024.

Mr.

Yugeda, who holds school concerts nationwide, has performed over 2,000 times and continues composing with children in mind.

It is a song you’ll want to sing with care when expressing gratitude to important people, such as at a “Half-Coming-of-Age Ceremony” or end-of-year school events.