[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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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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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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BELIEVESugimoto Ryuichi

Believe [Choral Piece]

Even if you stumble over something in the future, remembering that you sang this song will give you courage.

Let me introduce such a piece.

“BELIEVE,” written and composed by Ryuichi Sugimoto in 1998, is a song that stays close to a wounded friend and teaches us that the whole Earth is made of kindness.

If your class sings it together in chorus, believing in a future that’s not yet visible, a strong sense of unity will well up.

As a graduation song for elementary school, why not try singing a piece that can turn the bitter experiences you’ve had into joy when you graduate?

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mutō

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Futabaaimyon

Aimyon – Futaba [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This song features lyrics that resonate deeply, using budding plants as a motif for the future to depict the bittersweetness and hope that come with growth.

The message—marveling at how our hearts and bodies grow without us even noticing, and affirming the farewell to our past selves—feels perfect for the milestone of graduation.

Written by Aimyon in March 2022 as the theme song for NHK’s “Aimyon 18 Festival,” it’s also included on her album Falling into My Eyes Record.

Created together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, the piece carries episodes that are sure to give listeners the courage to leap into the unknown.

How about choosing it as a song to gift children graduating from elementary school and moving on to new environments, or as background music for a send-off?

Country RoadHon’na Yoko

058 'Country Road' (from 'Whisper of the Heart') (from the 48th Regular Concert)

It’s a memorable song featuring a simple, nostalgic melody and lyrics that portray the resolve to set out alone toward the future.

Released in June 1995 as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s captivating for Yoko Honna’s clear, translucent vocals.

The song mirrors the film’s protagonist pursuing her dreams and is sure to gently encourage children standing at the major milestone of graduation.

Since April 2012, it has also been adopted as the station melody at the setting featured in the film, exemplifying how it has been loved for many years.

With a message about tucking away your memories and forging your own path, it’s perfect for graduates about to take flight into a new world.

Holding back tears and facing forward—there’s no doubt it will make for a moving ceremony.