Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[2026] Let's Sing at the Chorus Competition! A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

When it comes time to choose a piece for the chorus competition, I think many people are thinking, “We don’t want to overlap with other classes!” Since it’s a special competition, you want to pick songs that are uniquely yours and show a performance that stands out from the rest.

In times like that, singing Western music is highly recommended! So in this article, I’ll introduce lots of Western songs that are great for choral performances.

I’ve included not only timeless classics but also recent pop hits, so please use this as a reference when selecting your piece.

[2026] Try Singing at the Choir Competition! Recommended Western Songs (51–60)

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey

Choir! Choir! Choir! sings Journey “Don’t Stop Believin”

Don't Stop Believin'Journey

Journey is a rock band that gained worldwide popularity in the 1980s.

Versatile enough to handle everything from sharp-edged hard rock to ballads, the band enjoyed tremendous fame during the era when Steve Perry served as lead vocalist.

Among Journey’s works, one piece that’s especially perfect for choir competitions is “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Because it’s such an energetic song, adding foot stomps or handclaps in addition to the choral singing can provide a great extra touch.

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The Neverending Story ThemeLimahl

Never Ending Story

The Neverending Story ThemeLimahl

It’s the theme song of the film with the same title.

Many people are sure to feel nostalgic.

Although many years have passed since its release and the film’s premiere, it’s still a very popular song.

I can recommend it as a choral piece for women.

Adults might be moved to tears as it brings back memories.

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Hail Holy QueenDeloris Van Cartier

Sister Act – Hail Holy Queen (Deloris and The Sisters)

Hail Holy QueenDeloris Van Cartier

Sister Act, a classic film that continues to be loved by many viewers, is a heartwarming music-centered movie in which a struggling singer transforms a convent choir so dramatically that she gradually gains recognition from the townspeople and the convent community.

The film features numerous iconic songs, and among them, the most memorable is surely Hail Holy Queen, the first piece performed by the newly evolved choir.

Although it’s a traditional Christian hymn, this rendition is arranged with a decidedly groovy and lively vibe.

As a choral piece, some parts feature frequent improvisational embellishments, but the basic main melody is fairly easy to sing—so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Take Me Home, Country RoadsOlivia Newton-John

H264_ Country Road TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS / Olivia Newton-John

Take Me Home, Country RoadsOlivia Newton-John

It’s a song originally sung by John Denver and covered by Olivia Newton-John.

The original is famous as the state song of West Virginia.

Olivia Newton-John’s version is characterized by an opening that starts with a gospel-like chorus.

Many people have probably heard it in Studio Ghibli’s film “Whisper of the Heart.”

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This Is MeKeala Settle

This Is Me from “THE GREATEST SHOWMAN”

This Is MeKeala Settle

An inspiring song about self-affirmation born from the film The Greatest Showman.

Sung by American artist Keala Settle, the piece won Best Original Song at the 75th Golden Globe Awards.

In step with the film’s story, it gives voice to the courage and hope to confront prejudice and discrimination while being marginalized by society.

Settle, who portrays Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady and a member of the circus troupe, delivers a powerful vocal performance that underscores the importance of embracing individuality.

In choral settings, the song shines even brighter when each singer expresses their true self while connecting with their fellow performers.

By understanding the lyrics and practicing with the film’s narrative in mind, you can achieve a deeper level of expression.

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