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 Contest! Recommended Western Songs (71–80)

We’re All in This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast

High School Musical Cast – We’re All In This Together (From “High School Musical”)

We’re All in This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast

A song from High School Musical that delivers a heartfelt message themed around unity and respect for diversity.

Its melodious pop tune pairs perfectly with a school brass band-style arrangement, while sound effects like whistles vividly capture the energy of youth.

In April 2020, a remote performance by the original cast, dedicated to healthcare workers in gratitude, also became a hot topic.

Highly recommended for those looking for a song to perform at choir competitions or school festivals.

If everyone sings together, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory.

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I Will Follow himLittle Peggy March

I Will Follow Him [with Japanese translation] from Sister Act

I Will Follow himLittle Peggy March

A song whose beautiful melody brims with love and hope, paired with an angelically clear singing voice that resonates in the heart.

Sung by Little Peggy March from the United States at the age of 15, it reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 in April 1963 and became a massive hit around the world, including in Europe and South Africa.

The song was also featured in the film “Sister Act” and is widely cherished as a choral piece.

It’s perfect not only for those who want to try singing in English, but also for choirs that want to fully enjoy beautiful harmonies.

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When You BelieveMariah Carey & Whitney Houston

When You Believe – The Prince of Egypt | One Voice Children’s Choir | Kids Cover (Official Video)

When You BelieveMariah Carey & Whitney Houston

A miraculous duet by global divas Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey from the United States.

It served as the theme song for the 1998 animated film The Prince of Egypt, and is a striking piece where the two artists’ vocal powers come together.

Although the media portrayed them as rivals, the actual recording took place in a warm, friendly atmosphere, resulting in a magnificent classic filled with conviction and hope.

It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 71st Oscars and reached a peak position of No.

15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The English lyrics may seem challenging, but if you sing along with heart, you can convey the hopeful message this song carries.

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EverydayZac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens

Troy, Gabriella – Everyday (From “High School Musical 2”)

EverydayZac Efron & Vanessa Hudgens

Known as a song featured in a classic Disney film, this piece is a heartwarming duet that vividly portrays the dreams and friendships of youth.

The harmonious vocals of American performers Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are memorable, and the track was included on the soundtrack of the August 2007 release High School Musical 2.

Its bright, soaring melody and lyrics about hope have a remarkable power to unite those who sing it together.

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Hail Holy QueenKirisuto-kyō seika

Hail Holy Queen from “Sister Act” [Tamuramarō Mixed Chorus ver.]

Hail Holy QueenKirisuto-kyō seika

A classic that bridges traditional Catholic hymns from the 11th century to the modern era.

Its solemn vocals, offered as a prayer to the Virgin Mary, revealed an entirely new appeal in the film “Sister Act.” In the movie, the convent choir led by Whoopi Goldberg’s character performs it in a vibrant, gospel-inspired arrangement.

The soundtrack, released in 1992, earned a Gold record in the United States.

Whether sung in a traditional choral style or in a gospel-like arrangement, this piece is captivating, and it lets you fully savor the joy of uniting hearts with your companions in song.

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