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] Let’s Sing at the Chorus Competition! Recommended Western Songs (91–100)

Viva La VidaColdplay

Viva La Vida – Performed by Arís Celebration Choir

Viva La VidaColdplay

Bringing a fresh breeze to choir competition song selections, Viva La Vida is characterized by its moving melody and relatable lyrics.

Created by Coldplay, the song expresses a unique worldview through music, drawing listeners into its story.

The resounding strings and powerful rhythm bring exquisite balance to the piece and enhance the sense of unity when performing it.

As students raise their voices together, they can feel the song’s message more deeply.

Real-life examples of choral performances are helpful as references, so why not incorporate them into your own staging?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Your Song Saved My LifeScarlett Johansson、Bono

Your Song Saved My Life (SATB Choir) – Arranged by Mark Brymer

Your Song Saved My LifeScarlett Johansson、Bono

Released in November 2021, the song is a special track written for the film Sing 2.

It was created by the world-renowned Irish rock band U2.

Their powerful sound and Bono’s soaring vocals are truly memorable.

The lyrics express the strength of music—the power that helps us get through difficult times in life.

It’s a number filled with a message that resonates with many people.

Since it’s a song from a musical-themed work, it’s also perfect for performing as a choir piece.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Leave the door OpenBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

“Leave the door Open” performed by the WMS Bel Canto Chorus (2020-2021)

Leave the door OpenBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Silk Sonic is a soul duo formed by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak.

As pioneers of the revival boom, they won multiple awards at the Grammys in 2022.

A Silk Sonic song I recommend for choir competitions is Leave the Door Open.

Because the original track is a laid-back soul tune, it pairs well with choral arrangements.

It’s a great choice for choirs confident in their harmonies.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

We introduced many recommended Western songs for choral performance.

In addition to timeless classics that are staples of choir repertoires, we also featured plenty of recent pop hits.

Find your favorite from the songs introduced in this article and put on a performance that stands out from other classes!