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[Choral Songs You Can Sing in English] Recommended Pieces for Choral Competitions Too!

Accompanist / Piano InstructorYuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Yoga teacherYuko S.
Nice to meet you. I’m Yuko S. I teach yoga, meditation, and Laughter Yoga Music. I offer Laughter Yoga Music because ensuring children’s psychological safety fosters the development of their brains and minds and helps them cultivate their talents. I have produced many Laughter Yoga Music recreation sessions that simply let people enjoy laughter, music, and dance—connecting India and Japan via Zoom for both children and adults. My track record includes regularly held Nerima Laughter Yoga classes, regularly held Kichijoji Laughter Yoga Music classes, and occasional Laughter Yoga Music events. I’m currently involved in various kinds of work, and as I began facing myself more deeply, I continued studying NLP—sometimes called an instruction manual for the brain and mind—as well as the deeper unconscious realms of the psyche; I now also work as a psychological therapist. I love music, too. Back in my student days, I was such a big fan of the band LÄ-PPISCH that I even joined their fan club. I was a total live-music girl, spending most of my part-time earnings on indie concert tickets, lol. I listen to music across genres, and since I’ve lived in India, I especially listen to a lot of Indian music.

While singing in English might feel a bit intimidating, many people probably still harbor a longing to try it.

In this article, we’ve selected songs from film scores and Western pop music that are perfect for choral singing in English.

It’s easy to focus on how it sounds—thinking things like “I have to get close to a native accent”—but the top priority is understanding the song and uniting with your fellow singers to create music together!

Treasure your desire to sing choral pieces in English and dive into practice.

We also touch on the meaning of the lyrics and the films in which these songs appear, so please use this as a reference.

[Choral Songs You Can Sing in English] Recommended Songs for Choral Competitions Too! (1–10)

Hail Holy QueenChristian hymn

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

Hail Holy Queen Christian hymn

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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HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams’s Happy, a song that lets you feel joyful energy throughout your whole body, was released in 2013.

Originally included on the soundtrack album for the animated film Despicable Me 2, it was later released as a solo single and became a massive hit, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

The melody is uptempo and lifts your spirits endlessly.

And the harmony in the chorus is really cool! Singing in English might be a bit challenging for a choir, but it’s a highly recommended piece you’ll want to perform even if it takes lots of practice.

For your competition, lock in those harmonies and let happiness resonate!

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Heal the WorldMichael Jackson

Heal The World – André Rieu (Tribute to Michael Jackson)

Heal the WorldMichael Jackson

A ballad by Michael Jackson from the United States that gently sings a message of love and peace.

Included on the album “Dangerous,” it was released as a standalone single in November 1992.

With its magnificent orchestral and choir harmonies and its beautiful melody, the song voices a wish for peace together with children around the world, making it a piece that can faithfully express its worldview even when performed as a choral work.

Why not sing it with your companions, uniting your hearts and sharing the desire to make the world a better place?

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[Choral Songs You Can Sing in English] Recommended Pieces for Choir Competitions, Too! (11–20)

Do You Hear the People Sing?Claude-Michel Schönberg

Les Misérables | Do You Hear the People Sing?

Do You Hear the People Sing?Claude-Michel Schönberg

A powerful message calling for freedom and justice lies at the heart of this signature work by French composer Claude-Michel Schönberg.

Its march-like, driving melody and uplifting, grand orchestration make a strong impression.

Written as a song for the musical Les Misérables, which premiered in 1980, it was also used in the 2012 film adaptation.

Performed on a choral stage, it is sure to resonate deeply with audiences.

Singing it together with others brings out the work’s sense of solidarity and hope even more vividly.

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Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters

Yesterday Once More / CARPENTERS

Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters

A song by the sibling pop duo the Carpenters, who stayed true to their unique style and achieved worldwide success during the rock-dominated 1970s.

It became their biggest hit in both Japan and the UK, and is also known for being covered by many Japanese artists.

With its relaxed melody and tempo, and its status as a universally recognized classic, it’s highly recommended for choral performance.

Among standard choral pieces, this global masterpiece is sure to stand out.

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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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