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

Soon Ah Will Be DoneWilliam Levi Dawson

Soon Ah Will Be Done (Encore)

The impactful Black spiritual “Soon Ah Will Be Done.” It’s a choral piece by African American composer and conductor William Levi Dawson.

The lyrics sing of being taken from Africa to America and forced into hard labor.

The chorus can sound like a cry of anguish, and you might hesitate to sing it in a choir, but it’s one of the most representative and frequently performed pieces.

The English carries an African-influenced dialect, but please give it a try!

We Are the WorldStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder and New York crowd sing “We Are the World”,”My Cherie Amour” @ Central Park New York

Here’s the song performed by USA for Africa, a project launched in 1985.

With big-name musicians like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Billy Joel participating, it’s a moving piece where each artist sings a line and then everyone joins together in a grand chorus.

It would likely be very touching when sung as a choir as well.

Performing the solo parts with impersonations and cosplay could also be a fun and highly recommended idea.

It’s a song that parents’ generation will absolutely love, too.

Joyful JoyfulThe St. Francis Choir

Sister Act 2 – Joyful, Joyful – The St. Francis Choir – Taylor Sings

The powerful hymn “Joyful, Joyful” is based on the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No.

9.

It became famous when Lauryn Hill sang it in the 1993 film Sister Act 2.

The song itself is truly beautiful, and it would be absolutely cool to perform this hymn in a choir.

The chorus has a hip-hop flavor, and the most challenging part will require a lot of practice with the English, but the rest seems fairly singable.

It’s a song well worth the challenge.

Oh Happy DayThe Edwin Hawkins Singers

Oh Happy Day / Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

The song “Oh Happy Day,” said to be based on an 18th-century hymn, was released in 1969 under the name The Edwin Hawkins Singers.

The chorus of this hymn is delivered in a very high falsetto! The high notes in this track, in particular, soar straight through your head and give you goosebumps, making it a must-listen.

Hymns are one of those cool choral pieces you want to take on as a challenge.

There are a cappella versions too, and with enough practice you can definitely sing it—highly recommended.

Ellie My LoveRay Charles

Ray Charles Ellie My Love

A song by Ray Charles, known as one of the musicians who established soul music with roots in Black music such as R&B, jazz, blues, and gospel.

It’s a cover of the signature song ‘Itoshi no Ellie’ by the Japanese rock band Southern All Stars, and its jazzy arrangement, distinct from the original, is wonderfully soothing.

Using a widely known pop song in an English version is a stylish approach, making it a great choice for choral performances as well.

Even in English, you can tell it has a superb melody—truly a masterpiece that stands out in J-pop history.

You Raise Me UpSECRET GARDEN

Celtic Woman – You Raise Me Up (Live)

This song, which became well-known in Japan after being covered in 2005 by the Irish Celtic music group Celtic Woman, was originally composed in 2002 by Secret Garden, a duo from Ireland and Norway.

With lyrics about how you give me strength, it seems perfect for events like school choral competitions.

Its grand, uplifting feel pairs wonderfully with the choral format.

Let It BeThe Beatles

Let It Be (Remastered 2009)

Despite their relatively short 10-year career, the legendary rock band The Beatles has continued to influence musicians worldwide even after their breakup.

This is their 22nd single, also known as the last single released during their active years—and it’s a famous song that even those unfamiliar with The Beatles have likely heard at least once.

Beyond its beautiful melody, the piano—along with the chord progression—leaves a particularly strong impression.

It’s sure to stand out if used as a choral piece, making it a perfect choice for competitions and festivals.

A timeless classic.