High school choirs are an exciting category for singers. They are likely experienced from years of singing in middle school choir, and maybe even elementary school choir as well. Students are ready to take on more challenging pieces under the direction of their music instructor. Teachers get to teach students who are generally more enthusiastic about singing and who can understand how to achieve musical goals as a group. Overall, high school choir is an incredible opportunity for performances for the students, the teacher, and the audience.
Preparing for Your High School Choir Class
Whether you’re a student or a music teacher, there’s a little preparation to be done before the start of a new year or semester's choir class. Teachers have a lot more to do, of course. Take care to get ready for choir class in advance, so the year can start as smoothly as possible.
Music Teachers
High school choirs usually work across multiple voice ranges, including SATB, SSA, and SAB. Some programs may include beginners, while others might expect students to have prior experience from their middle school days. While most high schools have more casual choir programs, others may be quite competitive (or have two separate choral classes, one casual and one competitive).
| Range Name | Range | Tessitura |
|---|---|---|
| Soprano | C4-A5 | G4-E5 |
| Mezzo-Soprano | A3-F5 | A3-A5 (varies) |
| Alto | F3-D5 | G3-C5 |
| Tenor | C3-A4 | D3-F4 |
| Baritone | A2-F4 | B2-D4 |
| Bass | E2-C4 | F2-A3 |
First, you must assess the choir’s vocal ranges, balance, and music literacy level. You might be able to get a better idea of each student’s current level by holding auditions or tryouts. While auditions for school choirs aren’t usually competitive, there may be some constraints due to budget or space. Make sure you know how many students you can accommodate in the program and the established protocol if students are not accepted into the group.
Voices are still changing in high school, and many students will not even reach their adult voice by the time they graduate.
Most male students will likely fall into tenor or baritone ranges (with possibly a few basses). Female students will likely fall into soprano or mezzo-soprano ranges.
Therefore, most high school choirs are either SATB, SSA, or SAB arrangements.
However, these tryouts are generally just a way for the music director to preview and place students in different sections (usually soprano, alto, tenor, or bass), determine the average skill level of the group, and identify which students might be interested in performing solos.
The music you choose should be relevant for students and audiences, while supporting skill development. Many teachers choose most of their songs in advance (the tried-and-true arrangements in their own experience, or among other music educators), and might add a few specific ones based on the group’s skills and interests.
Students
Students should sign up for choir class only if they’re truly interested in singing as part of a group. Choir is a group effort, and the final product relies on the effort and enthusiasm of each individual. Be sure you understand the commitments of the class, like after-school rehearsals, attendance expectations, and the performance schedule.
Some high schools may have auditions for choir. In those cases, you’ll usually be assigned a few bars of a simple song to evaluate your vocal range (SATB) and demonstrate your ability to match pitch and keep rhythm. It helps if you already know how to read sheet music and learn from a conductor, but many choral programs allow newcomers, too. It will depend on your specific institution.
If you have to choose an audition song, make it something simple with a strong harmony that you can confidently demonstrate in front of the music teacher.
The teacher will place you in the SATB formation, and the range of voices in the chorus determines what type of music the teacher should buy (SATB, SSA, or SAB).
Finding Music for High School Choir Class
Discovering new, exciting, effective music for class can be a challenge in itself. There are a few trusted online resources for finding new songs, most of which have many affordable options. Search these sites when exploring the perfect tracks to buy for your choral students. You can search by SATB, SSA, SAB, and other filters to preview the arrangements.
- JW Pepper
- Music K-8
- Hal Leonard
- Stanton’s
- Alfred Music
- Sheet Music Plus
The first breath a choir, orchestra or band takes together, a breath filled with focus, intention and emotion, a breath unified for no other reason than to make something beautiful together...that is the reason we do what we do.
Eric Whitacre, American composer and conductor
Top Choir Songs for High School Performances
Engaging, effective high school chorus programs feature a variety of tracks and arrangements (SATB, SSA, and SAB). For student education, choosing classical, historically significant works is a necessity. International and foreign-language arrangements are also valuable for cultural exposure. But, including more modern works is a great way to excite the class and audience alike. Choosing a healthy mix (usually that reflects the theme of the concert, such as “winter” or “graduation”) is a surefire way to both educate students in a variety of musical styles and deliver a strong performance.
Many high school songs can be used for middle school choirs as well, though you may need to choose a simpler arrangement if possible.
All-Time Favorites
Tried-and-true songs are a perfect choice, and it’s good to have a handful in your repertoire that you are experienced at teaching to students every few years. They are generally well-liked by students and audiences and provide a solid musical foundation practice, especially for students who are new to choir. They are generally easier to master, providing a valuable morale boost to students.
Though many are religious in nature, they are typically so classical, historic, and rooted in tradition that they can be appreciated even by secular people.
Find SATB, SSA, and SAB arrangements for these tracks by different talented arrangers.
- “Hallelujah Chorus” (from Messiah), George Frideric Handel, arr. Hal Leonard
- “Ave Verum Corpus” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, arr. John Leavitt
- “Gaudeamus Hodie” Traditional Latin hymn, arr. Patrick Liebergen
- “O Magnum Mysterium” by Tomás Luis de Victoria, arr. Russell Robinson
- “Sicut Cervus” by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, arr. Hal Leonard
- “Adoramus Te” by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, arr. Emily Crocker
- “Elijah Rock” arr. Moses Hogan
- “Cantate Domino” by Hans Leo Hassler, arr. Mark Foster
- “Were You There” arr. Bob Chilcott
- “All Things Bright and Beautiful” Traditional hymn, arr. John Leavitt
- “O Fortuna” (from Carmina Burana) by Carl Orff, arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Amazing Grace” arr. Edwin Fissinger
- “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre
Pop Songs
Using popular music from the last 50 or so years is another great way to excite students and audiences. The different rhythms, time signatures, and varying styles provide a well-rounded music education. The familiarity helps students understand and appreciate music beyond the traditional style.
Depending on your choir's makeup (SATB, SSA, or SAB), you can buy sheet music that best suits the group.
- “Africa” by Toto, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Fix You” by Coldplay, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Shallow” (from A Star Is Born) by Lady Gaga, arr. Mac Huff
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Firework” by Katy Perry, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Halo” by Beyoncé, arr. Deke Sharon
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, arr. Mac Huff
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, arr. Roger Emerson
- “All of Me” by John Legend, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Seasons of Love” (from Rent) by Jonathan Larson, arr. Mac Huff
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Roar” by Katy Perry, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Lovely” by Billie Eilish, arr. Jacob Narverud
- “Some Nights” by fun., arr. Roger Emerson
- “Clocks” by Coldplay, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Demons” by Imagine Dragons, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Send My Love” by Adele, arr. Mac Huff
- “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Skyfall” by Adele, arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Believer” by Imagine Dragons, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Yellow” by Coldplay, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Dream On” by Aerosmith, arr. Roger Emerson
Jazz, Stage, and Screen
Singing the best songs from popular films and musicals is an exciting prospect for students who love to sing. Jazz often has a stage-owning quality that likewise lends itself well to exciting choral performances. These songs are perfect for helping students feel just as capable as the musical talents they see on screen and on stage.
Certain songs might be best suited for SATB groups, while others might be better for SSA or SAB arrangements.
- “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “It Don’t Mean a Thing” by Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerlad, arr. Roger Emerson
- “And All That Jazz” (from Chicago) by John Kander, arr. Mac Huff
- “Summertime” )from Porgy and Bess) by George Gershwin, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Pure Imagination” (from Willy Wonka) by Leslie Bricusse, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Over the Rainbow” (from The Wizard of Oz) by Harold Arlen, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Circle of Life” (from The Lion King) by Elton John, arr. Roger Emerson
- “I Dreamed a Dream” (from Les Misérables) by Claude-Michel Schönberg, arr. Mac Huff
- “The Bare Necessities” (from The Jungle Book) by Terry Gilkyson, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Defying Gravity” (from Wicked) by Stephen Schwartz, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Let It Go” (from Frozen) by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Feeling Good” (from The Roar of the Greasepaint — The Smell of the Crowd) by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Seventy-Six Trombones” by Meredith Willson, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Beauty and the Beast” (from Beauty and the Beast) by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, arr. Mac Huff
- “When You Wish Upon a Star” (from Pinocchio) by Leigh Harline, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Hakuna Matata” (from The Lion King) by Elton John and Tim Rice, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Memory” (from Cats) by Andrew Lloyd Webber, arr. Mark Brymer
- “A Whole New World” (from Aladdin) by Alan Menken, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Mamma Mia” by ABBA, arr. Mac Huff
- “Tomorrow” (from Annie) by Charles Strouse, arr. Roger Emerson
- “America” (from West Side Story) by Leonard Bernstein, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Somewhere” by Leonard Bernstein, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Consider Yourself” (from Oliver!) by Lionel Bart, arr. Kirby Shaw
- "I've Got a Dream" (from Tangled), arr. Roger Emerson
- "Just the Way You Are/Just a Dream" (from Pitch Perfect), arr. Deke Sharon
- “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” (from Cinderella) by Mack David, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Golden” (from Kpop Demon Hunters), arr. Roger Emerson
International Songs
Songs in languages other than English and from places other than the US are a valuable tool for teaching students about the world. Including them helps students learn a few words in another language, which can spark a lifelong love of language learning. Browse websites with reviews so you can confidently buy the right SATB, SSA, and SAB sheet arrangements.
Consider these tracks for your next choir class.
- “Shule Aroon” arr. Ruth Elane Schram
- “Baba Yetu” by Christopher Tin, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Siyahamba” South African traditional, arr. Anders Nyberg
- “Al Shlosha D’varim” by Allan E. Naplan
- “Tumbalalaika” Yiddish folk song, arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Elijah Rock” African American spiritual, arr. Moses Hogan
- “Oye” by Jim Papoulis
- “Sakura” Japanese folk song, arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Shalom Aleichem" Hebrew folk song, arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Bonse Aba” Congolese folk song, arr. Victor Johnson
- “Matona Mia Cara” by Orlando di Lasso
- “Edelweiss” by Rodgers & Hammerstein, arr. John Cacavas
- “Funga Alafia” West African welcome song, arr. Jill Gallina
- “Canto de Pilón” Venezuelan folk song, arr. Cristian Grases
- “Tango to Evora” by Loreena McKennitt, arr. Jon Washburn
- “Riu, Riu Chiu” Spanish villancico, arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Zadok the Priest” by George Frideric Handel
- “Cielito Lindo” Mexican folk song, arr. Roger Emerson
- “La Bamba” Mexican folk song, arr. Kirby Shaw
Holiday Songs
Of course, holiday-themed songs are often the staple of any concert performance. The winter concert, especially, is expected to have an invigorating mix of Christmas songs, typically along with songs for Hanukkah and even Kwanzaa. Many Christmas songs are familiar because they are often performed in church choirs as well.
Halloween is always a fun opportunity for students to indulge in spooky tunes, and the fall and spring lend themselves well to Patriotic arrangements. There are many interesting SATB, SSA, and SAB pieces to buy for all the holidays.
Christmas
- “Carol of the Bells” by Mykola Leontovych, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam, arr. Mark Brymer
- “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel, arr. John Rutter
- "White Christmas" arr. Audrey Snyder
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Hugh Martin, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Wrap Me Up” by Meghan Trainor and Jimmy Fallon, arr. Alan Billingsley
- “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” by Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton, arr. Mack Huff
- "Last Christmas" by Wham!, pub. Hal Leonard
Hanukkah
- “Chanukah Suite” arr. Jason Robert Brown
- “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” arr. Roger Emerson
- “S’vivon” arr. Greg Gilpin
- “Al Hanissim” arr. Joshua R Jacobson and Hankus Netsky
- “Mi Y’Maleil” arr. Stephen Richards
- “Light One Candle” by Peter Yarrow, arr. Jack Zaino
Kwanzaa
- “Umoja Victor C. Johnson” by Victor C. Johnson
- “Kwanzaa Celebration” by John O'Reilly
- “Habari Gani” by Wesley Whatley and William Schermerhorn, arr. Larry Hochman
- “Imani” arr. Sean O'Loughlin
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson, arr. Roland Carter
Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day
- “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by William Steffe, arr. Mark Hayes
- “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood, arr. Mark Brymer & Roger Holmes
- “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Jill Jackson, arr. Kirby Shaw
- “Salute to the Armed Forces Medley” arr. Dennis Allen
- “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan
- “Red, White and Blue” by David T. Shaw, John Philip Sousa, George M. Cohan, arr. Derric Johnson
Depending on your school's demographics, it may or may not be appropriate to perform religious songs (and Halloween songs about things like witches and ghosts). Be sure you understand the traditions and expectations of the staff, student body, and parents before deciding one way or the other.
Halloween and Thanksgiving
- “Double Trouble” (from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) by John Williams, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, arr. Eric Morales
- “This Is Halloween” (from The Nightmare Before Christmas) by Danny Elfman, arr. Johnnie Vinson
- “Addams Family Theme” (from The Addams Family) by Vic Mizzy, arr. Paul Murtha
- “Season of the Witch” by Donovan, from Hal Leonard Corporation
- “Grim Grinning Ghosts” by Buddy Baker, arr. Roger Emerson
- “Thanksgiving” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, arr. Glen Wonacott
- “Thanksgiving Suite” arr. Kurt Meyer
- “Thank You for the Music” ABBA, arr. Mac Huff
- “Time Warp” (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show) by Richard O’Brien, arr. Michael Story
Graduation Songs
Of course, the chorus group will likely perform annually at the graduation ceremony. Choosing the right song for this special occasion is important, but as long as the group practices and performs well, that's more important than the song itself. Here are some classic high school graduation songs for inspiration.
Remember that the students graduating likely won't be part of the singing group, so choose the SATB, SSA, or SAB arrangement carefully!
- "Kaleidoscope" by PinkZebra
- "May a Rainbow Run Beside You" by Mark Burrows
- "I'll Be There For You" (theme from FRIENDS) by Michael Skloff, arr. Andy Beck
- "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper, arr. Andy Beck
- "Go the Distance/Defying Gravity" (from Hercules and Wicked), arr. Roger Emerson
- "Beautiful Day/Best Day Of My Life" arr. Mac Huff
High school choir allows teachers to choose more exciting pieces that middle school students might not have the experience and voice control to handle. With a wider array of voices, more arrangements become possible, with the vital backings of baritone or bass vocals. Asking students what type of music they’d be interested in is also a great way to get them involved and engaged in class.
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