š„Tried-and-True Songs for Beginning Middle School Choirs
If your choir program starts in 6th grade like mine does, you know how important it is to start strong. Today Iām sharing a few of my all-time favorite songs for beginning choirs. These are pieces I return to year after year because they work. Plain and simple.
These songs arenāt just easy wins, they are foundation builders. They help teach the basics and get your younger singers excited about choir.
Why the First Choir Songs Really Matter
Choosing the right music for your beginning choir sets the tone for the entire year. Hereās what your first song selections should do:
šµ Hook them right away. The first few rehearsals are make or break. You want songs that grab their attention and make them feel successful.
š§ Introduce key music terms. Your repertoire should lend itself to teaching basic music terms and vocal technique.
āļø Balance challenge with confidence. You want your students to grow, but not get overwhelmed or discouraged.
š Make choir fun! If they leave class smiling and singing, youāre building a program theyāll want to come back to.
A Quick Note Before We Dive Inā¦
This post isnāt sponsored, and I donāt have affiliate links. Iām just a choir teacher whoās been in the trenches and found some go-to gems that really work. These are songs my middle school choirs have loved and learned from, and Iām excited to pass them along to you!
Here are 13 Beginning Choir Songs I Recommend
America, of Thee I Sing- Mary Donnelly & George Strid
An excellent partner song that helps your choir experience harmony from day one. This piece is especially useful in the fall, as itās a perfect fit for a Veterans Day assembly in November.
Breathing with Beethoven- Arranged by Phyllis Wolfe White
This unison arrangement is such a fun way to get your students to loosen up on stage while watching the conductor! Itās always a crowd favorite! āØFun fact: Phyllis Wolfe White was my high school voice and piano teacher, and her music is always fun, engaging, and perfect for upper elementary and middle school choirs.
Firefly- Eddie Cavazos/Laura Cavazos
This ballad offers an easy and natural feeling way to sing in two-parts. Itās also ideal for reinforcing vocal technique and using blinking flashlights at the concert to mimic fireflies adds an extra layer of fun!
First Day of Choir- Steven Quesnel
In our district, this song is a tradition at our Fall concert. In fact, our students love it so much that my graduating seniors like to sing it on the last day of choir. (insert sobbing here). Not only does this song incorporate a plethora of solo opportunities, it also sneaks in several places to discuss form, phrasing and notes.
Galop- Ken Burg
Prepare to be singing this one in your sleep! While itās available in multiple voicings, I recommend starting with the unison version to set students up for success. Itās perfect for teaching musical form, tempo, dynamics, and solfege.
Haidi- Arranged by Henry Leck
This round, made up of non-sense words can also be a fun vocal warm up. Super fun, quick to learn, and a great way to get kids engaged.
Hot Cup of Cocoa- Phyllis Wolfe White
The kids beg to sing this one because it is so catchy and fun! Written in easy 2-part harmony with many opportunities for the kids to make funny sounds. Whatās not to love?!?!
The Moon- Andy Beck
This hauntingly beautiful melody is perfect for discussing head voice, phrasing, and expression. Itās one I love using for Solo & Ensemble but works equally well with beginning choirs.
Obwisana- Mary Donnelly & George Strid
A rhythmic and energetic piece featuring clapping and syncopation. I often use the 3-part version with my choirs, but a 2-part option is available as well.
The Tailor of Gloucester- Cyndee Giebler
With a cute storyline and an upbeat tempo, The Tailor of Gloucester offers a chance to teach about syncopation and head voice.
Thula Klizeo- Joseph Shabalala/Arranged by Leanna MacDonnell
Want to challenge your students and hook them immediately?!? Teach them the fun snapping/clapping rhythm first and they will be so excited to sing this song! Comes in many voicings.
Whisper- Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin is a master at composing fun, crowd-pleasing songs for this age. āWhisperā introduces minor tonality and dynamic contrast while giving students the chance to "shhhh" each other in the most musical way!
Yonder Come Day- Arranged by Judith Cook Tucker
If this classic isnāt already in your library, add it now! Yonder Come Day works well because the 3 vocal lines easily weave together to create a masterpiece. Bonus: it's flexible for your groupās needs and includes clapping/snapping-always a win with kids!
What songs have you found success with for beginning choir? Click here to add your favorite titles to a growing list that I will share with the Savvy Ellie Music community!
Happy programming! š¶Melanie
