It’s a new year, and while you’re likely still exhausted from your winter concert, you already feel the pressure of planning your next performance. After months of choir rehearsals, the thought of coming up with fresh, engaging themes for choir concerts might seem impossible when you’re this burnt out.
When you’re struggling with concert planning, these questions may be running through your mind:
- How will I find songs that suit my elementary students’ developing voices?
- How do I find enough repertoire to build an entire theme for my choir concert?
- How do I find engaging songs with lyrics that are school-friendly and age appropriate?
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Planning an elementary choir concert is the last thing you want to think about when you’re this drained, especially when you’re scrambling to find the perfect idea to make your performance stand out.
A thoughtful theme can transform your concert into a meaningful experience for your students and the community. In this post, we’ll explore several inspiring and practical themes for choir concerts that work well in elementary schools.
1. A Cappella: A Timeless Theme for Choir Concerts
Why this theme?
A cappella performances highlight the beauty of the voice and help students develop pitch accuracy, vocal independence, and confidence. Through unaccompanied singing, students learn to:
- Improve listening skills and pitch matching within the ensemble
- Develop vocal independence and boost confidence
- Celebrate the natural beauty of the singing voice without accompaniment
Suggested Repertoire:
- Let Me Call You Sweetheart (Arranged by Mike Wilson)
This timeless classic from 1910 is a beautiful piece that allows students to focus on harmonizing and following the conductor, making it a great choice for older elementary students.- Easy to teach and sounds beautiful when performed a cappella
- Grade Level: Ideal for students, grades 5-6, who are comfortable with harmonizing
- Features: Three-part harmony with optional recorded accompaniment
- Teaching Tips:
- Use this piece to emphasize watching the conductor while singing
- Choose this arrangement for teaching phrasing and dynamics
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- May You Have Peace (Composed by Teresa Jennings)
Here is an example of a heartfelt piece with adaptable parts, including optional ASL signing guides to help incorporate American Sign Language into your performance.- Grade Level: Grades 5 and up
- Features:
- Three adaptable parts that can be used as solos or ensemble sections
- ASL signing illustrations for an added visual element
- Stunning concert piece that showcases vocal harmony
- Available for Purchase: Music K8
- Performance Tip: Adding sign language creates a beautiful visual element for your audience
Gonna Sing (When the Spirit Says Sing) (Arranged by Andy Beck)
A lively spiritual that’s approachable yet engaging, this arrangement has hand claps, shaker, and djembe parts to enhance the performance.
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- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Two and three part arrangements
- Optional percussion parts (shaker, conga, djembe)
- Lively spiritual structure with engaging hand clapping sections
- Teaching Tips: Start with hand clapping patterns before adding vocal parts
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Performance Tip: Try adding simple choreography or body percussion movements to this song!
- The Book of Canons (by John Feierabend)
This resource includes 140 rounds representing various cultures, languages, and periods in history, making it an essential tool for teaching a cappella singing. Its clear categorization by difficulty allows for easy selection based on your choir’s skill level.- Grade Level: All elementary grades
- Features:
- 140 different rounds from various cultures and time periods
- A detailed table of contents to help you find appropriate selections
- Teaching Tips: Start with simpler rounds and gradually increase complexity
- Available for Purchase: Amazon
Performance Considerations for this Choir Concert Theme:
- Begin with simpler unison pieces or rounds to build confidence
- Use a pitch pipe or piano to provide the starting pitch
- Have students hum the first note before singing
- Gradually introduce more complex harmonies as students develop their skills
- Use hand signals or gestures to help students maintain pitch and rhythm
- Position stronger singers strategically throughout the ensemble
- Consider incorporating movement or simple choreography to engage both performers and audience
2. Around the World: A Multicultural Theme for Choir Concerts
Why this theme?
Creating a multicultural choir concert theme excites students while building meaningful cross-curricular connections. Additionally, your students will experience rich cultural learning opportunities through world music. As a result, this theme helps students:
- Learn songs from diverse cultures and musical traditions
- Explore different languages and world music genres
- Feel seen and included when their own cultural heritage is represented
Suggested Repertoire:
- Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe (Arranged by Greg Gilpin)
This energetic East African song features lively rhythms, bold harmonies, and dynamic call-and-response sections. It is arranged for two parts with optional hand claps. Perform it with or without the prerecorded accompaniment. It sounds amazing a capella too!- Grade Level: Grades 4-6
- Features:
- Traditional East African song with Swahili text
- Teaching options for adding hand claps and percussion
- Two-part arrangement with optional a cappella sections
- Teaching Tips:
- Use provided pronunciation guide to ensure authentic performance
- Teach rhythmic elements before adding melody
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
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- Momiji (Arranged by Michael Ryan)
This Japanese folk song is characterized by its gentle melody and accessible vocal range. It is sung in unison and includes optional parts for hand drum and glockenspiel, adding a unique instrumental layer to the performance.- Grade Level: Grades 6 and up
- Features:
- Traditional Japanese melody
- Accessible vocal range for adolescent voices
- Optional parts for hand drum and glockenspiel
- Performance Tip: Consider having select choir students play the included hand drum and glockenspiel parts!
- Teaching Tips:
- Use the included pronunciation guide and translation
- Add instruments gradually to build confidence
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Kookaburra (Arranged by Audrey Snyder)
This cheerful Australian nursery rhyme introduces younger students to harmony with its accessible canon structure. The arrangement can be performed in unison or as a two-part canon.- Grade Level: Grades 2-4
- Features:
- Beloved Australian nursery rhyme
- Options for unison, canon, and descant sections
- Perfect for beginning elementary chorus
- Performance Tip: Try adding simple movements to enhance the storytelling
- Teaching Tips:
- Rely on this great piece for teaching listening skills and ensemble awareness
- Start in unison before attempting canon singing
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Tongo (Arranged by Greg Gilpin)
A traditional Polynesian canoe song featuring layered harmonies and rhythmic percussion parts, this piece is arranged for two-part singing with dynamic call-and-response sections.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Traditional Polynesian canoe song with call-and-response format
- Can be sung in 2-4 parts (two-part recommended for elementary)
- Engaging percussion and hand clap sections
- Performance Tip: In addition to hand claps, try adding movements like shoulder bounces and rowing motions to represent canoeing!
- Teaching Tips:
- Start by teaching the call-and-response sections first
- Teach the hand claps before introducing the other percussion instruments
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Momiji (Arranged by Michael Ryan)
- Kye, Kye Kule (Arranged by Greg Gilpin)
This West African call-and-response song is sung in unison with engaging group interaction. It also includes optional solos to highlight confident singers.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Traditional West African call-and-response song
- Can be performed a cappella in two parts
- Optional percussion parts and solo opportunities
- Teaching Tips:
- Use echo patterns to teach the melody
- Add movement gradually with the music
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- El Coquí (Arranged by Mark Burrows)
A vibrant Puerto Rican song about the coquí frog, this piece features syncopated rhythms and playful call-and-response sections. It is arranged for unison singing with optional percussion parts.- Grade Level: Grades 3-5
- Features:
- Lively Puerto Rican song about the coquí frog
- Two-part arrangement in call and response style
- Can be sung in English, Spanish, or both!
- Includes pronunciation guide and optional percussion parts
- Performance Tip: Select a student to briefly introduce the piece by explaining what a coquí frog is and its cultural significance in Puerto Rico
- Teaching Tips:
- Many parts are in unison, making it easy to teach and accessible for beginning choirs
- Start with the English text, then gradually introduce Spanish
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Banuwa Yo (Arranged by Mark Weston)
This Liberian folk song features unison melodies that transition into two-part harmonies. It includes rhythmic percussion parts to add energy and excitement.- Grade Level: Grades 4-6
- Features:
- Traditional Liberian folk song
- Outstanding piece for developing choirs
- Introduces multiple skills including:
- Unison singing
- Canon work
- Harmony parts
- Includes parts for drums, claves, and shakers
- Teaching Tips:
- Percussion parts add a lively effect to the performance
- Progressive skill building from unison to harmony makes this very teachable
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
Performance Considerations for this Choir Concert Theme:
- Consider selecting students to teach the audience about the country or culture of each song on the program.
- I love using these mini world flags as a prop in the performance!
3. Candlelit – A Warm, Intimate Choir Concert Theme
Why this theme?
When searching for unique themes for choir concerts, a candlelit performance offers a truly memorable experience. This enchanting theme creates an intimate, subdued atmosphere that encourages students to focus on expression and musicality. As a result, this theme helps:
- Create a magical atmosphere for both performers and audience
- Encourage students to focus on singing with expression
- Provide a unique concert experience that stands out in everyone’s memory
Suggested Repertoire:
- The Candle is a Symbol by (Composed by Andy Beck)
This gentle choral number is an excellent feature piece for smaller choir ensembles or select chorus groups. I love using this piece as a concert opener!- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Opens with gentle piano accompaniment and light percussion
- Student solo
- Works well with small ensembles or select choruses
- Performance Tips:
- Consider creating a lighting effect during the introduction where students gradually light their battery-operated candles.
- Make sure your students can still see you, even in the dimmed lights!
- Teaching Tips:
- Start by teaching the chorus starting at measure 13, since it’s the most repetitive part
- Work with potential soloists separately outside of choir rehearsal
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Accompaniment MP3 and part-dominant MP3 bundle available
- Candle Glowing in the Window by Teresa Jennings
This easy and adaptable song can be sung in unison or expanded to 2-3 parts, making it perfect for developing choirs. With its optional solo section, it allows for creative flexibility while delivering a heartwarming message.- Grade Level: Grades 3-4
- Features:
- Easy, adaptable arrangement
- Can be sung in unison or 2-3 parts
- Includes optional solo
- Performance Tips:
- Ensure each student has a battery-operated candle
- After alerting the audience, dim the auditorium lights (this creates a magical atmosphere)
- Teaching Tips:
- Start with unison sections before adding harmony
- Use this piece to work on breath control
- Available for Purchase: Music K-8
- Additional Materials: Performance MP3s are included in downloadable kit
- Candle on the Water (Arranged by Mac Huff)
This lyrical Disney favorite from Pete’s Dragon features flowing melodies and dynamic contrasts. Its two-part arrangement allows students to explore phrasing and harmony while connecting with the song’s heartfelt message.- Grade Level: Grades 4-6
- Features:
- Based on the Disney classic “Pete’s Dragon”
- Two-part and other arrangements available
- Excellent for working on lush, legato singing
- Performance Tips:
- Always alert the audience in advance before dimming the lights
- Have students lift their battery-operated candles during key lyrical moments
- Consider a show stopping entrance where students walk into the auditorium singing while holding their lit flameless candles!
- Teaching Tips:
- Use this piece to emphasize phrasing and dynamic contrast
- Great for teaching sustained breath support
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Performance tracks and part-dominant MP3s available separately
- Just One Candle (Composed by Teresa Jennings)
This two-part arrangement features a gentle melody that’s accessible for younger singers. Ideal for select choruses or for featuring soloists, this piece delivers an inspiring and emotional message, making it a perfect fit for a candlelit concert.- Grade Level: Grades 4-6
- Features:
- Two-part arrangement
- Gentle melody accessible for younger singers
- Ideal for select chorus or featuring soloists
- Performance Tips:
- Position any soloists where they can clearly see the conductor in the dim light.
- Consider having the piece begin with only the first soloist’s candle lit and gradually lighting more candles throughout the song.
- Practice proper candle-holding position during rehearsals
- Teaching Tips:
- Have students hum one part while the other students are singing their part
- Available for Purchase: Music K-8
- Candlelight Canon (Composed by Andy Beck)
This serene canon begins in unison and transitions into multi-part harmony, providing an opportunity to develop students’ ensemble skills. Its approachable vocal range makes it ideal for older elementary choirs.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Stunning melody with gentle piano accompaniment
- Set in comfortable range for elementary voices
- 2-4 part arrangements available
- Performance Tips:
- Start with battery-operated candles already on and students on risers
- Keep movements minimal while holding candles – try some gentle swaying!
- Have students practice holding candles during concert rehearsals to establish expectations
- Teaching Tips:
- Works well for teaching unison and canon singing
- Great piece for developing part independence
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks and part-dominant MP3 bundles sold separately
Performance Considerations for this Choir Concert Theme:
- Use battery-operated candles for safety (they’re inexpensive and can be reused)
- For visual impact, try dimming the lights while students hold glowing candles
- Keep spare CR2032 batteries on hand for emergencies
- Number each candle to track and ensure their return after the concert
4. Friendship and Unity: A Heartwarming Theme for Choir Concerts
Why this theme?
Among popular themes for choir concerts, songs about friendship and unity create a particularly positive atmosphere that both schools and parents universally support. Moreover, this theme offers multiple benefits:
- Works perfectly during kindness week
- Teaches valuable social skills through music
- Creates a feel-good atmosphere for both performers and audience
- Helps build classroom community
Suggested Repertoire:
- Friendship Canon (Arranged by Mark Burrows)
This bright and cheerful piece is perfect for beginner choirs, teaching students unison, and two- and three-part canon singing. The lyrics include the word “friend” in 16 different languages, offering a unique cultural connection.- Grade Level: Grades 4-6
- Features:
- Bright, cheery melody
- Teaches students to say “friend” in 16 different languages
- Includes spoken solos
- Sung in two parts
- Performance Tips:
- Choose confident speakers for the solo language parts
- Create a simple visual display of the word “friend” in different languages
- Teaching Tips:
- Ensure students are confident with the melody first before attempting splitting into the canon sections
- Practice speaking the different languages separate from singing
- Use small groups to build confidence with the canon
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Accompaniment MP3 available separately
- We’re Going to Be Friends (Arranged by Mac Huff)
Based on the beloved White Stripes tune, this song is a perfect introduction for young choirs. The repetitive melody is sung primarily in unison with optional harmony sections, making it accessible for beginners.- Grade Level: Grades 2-4
- Features:
- Perfect first song for beginning elementary chorus
- Based on the White Stripes tune (from Napoleon Dynamite)
- Mostly unison with a few easy harmony moments
- Simple, repetitive melody
- Performance Tips:
- Add fingersnaps for extra fun and engagement
- Make sure students smile while singing!
- Teaching Tips:
- Use echo phrases to teach the melody, since it’s repetitive
- Add harmony parts only after the melody is very secure
- Great first piece for teaching basic harmony
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Performance and accompaniment MP3s available separately
- Let Us Live as Friends (Arranged by Stan Pethel)
This gentle melody celebrates differences and encourages friendship through its uplifting lyrics. The song is adaptable for unison or two-part singing, making it approachable for younger choirs learning harmonies.- Grade Level: Grades 3-5
- Features:
- Gentle, approachable melody for beginner choirs
- Can be performed in unison or two parts
- Lyrics about celebrating differences and friendship
- Performance Tips:
- If using two parts, place stronger singers strategically
- Keep gestures or movements simple and natural
- Teaching Tips:
- Start in unison to build confidence
- Try the two parts—the harmony moments are brief and very approachable
- Use this song to teach proper vowel shapes and vocal technique
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Accompaniment MP3 available separately
- You Are the Light (Arranged by Mark Burrows)
A beautiful song about friendship and unity, featuring an opening set to a gentle piano accompaniment. The song transitions into an energetic section with syncopated rhythms supported by djembe percussion.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Beautiful opening with gentle piano accompaniment
- Unexpected transition to an uptempo section with a djembe part
- Lyrics mention friendship and unity
- Performance Tips:
- Choose a confident drummer for the djembe part
- Practice transitions between tempo changes several times
- Teaching Tips:
- Teach the slow section and fast section separately
- Add the djembe part only after singers are confident
- Work with your drummer separately if possible
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Performance accompaniment MP3 available separately
- There is More Love Somewhere (Arranged by Adam and Matt Podd)
This traditional spiritual is ideal for developing choirs, with a repetitive melody that makes it easy to learn. The arrangement includes unison and simple two-part harmony sections.- Grade Level: Grades 4-5
- Features:
- Simple, repetitive sections that are easy for students to learn
- Mostly unison singing with a few brief harmony sections
- Performance Tips:
- Consider adding simple swaying movements
- Build and grow the dynamics gradually throughout the piece!
- Teaching Tips:
- Try having students speak the lyrics in rhythm first before adding the melody.
- Have students circle any repeated sections in their music to recognize patterns
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Accompaniment track and virtual choir kits available separately
- We’ll Rise Above (Composed by Jeannine Lasky and Masa Fukuda)
This powerful finale piece offers opportunities for soloists to shine while the choir performs uplifting lyrics about hope and unity. The repetitive chorus is easy for students to learn and sing with confidence.- Grade Level: Grades 3-5
- Features:
- Makes an excellent finale piece
- Several solo opportunities to feature multiple singers
- Repetitive chorus that’s easy to learn
- Lyrics of hope and unity
- Performance Tips:
- Save this one for the end of your concert!
- Use microphones for soloists if possible.
- Consider recruiting middle school or high school orchestra students to play the orchestral parts of this piece!
- Teaching Tips:
- Start teaching the chorus first, since it’s repeated so frequently
- Work with the soloists individually outside of choir practice if possible
- Practice the transitions between solos and full chorus sections for maximum impact
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Accompaniment MP3 and optional orchestral parts available separately
Performance Considerations for this Choir Concert Theme:
- Include student-written messages of friendship in the concert program.
- Consider adding gestures that represent friendship in the performance such as hand shakes, linking arms, etc…
5. Songs from the Sea: An Adventure-Filled Choir Concert Theme
Why this theme?
When planning engaging themes for choir concerts, sea shanties and nautical songs bring exceptional energy and excitement to your classroom while teaching valuable musical skills. Consequently, this theme:
- Encourages students to explore storytelling through song
- Naturally teaches dynamics, tempo changes, and mood shifts
- Works especially well as an end-of-year concert theme when summer is approaching
- Provides opportunities for movement and student engagement
Suggested Repertoire:
- Michael, Row the Boat Ashore (Arranged by Russell Robinson)
A traditional spiritual with a South Carolina sea song influence, this piece features syncopated rhythms and brief a cappella moments. The arrangement’s calypso style brings a unique flavor to a sea-themed concert.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- South Carolina Sea Song in a Calypso style
- Two-part arrangement with brief a cappella sections
- Features island-inspired syncopated rhythms for Conga or Djembe
- Performance Tips:
- Keep a steady beat during syncopated sections
- Emphasize the contrast between accompanied and a cappella moments
- Place your percussionist strategically so they’re in your eye sight while you’re conducting!
- Teaching Tips:
- Practice syncopated sections by having students echo speak and/or count and clap the rhythm
- Teach tricky melodic passages by rote
- If possible, rehearse your percussionists separately outside of choir practice before having them join in!
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Performance accompaniment MP3 available separately
- Pirate Story (Composed by Jack Wilds)
A lighthearted and playful song that allows students to channel their inner pirates. With its unison structure and gentle range, it’s an ideal choice for younger elementary voices.- Grade Level: Grades 3-5
- Features:
- Easy, gentle range ideal for elementary voices
- Sung in unison
- Students can channel their inner pirate personality
- Performance Tips:
- Guide students to use specific “pirate” gestures like:
- Looking through a pretend telescope
- Shading eyes with hand to “look out to sea”
- Pointing to spots on an imaginary map
- Guide students to use specific “pirate” gestures like:
- Teaching Tips:
- Have students identify key storytelling moments in the lyrics and create their own appropriate gestures
- Let students suggest movements that match specific words or phrases
- Practice the song without movements until the singing is secure and confident
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Performance accompaniment MP3 available separately
- The Wellerman (Arranged by Jacob Narverud)
This 19th-century folk song from New Zealand has captivated students thanks to its TikTok resurgence. The arrangement offers flexibility with unison and 2-4 part options, and it can be performed with piano accompaniment or a cappella.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- 19th century folk song from New Zealand
- Unison and 2-4 part arrangements available
- Can be performed with piano or a cappella
- Students love this piece due to its TikTok popularity
- Performance Tips:
- Choose lyrics appropriate for your school (“fun” or “plums” instead of “rum”)
- Keep movements simple and coordinated
- Teaching Tips:
- Use students’ familiarity with the tune to your advantage
- Teach the chorus first, since it’s the most recognizable part
- Add harmony parts gradually after unison is solid
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Prerecorded accompaniment MP3 available separately
- John Kanaka (Arranged by Paul Jennings)
A work song originating from sailors coordinating tasks, this piece brings storytelling and history into the music classroom. The unison arrangement is easy to teach, making it accessible for younger choirs.- Grade Level: Grades 2-4
- Features:
- Traditional South Sea Islands sea shanty
- Strong rhythmic pulse
- Easy, repetitive chorus
- Performance Tips:
- Keep any movements simple and synchronized
- Consider adding different “work movements” during the “too-rye-ay” refrains (Example: pulling ropes, looking through a telescope, swabbing the deck)
- Teaching Tips:
- Start with the chorus since it’s the most repetitive part
- Explain the historical context to help students connect with the piece
- Available for Purchase: Music K-8
- Additional Materials: Performance and accompaniment MP3s are included in downloadable kit.
- The High Barbary (Arranged by Emily Crocker)
A challenging but rewarding sea shanty in compound meter, this piece tells a dramatic story of a ship encountering pirates. Students will need to carefully watch the conductor while mastering this lively song.- Grade Level: Grades 5-6
- Features:
- Written in 6/8 meter
- 2-3 part arrangements available
- Tells a dramatic story of a ship encountering pirates—oh no!
- Performance Tips:
- Make sure your singers watch you carefully for entrances and cutoffs!
- Consider energized movements like marching or bouncing in place to feel the compound meter!
- Teaching Tips:
- Consider conducting in 2!
- Analyze the story elements of the song to help students understand what they’re singing about
- Use easy movement to help students feel the 6/8 meter
- Available for Purchase: JW Pepper
- Additional Materials: Prerecorded accompaniment MP3 and part dominant bundles available for purchase separately
Performance Considerations for this Choir Concert Theme:
- Consider incorporating sea colors like aqua blue and seafoam green into attire or decorations
- Add props like sailor hats, pirate hats, or nautical neck scarves
- Use decorations like fishnet, pirate flags, and blue/white pennant banners
Planning themes for choir concerts is no small task, but themes can make it easier to create a performance that feels fresh and exciting. If you’ve been looking for ideas, these themes for choir concerts are a great starting point. They help students connect with their music, bring focus to rehearsals, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Don’t forget to check my other post “10 Unique Themes for School Concerts” for more great concert theme ideas 😊
If you’d like more free resources to help with planning and teaching, you’ll love the Chamber of Freebies. It’s a free library filled with tools and printables designed specifically for elementary music teachers. Signing up is quick and easy, and once you’re inside, you’ll find ideas that save you time and make your teaching life easier.