[Wind Band] Guaranteed to hype up the school festival! Recommended pieces the brass band will want to play

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken

Matsuken Samba II / Akira Miyagawa

In July 2004, Ken Matsudaira released a song packed with the heat and passion of a tropical carnival.

Composed by Akira Miyagawa, its appeal lies in a distinctive rhythm and melody infused with a Latin breeze.

The piece evokes a world of scorching rhythms and liberating vibes reminiscent of a southern beach, and the performance—choreographed by Shigeki Majima and featuring a striking gold kimono—became a hot topic.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon singles chart and achieved remarkable accolades, including an appearance at the 55th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and a Special Award at the 46th Japan Record Awards.

Starting in January 2025, it has also been chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “Reincarnated Villainess Old Man.” It’s guaranteed to bring smiles to an entire venue when performed at school festivals, local fairs, and any event where everyone wants to have a great time.

Sing,Sing,SingLouis Prima

SING, SING, SING (Wind Ensemble Concert)

This song, one of the signature pieces of swing jazz, was composed in 1936 by vocalist and trumpeter Louis Prima.

Its striking intro and dazzling, dance-inducing melody capture the full appeal of swing jazz.

It’s the quintessential tune for the Benny Goodman Orchestra, and thanks to his influence the clarinet solo is also famous.

It was featured in the 2004 film “Swing Girls,” and is a staple in wind ensemble repertoire as well.

The swing groove is sure to liven up any school festival!

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Lilac / Mrs. GREEN APPLE [Osaka Toin High School Wind Ensemble]

This song portrays the searing memories of youth and the strong will to keep moving forward.

Like lilacs blooming in a tart spring, its melody gently embraces the faint memories of adolescence and the bonds with cherished people.

Paired with Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature refreshing sound, it carries a hopeful message about accepting oneself, past pain included.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery,” which began airing in April 2024, the track symbolizes the rebirth and growth of a protagonist who has lost his memories.

It won the 66th Japan Record Award, standing as a piece that signals both a return to the band’s guitar-rock roots and their musical growth.

Perfect for a school festival performance, it can create a moving stage that resonates deeply with the audience.

Galaxy Express 999Godaigo

Galaxy Express 999 (Wind Ensemble) / Yukihide Takekawa (Masanori Taruya) / The Galaxy Express 999 / Yukihide Takekawa (Masanori Taruya) COMS-85010

The song used as the theme for the anime film Galaxy Express 999 is Godiego’s “Galaxy Express 999.” Released as a single in 1979, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

Composer-arranger Masanori Taruya created a wind band arrangement, and it’s become a staple number for high school baseball cheering, among other events.

Its up-tempo, powerful sound evokes the image of a steam locomotive charging ahead, filling listeners with excitement.

It’s a perfect track for the lively atmosphere of school festivals and similar occasions!

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A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko

A Cruel Angel's Thesis / Yoko Takahashi

The opening theme of the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, was released in 1995 as Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single.

With its beautiful yet heartrending melody and powerful rhythm, the song has maintained high popularity and recognition beyond the realm of anime songs even after the broadcast ended.

Thanks to its easy-to-remember melody, it’s no surprise it’s a karaoke staple.

Given its fame and popularity, it’s also highly recommended as a national favorite to perform at school festivals.

100% CourageHikaru GENJI

Courage 100%

A message song loved by many for its bright, lively melody and refreshing vocals.

Released by Hikaru GENJI in May 1993, this track was chosen as the first opening theme for NHK’s anime “Nintama Rantarō.” The lyrics were written by Goro Matsui, with composition and arrangement by Koji Makaino, and it reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The song conveys the importance of taking on challenges and the greatness of bonds with friends, and it continues to be sung across generations.

Performed in classrooms, on stages, or anywhere people can play together with energy, it’s sure to give audiences courage and hope.

It’s also featured as a staple in wind band repertoires, making it a perfect choice to liven up school festivals.

silhouetteNEW!KANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

An explosive, youth-charged rock number is perfect for school festivals! KANA-BOON’s signature song “Silhouette” is their fifth major single, released in November 2014.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden, it created a huge buzz both in Japan and abroad.

Riding on driving guitar riffs and a powerful band sound, the song emotionally sings of memories of the past and the resolve to protect what’s precious.

Packed with the conflicts and hopes felt in the process of growing up, it’s perfect for moments that celebrate irreplaceable bonds with friends.

Be sure to include it as a moving BGM to color a page of your youth.