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

“Retro” 2023 All-Japan Band Competition Required Piece IIIAmano Masamichi

[WISH's Set Piece] 2023 All-Japan Band Competition Required Piece III: Retro (Performance)

A piece by Masamicz Amano, a master of film music who brilliantly revived 1970s–80s pop in contemporary wind band form.

Commissioned as the 2023 All-Japan Band Competition Set Piece III, it became a major talking point when 35 out of 99 ensembles chose it at the national finals.

With a structure that shifts from bright rock to sentimental ballad to crossover, it never lets the listener’s attention flag.

The authentic rhythms laid down by drums and congas, and the jazzy trumpet and sax solos, are just irresistibly cool.

You can feel the composer’s passion for “real pop” in every corner of the sound.

For bands that want to electrify the hall with a grooving performance, this could provide the ultimate showstopper.

idolYOASOBI

Idol / YOASOBI [Osaka Toin High School Brass Band] Anime 'Oshi no Ko' OP

Since the massive hit of their debut song “Yoru ni Kakeru,” the music duo YOASOBI has enjoyed worldwide popularity, especially among younger generations.

Their 19th digital single “Idol,” written as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko, is an upbeat track whose hysteric synth sounds and irregular melodies stick in your head.

Arranging it for concert band softens the sound and gives it a different feel, making it enjoyable for both performers and listeners.

It’s a catchy number that’s sure to hype up any concert.

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Hoshino Takashi

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SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire

September / Earth, Wind & Fire "September" Kinki University Wind Ensemble & Ryukoku University Wind Ensemble

Among the songs that really get audiences going at wind ensemble concerts, a perennial favorite is Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” Released in 1978, this tune is known for its unforgettable, catchy melody, and the chorus in particular can create a strong sense of unity between performers and listeners.

Since it was originally written with a prominent brass section, it really shines when played by a brass band.

Because dance music lives and dies by its groove, keeping in mind how to recreate that feel when you perform will make it even more fun to play!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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El CumbancheroRafael Hernández

[Wind Ensemble] El Cumbanchero

El Cumbanchero, a Latin classic composed by Puerto Rican musician Rafael Hernández, is said to loosely mean “people banging drums and making merry.” It features abundant use of wind instruments common in Latin music, with an energetic, rhythmic character.

True to its title, it’s brimming with Latin flair—its groove and momentum are the essence of the piece.

While it’s a staple in wind ensemble repertoires, it’s also used as a cheer song at high school baseball games.

Let’s liven up the school festival with a dazzling, high-energy performance!

SedonaSteven Reinek

Sedona for wind ensemble

This is a masterpiece of program music that depicts the landscapes of red rock mountains and deep canyons spread across Arizona, USA, with a magnificent sound.

It is a work by the American composer Steven Reineke, who is active across a wide range of genres from pop to classical.

The piece’s dynamic appeal may stem from the beautiful contrast between the noble resonance of the horns and the delicate melodies woven by the woodwinds.

First recorded in 2000 by the Washington Winds on the album “Rushmore,” it continues to be beloved by many ensembles.

With an emotional arc that feels like a journey through a story, it is sure to become an unforgettable highlight when programmed in a concert that aims to convey vivid scenes to listeners’ hearts.

Deep Purple Medleysahashi toshihiko

Deep Purple Medley Hokkaido University Wind Orchestra

A staple of wind band repertoire beloved by many, this medley arranges three classic songs by the rock band Deep Purple for concert band.

While preserving the original’s power and drive, it recreates them with the rich, weighty sound unique to wind ensembles.

Notably, the baritone saxophone solo brilliantly stands in for the guitar solo.

It’s a perfect piece for performances at school culture festivals, guaranteed to excite any audience.

Performers, why not fire up the venue by fully channeling rock’s energy with this work?

Main Street Electrical Paradesahashi toshihiko

Main Street Electrical Parade

Here is a piece packed with Disney’s dreams and magic.

Inspired by a nighttime parade adorned with dazzling lights, it has been beloved at Disney parks around the world ever since its 1972 premiere at Disneyland.

It features a catchy melody fused with innovative electronic sounds, and Toshihiko Sahashi’s wind band arrangement is also popular.

Iconic songs from Disney films appear one after another, and in just 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the performance transports listeners into a world of dreams.

Perform it at a school or cultural festival, and the venue is sure to be instantly filled with a festive atmosphere! Enjoyable across generations, this is a highly recommended piece for any wind ensemble.