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

African SymphonyVan McCoy

Yutaka Sado & Siena Wind Orchestra / African Symphony

African Symphony, composed by American music producer Van McCoy, evokes the grandeur of the land and the vigor of animals living upon it.

When Naohiro Iwai—known as the “father of pops for wind band”—released his wind band arrangement in 1977, the piece also came to be recognized as a staple of band repertoire.

Its humorous sound is delightful, featuring phrases that suggest animal calls.

It’s also a popular cheer song in high school baseball, so be sure to perform it at your school festival!

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Hamada Takuya

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Racing into the NightYOASOBI

Racing into the Night

The smash hit that took the world by storm with a fresh sound in 2020 was YOASOBI’s “Racing into the Night” (Yoru ni Kakeru).

Released at the end of 2019, it dominated various charts.

An arrangement for wind band is also available, arranged by Mikio Goma, the head of the sheet music publisher Winds Score, which primarily publishes scores for wind ensembles.

In Goma’s arrangement, both the high and low register instruments get their moments to shine in the chorus, so definitely give it a try at your school festival!

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Hamada Takuya

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Carpenters ForeverJ.Raposo/P.Williams/R.Nichols/J.Bettis/R.Carpenter/H.David/B.Bacharach/L.Russell/B.Bramlett/F.Karlin/J.Griffin/R.Wilson

[Yodoko] Carpenters Forever / Carpenters Forever - Osaka Prefectural Yodogawa Technical High School Wind Ensemble (2018)

A medley that lets you enjoy the Carpenters’ timeless hits in a brilliantly crafted arrangement unique to wind band.

In this work, arranger Toshio Mashima masterfully weaves together songs by renowned creators such as Burt Bacharach and Paul Williams into a single, story-like arc.

From a grand fanfare that evokes hope for the future, to warmly resonant melodies that gently seep into the heart, and on to a climax brimming with joy, the progression grips listeners and never lets go.

This arrangement was produced in June 2015 as part of Yamaha’s sheet music series for wind band.

Blending the sparkle of pop with the power of wind ensemble, its sound adds radiant color to any concert and offers a perfect showcase for bold, stylish performance.

Magellan’s Challenge to the Unknown ContinentTarumiya Masanori

Masanori Taruya / Magellan’s Challenge to the Unknown Continent

A dramatic and cool piece composed by Masanori Taruya with the theme of great adventures in history.

It portrays the grand challenge of an Age of Discovery explorer setting out for unknown continents, powerfully stirring the spirit of adventure that lies dormant in the listener’s heart.

The hopeful departure, the indomitable will to face hardships, and the joy of discovering a new continent are expressed dramatically, letting you savor a complete story.

This work was recorded by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra on the album “WORKS IV -Dream of W.D.O.-,” released in October 2014.

It’s perfect for bands that want to convey a vast worldview in competition and push their own limits! Why not perform as if you were the protagonist of the story?

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.

TequilaChuck Rio

Tequila/Tequila

Composed by Chuck Rio in 1957, this piece is characterized by its Latin-style groove.

The shout of “Tequila!” that pops up during the song adds even more excitement.

It became a huge hit, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1958.

It’s also famous for its use in the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure and is beloved by many.

Play it at a school cultural festival, and the venue is sure to light up instantly.

Concert band members, why not add it to your repertoire?

The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa

Concert Band March: The Stars and Stripes Forever

This march was composed by John Philip Sousa, former leader of the United States Marine Band.

It is a march that can be called a symbol of American patriotism and was designated the official march of the United States in 1987.

When it comes to school sports days, “The Stars and Stripes Forever” is a standard piece, so many of you are probably familiar with its melody.

Once the music starts, much like the encore piece “Radetzky March” at the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Concert, you can easily understand why the audience can’t help but clap along to the beat.

It’s also a piece that’s sure to grab the attention of visitors at a school cultural festival!