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

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.

CopacabanaBarry Manilow

"Copacabana" Defense Academy Wind Orchestra Regular Concert

A signature work by Barry Manilow, notable for its vibrant rhythm and richly narrative lyrics.

Released in 1978, it reached No.

8 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100.

Set in a famous New York nightclub, the song portrays a story of love and tragedy.

Its popularity is evident from its 1985 adaptation into a TV movie on NBC.

In wind band arrangements, there are many spotlight moments for percussion to bring out the Latin flavor.

It’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that will unite the audience when performed at school or cultural festivals.

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!

Weigh anchorCharles Zimmerman

United States Navy official march “Anchors Aweigh” / Anchors Aweigh

A march with striking, powerful brass and percussion, created to inspire the Naval Academy football team.

Composed in 1906 by Charles A.

Zimmermann, this piece brilliantly captures the proud spirit of the Navy.

Its bold melody and driving rhythm straighten the listener’s spine, vividly portraying the exhilaration of setting out on a new voyage.

Adopted as the title song of a musical film released in 1945, it also left a significant mark on American culture.

Born as a football fight song, it has since been widely performed at ceremonies and enlistments, continuing to move many people as a piece that evokes courage and hope.

Mr. Bear of the Forest Met SousaTakahashi Hiroki

Forest Bear-san Met Sousa.wmv

Arranged by Hiroki Takahashi, this piece delights with its unexpected blend of a children’s song and a march.

The lively “Mori no Kuma-san” meets Sousa’s powerful marches, creating a fun atmosphere as if they’re marching together.

Between phrases of “Mori no Kuma-san,” tunes like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “The Washington Post” pop up, bringing a grin to wind band fans.

Included on the Zoorasian Wind Ensemble’s album released in May 2023, it’s also popular as a concert encore.

Highly recommended for school bands and ensembles looking to entertain their audience.

Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji

WSL-12-010 Lupin the Third Theme ’78 (Wind Band Selection)

“Theme from Lupin the Third” is one of the most famous anime songs in Japan.

Composed by jazz pianist Yuji Ohno as the theme song for the anime Lupin the Third, based on Monkey Punch’s original work, it was released in 1977.

Because the anime has been beloved for so long, the piece has been rearranged many times over the decades.

In particular, the 1977 release “Theme from Lupin the Third ’78” is a version where the horn section shines—perfect for wind ensembles! If you perform its cool, smoky melody with powerful brass, it’s sure to fire up any school festival.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

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?