Wind Ensemble: Brass Band Pieces Popular with Girls. Masterpieces of Wind Music Recommended for Women.

Liberty Leading the PeopleTarumiya Masanori

Liberty Leading the People

A dramatic wind ensemble piece composed by Masanori Taruya, inspired by a famous French Revolutionary painting.

The music vividly evokes the people seeking liberation from oppression and the grand narrative of revolution.

Throughout the work, a theme titled “Liberty” appears repeatedly as a symbol of the Goddess of Liberty, stirring the listener’s heart.

Beloved since the early 2000s, it can also be heard in a moving performance on the album Masanori Taruya Works II: The Resurrection of Lazarus.

This piece is also popular as a free-choice work for competitions, and it may well have swept audiences into a whirlwind of emotion, carried by the passionate performances of student musicians.

It’s a piece that will powerfully push you forward as you take on any challenge.

Redline TangoJohn Mackey

[2022/9/4 Keitaro Harada × Panda Wind Orchestra] J. Mackey: Redline Tango

Opening with a powerful driving rhythm that instantly draws listeners into its world, Redline Tango is a signature work by American composer John Mackey.

Originally written for orchestra in 2003, the piece was later arranged for wind ensemble by the composer himself.

Its thrilling contrast between explosive, high-velocity energy and a darkly sensual tango melody seems to express dangerous passion in sound.

In 2005 it received the prestigious Sousa/Ostwald Award, becoming a breakthrough work that brought Mackey’s name to international attention, and it is included on the album Redline Tango.

Its high level of difficulty entices performers to rise to the challenge, and it is guaranteed to electrify any concert audience.

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.

Disney MedleyVarious Artists/Iwai Naohiro

Disney Medley

This is a superbly arranged medley that brings out the charm of both Disney music and wind band performance.

Starting with a fanfare based on When You Wish Upon a Star, it weaves together numerous Disney classics—such as Mickey Mouse, It’s a Small World, and Snow White—arranged for concert band.

The structure is delightfully dreamlike in true Disney fashion, and the abundance of solos for various instruments will captivate wind players.

It’s an irresistible medley for female wind band musicians who love Disney.

Disney’s Fantillusion!Various Artists/Takashi Hoshide

Disney’s Fantillusion.Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra.

Here’s a must-hear arrangement for wind ensemble girls who love Disney: “Disney Fantillusion!” It’s a hugely popular piece that performs the melodies from the Electrical Parade in a wind ensemble arrangement.

Because the structure is complex, it’s known for requiring a lot of practice.

In particular, the flute and clarinet parts are quite challenging, and the piece is often chosen as the culmination of a club or circle’s efforts.

Still, Disney-loving wind ensemble girls will stay highly motivated to practice.

Approach it with the mindset of becoming a performer in the show.

Deep Purple MedleyHenchoku: Sahashi Toshihiko

Deep Purple Medley Hokkaido University Wind Orchestra

This piece, cherished as a classic of wind band repertoire, is a medley that brilliantly fuses three signature songs by the British rock band Deep Purple: Burn, Highway Star, and Smoke on the Water.

Toshihiko Sahashi skillfully renders electric guitar riffs and drum beats through wind and percussion instruments, reconstructing the original rock allure with the rich sonorities unique to wind ensemble.

Released in 1996 as part of the New Sounds in Brass series for concert band, it has been frequently performed at wind band concerts and school recitals.

It has received high acclaim, including a Special Jury Prize awarded to a performing ensemble at the 6th National Popular Stage Wind Band Competition.

Music of the UniversePhilip Sparke

(Wind Ensemble) Music of the Spheres – Seika Girls' High School

It is known as a brass band piece composed as an own-choice work for the European Brass Band Championships held in Scotland in 2004.

It was inspired by the “Music of the Spheres” proposed by the ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras.

This piece became a hot topic when the Seika Girls’ High School Wind Ensemble from Fukuoka Prefecture—admired by many female wind band members—performed it in competition.

Although it is a highly challenging work, many girls may wish to perform it under Seika’s influence.

As a romantic piece themed around the cosmos, it’s one I would especially recommend to women.