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

A Trumpeter’s HolidayLeroy Anderson

Bugler’s Holiday / A Trumpeter’s Holiday

Even if you don’t know the title of this piece, everyone recognizes it as “the race music from school sports days.” Its distinctive trumpet tone stands out, and because it’s so well-known in Japan, many groups choose it for their programs.

It’s a highly popular piece in Japan that reminds people of school sports festivals and athletic meets.

Sing, Sing, SingLouis Prima

Sing, Sing, Sing

It’s a song well known from the movie Swing Girls.

I’m sure many people started playing in a wind ensemble after seeing that film! The drum solo between sections and the brass melodies captivated lots of girls, didn’t they? The trumpet and clarinet solos are beloved parts that everyone admired and practiced—this piece is hugely popular.

When the Saints Go Marching Inkokujin reika

When The Saints Go Marching In – live in Australia – Louis Armstrong

It is widely known as a staple piece for wind bands.

“When the Saints Go Marching In” is a standard that is always included in beginner textbooks for brass instruments.

As a Dixieland jazz tune originating from an African American spiritual, it has been performed by countless musicians.

It also became especially popular among women after Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye sang it in the 1960 American film The Five Pennies.

Overture “Carnival of the Rose”Joseph Olivadoti

WSR-13-004 Overture “Carnival of Roses” (Wind Band Revival Series)

A wind band masterpiece that begins quietly with a grand introduction that gradually builds in excitement, unfolding one luscious melody after another.

Composed in 1947 by Joseph Olivadoti, the piece reflects the influence of the Italian Romantic tradition while maintaining an accessible structure that has captivated many listeners.

Though filled with brilliant, rewarding expressions, it is set at a technical level approachable for anyone, which adds to its appeal.

The long-hard-to-find score has been reissued by WindScore, and with an included practice CD, it is also ideal for ensemble rehearsals.

Symphonic Suite “GR”: Symphonic SelectionAmano Masamichi

Symphonic Selection from 'GR' for Wind Ensemble

This is a highly popular piece that arranges the soundtrack from the little-known but revered original video anime “Giant Robo” into a concert band work.

Although it was composed as anime music, it has an authentic, symphonic character.

Since it’s a piece from Japanese anime, please give it a listen.

Magpie’s Nest at the Divine Door ~ Festive Overture for Wind EnsembleNakahashi Aoi

[Wind Band] Kakuto no Jakusō: Festive Overture for Wind Ensemble – Kasukabe Kyoei High School

This is a piece by Aio Nakahashi, a wind ensemble composer from Saga Prefecture.

The title is read “Shinato no Jakusō.” “Shinato” (科戸) means “the place where the wind arises,” and “Jakusō” (鵲巣) refers to a magpie’s nest.

It is said that the descending “faa—n” sound imitates the call of the magpie, which is the prefectural bird of Saga, the composer’s hometown.

The piece also features quite a few experimental techniques—something the composer has acknowledged—and its structure incorporates many elements of contemporary music.

CenturiaJames Swearingen

“Centuria” National Defense Academy Wind Ensemble Regular Concert

It is one of the most performed and beloved pieces in Japan, and among Swearingen’s works it is regarded as a masterpiece performed around the world.

“Centuria” is a Spanish word meaning “one hundred years” or “century.” It’s a highly popular piece known for its grand theme and romantic character.