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

Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller

Moonlight Serenade / Japan Coast Guard Band

A masterpiece whose graceful clarinet-and-saxophone harmony resonates deep in the heart.

Set to a slow swing jazz groove, it paints a scene of offering love to a sweetheart under the moonlight.

Showcasing Glenn Miller’s signature, distinctive arranging, the piece became an instant hit upon its release in April 1939.

It later served as the jingle for Subaru’s Legacy in 1996 and Mitsubishi’s Delica D:5 in 2007, and memorably colored a scene in the 2004 film Swing Girls.

Highly recommended for music enthusiasts studying wind ensembles and big band sounds.

Galaxy Express 999Godaigo

Galaxy Express 999 / Godiego

A rock tune brimming with a sense of sci-fi, created as the theme song for the film Galaxy Express 999.

According to reports, Yukihide Takakawa completed the piece overnight after receiving the English lyrics.

Released in July 1979, it became a massive hit, taking the No.

1 spot on TBS’s music program The Best Ten for seven consecutive weeks.

While rooted in rock, its innovative sound brought a fresh breeze to anime songs and significantly changed the music scene of the time.

With an up-tempo rhythm that evokes a powerful steam locomotive in full stride and lyrics that sing of the courage to face the future, it delivers maximum impact even in wind band performances.

It’s a song that will push you forward as you strive toward your dreams.

First Suite for Wind EnsembleGustav Holst

First Suite in E-flat for Military Band (Gustav Holst)

Speaking of Holst, his suite The Planets is famous, including Jupiter, which is the original piece for artist Ayaka Hirahara’s song Jupiter.

This piece was composed as an original work for wind band.

Thanks to it being sung by a female artist, its popularity among women increased.

Heavenly IslandSatō Hiroaki

2011 All-Japan Band Competition Required Piece II: Island of Heaven

It is known as a required piece for the 2011 All-Japan Band Competition.

“Island of Heaven” is a work inspired by Teuri Island, located in the northwestern part of Hokkaido.

The piece is also famous for being used as background music on the TV show “The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!” by the popular group TOKIO.

Since the show is particularly popular among women, many people are likely familiar with it.

Disco KidTōkairin Osamu

1977 Required Piece (C): Disco Kid

It was famous as a set piece for wind ensemble competitions, but nowadays it’s become a popular tune with many different arrangements.

Apparently, it was unusual for competitions at the time to include a drum set.

Shouting “Disco!” together after the opening phrase has become the standard practice now.

Symphonic Poem “Run, Melos”Fukushima Hirokazu

Symphonic Poem “Run, Melos”

This piece was composed in 2006 as a commissioned work for the Edogawa Girls’ High School Wind Ensemble, and as the title suggests, it is based on “Run, Melos.” It begins with the scene where Melos becomes enraged, and in the middle section shifts to a gentle melody for his sister’s wedding.

The sister’s wedding part is something I would especially recommend to women.

Spells and DanceJohn Barnes Chance

J.B. Chance / Spells and Dance

Composed in 1960 by the American composer John Barnes Chance, this wind band piece is performed by many ensembles.

It’s a grand work with a structure that moves listeners, including women.

Though a classic, it’s a piece you should know if you’re interested in wind band music.