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Wonderful wind ensemble

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

Japan is known as a wind band powerhouse, with an estimated 13,000 ensembles nationwide.

In junior high and high school clubs, the majority of members are girls, and because the wind band club is so popular, many women have plenty of opportunities to experience wind band music.

With that in mind, I’ve written an article recommending wind band works for girls in wind bands and for adult women.

Many people fondly remember their wind band club days or are now active in community and workplace ensembles.

This time, I’ll introduce famous wind band pieces that girls and adult women alike can enjoy.

[Wind Ensemble] Brass band pieces girls like. Masterpieces of wind ensemble recommended for women (41–50)

Overture “1812”Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Overture '1812' INAGAKUEN WIND ORCHESTRA Presents
Overture "1812"Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Composed with the image of Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia, this piece is sprinkled throughout with sounds like bombs dropping and cannons roaring.

Its grand scale and intricate effects make it a hugely popular masterpiece that draws in not only men but anyone who hears it.

Women might sense an even more delicate nuance in it.

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[Wind Ensemble] Wind band pieces girls like. Classic wind ensemble masterpieces recommended for women (51–60)

Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from the opera LohengrinRichard Wagner

This is the piece from the wedding ceremony scene in Act 3 of the opera Lohengrin by the great composer Richard Wagner.

There are many arrangements for wind band, and it is well known as a staple for free-choice pieces in competitions.

A grand chorale unfolds, beginning with an impressive solo passage for the flute.

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Hound of SpringAlfred Reed

Overture “The Hounds of Spring” / Alfred Reed
Hound of SpringAlfred Reed

Among the many masterpieces by Alfred Reed, ‘A Springtime Celebration’ (Hounds of Spring) is one of his most popular works.

True to its spring-themed title, the light and lively rhythm at the opening is striking, making it a classic in the wind band repertoire.

Its brisk melody also makes it easy to enjoy for many listeners, including women.

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Global VariationsNigel Hess

It’s known as a piece composed around the theme of a journey around the world.

The opening, which begins with the chimes of Big Ben in London, is striking and sets off a voyage across the globe.

As a travel-themed work that’s enjoyable to play, it has become a popular piece among women.

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Myth for Wind Ensemble: The Tale of the Heavenly Rock CaveŌguri Yutaka

Myth for Wind Ensemble: Based on the Tale of Amano-Iwato (The Heavenly Rock Cave)
Myth for Wind Ensemble: The Tale of the Heavenly Rock CaveŌguri Yutaka

This instrument was created with the story of the Ama-no-Iwato from Japanese mythology in mind.

It begins with the scene where Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hides herself and the earth is shrouded in darkness.

Since Amaterasu is a goddess, this piece is especially recommended for women.

Please give it a listen.

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In conclusion

How was it? For girls in school band, I hope it offered some ideas for repertoire, and for adult women, perhaps it brought back memories with familiar pieces.

Because wind band competitions are so active, many groups tackle set pieces and free selections every year, and the number of new works keeps growing.

If you discovered pieces you didn’t know and listened to them as the current trend, I’m delighted.

For women, lifestyle changes such as marriage and childbirth can sometimes make it harder to continue than it is for men, but if you love your instrument, I truly hope you’ll keep playing—and keep enjoying wind band music.