[Wind Ensemble] Wind band pieces that men like. Masterpieces of wind band music recommended for men.

RaijinJohn Philip Sousa

WRM-0005 Raijin [Wind Band March Series]

March music with a powerful rhythm and an accessible, catchy melody! This march by Sousa is full of appeal that grabs performers’ hearts, from a trumpet part whose melody can be played with the same fingering to a composition that deftly weaves in contrapuntal lines.

Born in the United States in 1889, it was adopted in 1956 as the entrance march for Japan’s National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, making it widely known in Japan as well.

A concert band classic where the majestic resonance of the brass and the songlike, beautiful melodic lines blend perfectly.

It’s a masterpiece that anyone who enjoys wind band music should experience at least once.

Galaxy Express 999Godaigo

Galaxy Express 999 / Godiego

A rock tune brimming with sci‑fi flair, created as the theme song for the film Galaxy Express 999.

According to legend, Yukihide Takekawa completed the piece in a single night after receiving the English lyrics.

Released in July 1979, it became a massive hit, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 on TBS’s music program The Best Ten.

While rooted in rock, its innovative sound brought a fresh breeze to anime music and went on to transform the music scene of the time.

With an up‑tempo rhythm that charges ahead like a steam locomotive and powerful lyrics about the courage to face the future, the song remains thrilling even in a wind band arrangement.

It’s a track that gives a strong push to men striving toward their dreams.

Suite ‘Space Battleship Yamato’Miyakawa Tai

Suite “Space Battleship Yamato” / Hiroshi Miyagawa (arranged by Akira Miyagawa)

This is a renowned wind band masterpiece characterized by a grand orchestral sound and moving melodies.

Created by Hiroshi Miyagawa at the producer’s request to evoke the image of “iron,” the piece features an impressive, majestic introduction.

It brilliantly reconstructs the background music from the TV anime that began airing in 1974 for a full orchestra, and later, in its wind band arrangement, brings out the full appeal of the ensemble.

It’s perfect for those who enjoy ensemble playing, recommended for weekend practice and sessions with friends.

In particular, for the generation who watched the anime in real time, this arrangement will be irresistibly appealing, especially to male audiences.

Mambo of the BullfighterBernardino Bautista Monterde

Mambo of the Matador — Macarena, Toru Arima, Noche Cubana leader Mikihiko Awaya, 2016

Even if you don’t know the original title “La Macarena,” you probably know the word “mambo.” What made this word famous worldwide was this hit by the King of Mambo, Pérez Prado.

The shout of “Ah! Uh!” was hugely popular in Japan as well.

It features a clear, accessible arrangement centered on an alto saxophone solo.

Festival VariationsClaude Thomas Smith

Claude T. Smith / Festival Variations

It is known as one of C.

T.

Smith’s representative works, commissioned by the United States Air Force Band and premiered by the ensemble in 1982.

As the composer himself was a horn player, the horn features prominently in this piece.

Since it is a piece associated with the U.S.

Air Force, it is a work I would particularly recommend to men.

Symphonic Suite PinocchioFerrer Ferran

Pinocchio, Symphonic Suite: Ferrer Ferran (Symphonic Suite 'Pinocchio': Ferrer Ferran)

A work based on the children’s literature by Italian author Carlo Collodi, who has been beloved by many children for years.

As a literary piece also famous through the Disney film, it is a composition frequently performed by students.

The story of Pinocchio transforming into a human boy is depicted across four movements.

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 Ayaka Hirahara’s song Jupiter.

However, this one was composed as an original work for wind band.

With its classical style, it’s a well-loved and renowned piece in the wind ensemble world.