[March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!

William Tell OvertureRosshīni

[Yuri Simonov] William Tell Overture Gioachino Rossini: Opera “William Tell”, Overture (March of the Swiss Army)

The overture to a grand opera by Rossini, one of Italy’s most iconic composers.

Structured in four parts, it begins at dawn, passes through a storm scene, moves into pastoral tranquility, and then unfolds into a heroic march—a truly masterful progression.

Premiered in 1829, this work became widely known as the opening theme of the American TV series The Lone Ranger and was also used on Fuji TV’s Oretachi Hyokin-zoku, lodging itself in the memories of many.

Its powerful rhythms and dynamic melodies make it perfect for the exit scene at a school sports day, heightening the excitement as participants leave the field and bringing the event to a rousing, resonant close.

OrangeSPYAIR

Orange / SPYAIR [Osaka Toin High School Wind Ensemble]

A rousing cheer song filled with passion will hype up the sports day! This SPYAIR track was released in February 2024 as the theme song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie.

Its lyrics sing of the courage and hope to keep moving forward, paired with a melody that truly stirs the heart.

From the moment the intro starts, the kids’ excitement skyrockets! It’s the perfect song for entrance and exit marches.

Just listening to its powerful sound will boost everyone’s energy and make the memories of sports day even more unforgettable.

Baroque HoedownJean Jacques Perrey

Jean-Jacques Perrey – Baroque Hoedown

This is a quintessential electronic music piece from the 1960s, notable for its distinctive Moog synthesizer tones.

Blending Baroque elements with a country-style rhythm, the unique composition features a bright, upbeat melody that lingers in the mind.

Included on the duo Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon Kingsley’s 1967 album “Kaleidoscopic Vibrations: Electronic Pop Music From Way Out,” the work was adopted in June 1972 as the theme for Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade and has been beloved by many ever since.

It’s a perfect choice for festive, celebratory occasions—such as parade entries at sports days or award ceremonies—guaranteed to fill the venue with a lively, cheerful atmosphere.

Anpanman Exercisedoriimingu

Anpanman Taiso (Anpanman Gymnastics)

A lively, high-energy song that makes classic sports day events even more fun! Its bright, positive lyrics lift children’s spirits, and the rhythmic melody and easy-to-follow choreography make everyone want to move naturally.

Released by Dreaming in March 1993, this track was also used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Anpanman.” The song carries a message of holding hands with friends and overcoming moments of lost confidence or loneliness together, making it a perfect choice to accompany the tamaire (ball-toss) event at school sports days.

Highly recommended for those looking for a song everyone can enjoy dancing to while coming up with choreography that incorporates tamaire motions with the children.

March ‘Memories Refrain’Itō Shion

2025 All-Japan Band Competition Required Piece III: March “Memories Refrain” / Shion Ito [Osaka Toin Wind Orchestra]

A march notable for its dazzling modulations from the very beginning and the lively interplay unique to wind band instrumentation.

With refined tonal writing and beautiful harmonies, it incorporates contemporary elements to create an ambitious work.

While honoring tradition, it brings in a fresh breeze—showcasing the talent of the young composer, Shion Ito.

Published by the All-Japan Band Association in February 2025 and selected as the 2025 All Japan Band Competition Required Piece III, its appeal is spreading through performances by ensembles across the country.

This piece enables performers to rediscover the allure of their own instruments and offers a heart-stirring experience that captures the joy of ensemble playing.

Tokyo Olympic MarchKoseki Yūji

Tokyo Olympic March with Fanfare, 1964

In October 1964, when a stately march resounded through the National Stadium, the piece composed by Yuji Koseki became a pivotal work that colored the first Olympic Games ever held in Asia.

Its elegant yet powerful brass sound and vibrant rhythm not only enlivened the athletes’ entrance but also stood as a symbol to the world of Japan’s postwar recovery.

Brimming with brightness and splendor befitting a festival of peace and youth, the work offers a melody of hope that only a composer who had lived through war could express.

It is truly a piece you’d want to use for a sports day opening ceremony or entrance parade—an elevated, dignified march perfect for highlighting children’s big moment on stage.

March “Sky of Hope”Wada Makoto

March “Sky of Hope”

This piece was selected as the No.

4 set piece in 2012.

The composer, Shin Wada, reportedly studied under Masao Yabe, the composer of March April May, which was also a set piece in the 1993 competition and remains highly popular today.

For that reason, the opening section of this piece is said to quote March April May.

It features a lively, refreshing march-like character, making it well-suited not only for concerts but also for scenes where musicians actually march while performing.

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