[History] A roundup of popular set pieces from the All-Japan Band Competition
The brass band competition that wind ensemble players across the country aim for has been held every year.
Each year, the competition organizers provide several set pieces, and when you participate, you may find yourself wondering which one to perform.
Among past set pieces, there are quite a few that continue to be cherished as masterpieces, and it’s common to perform them at regular concerts.
In this article, we’ll introduce all the set pieces from the wind ensemble competition, from the latest selections to popular pieces from the past.
Use it as a reference when choosing your piece for this year’s competition or for your next concert program.
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[All-Time] Summary of Popular Set Pieces from the Concert Band Competition (1–10)
sand ripplesHoshina Hiroshi
Kazuyoshi Hoshina’s “Fūmon” (Wind Patterns), composed by the composer-arranger and conductor Hiroshi Hoshina.
Hoshina is a hitmaker in the wind band world and has written many pieces selected as required works; among them, this piece was designated as Required Piece A in 1987 and is one of the most popular in the history of competition required pieces.
It may first seem spacious and grand, but then the tempo picks up, later settles again, and within a single piece it alternates between calm and intensity, giving it a very expressive character.
It’s a piece that many people with wind band experience remember fondly from their junior high or high school days.
March “Raise the Flag of Courage”Toguchi Kimihiro
Selected as a set piece for a wind band competition, this work is a powerful march themed around courage and hope.
Characterized by its bright, brilliant melody, it is a piece that inspires bravery in its listeners.
In the trio section, piccolo and flute solos take the spotlight, creating a light, buoyant atmosphere.
Released in April 2024, the piece is likely to be widely performed by many schools and bands as it is used in the All-Japan Band Competition, a nationwide contest.
While serving as a teacher at a high school in Nagasaki Prefecture, Kimiyasu Tōguchi continues his composing activities, and his dedication and passion are poured into this work.
Conveying the importance of having the courage to face adversity, this piece resonates deeply with those who love wind band music.
Polonaise and Aria — for Wind EnsembleMiyashita Hideki
Hideki Miyashita’s work has been selected as a required piece for wind band competitions, drawing the attention of wind ensemble enthusiasts across the country.
Released in April 2023, the piece is a captivating 4-minute-30-second work that skillfully fuses two contrasting musical styles: polonaise and aria.
Its moderate triple meter and lyrical melodies are interwoven in a way that fully brings out the performers’ abilities.
While flexible enough to accommodate ensembles from small to large, it is also regarded as a challenging piece that demands advanced technique.
Showcasing the full appeal of wind band music, this work is recommended not only for competition participants but also for music fans eager to experience the depth of expression wind ensembles can offer.
[History] Summary of Popular Set Pieces from the All-Japan Band Competition (11–20)
March Sky Blue DreamYatō Manabu
Among the set pieces performed at wind band competitions, this is one of the most popular.
It features a refreshing melody that evokes dreams spreading across a blue sky, beginning with a trumpet fanfare and followed by graceful lines in the clarinet and saxophone.
The piece reflects Manabu Yato’s memories from his student days, resulting in a work that conveys bonds among friends and the brilliance of youth.
Released in March 2016, it became one of the most frequently performed set pieces at that year’s All-Japan Band Competition.
It was also featured in the theatrical edition of the anime “Sound! Euphonium,” and has become widely beloved among wind band fans.
The piece is highly popular at concerts and music events and is recommended for anyone who feels nostalgic for their youth.
March “Ramses II”Abe Yuichi
This is the required piece for the 1995 All Japan Band Competition, composed by Yuichi Abe.
Inspired by the great pharaohs of ancient Egypt, the work is characterized by melodies brimming with exotic atmosphere and the powerful rhythm of a march.
It vividly captures the mystique of Egypt and the dignity of its kings through the grand sonorities of wind band.
Conveying the glory and power of the 13th century BCE in musical form, the piece demands a high level of technique and expressive ability from performers.
It is recommended not only for ensembles taking on band competitions but also for anyone who wishes to enjoy an exotic mood.
Immerse yourself in the world of ancient Egypt and enjoy a performance full of impact.
March of the South WindToguchi Kimihiro
This is a work by Kimiyasu Togo, announced in March 2011 as a required piece for a wind ensemble competition.
Imagined as a wind from the south, the piece is characterized by a fresh and lively atmosphere.
Although written in march form, it incorporates contemporary elements, giving listeners a sense of a new season’s arrival.
With woodwinds, brass, and percussion intertwining exquisitely, the composition challenges performers’ technique and expressive ability.
It also carries a message aimed especially at younger generations—“to bravely take on challenges”—making it a popular choice not only for competitions but also for school concerts.
Toys ParadeHirayama Yūichi
The set piece for the wind band contest by Yuichi Hirayama is characterized by a bright, cheerful march.
With its catchy melody and comical rhythms, it gives listeners a sense of buoyancy and charm.
Clarinet and trumpet carry the main theme, and in the dotted-rhythm passages with slurs, a soft, light sense of lift is required.
Selected as a set piece for the 2020 All-Japan Band Competition, the work has been performed by ensembles of all sizes, from small to large.
When performing, careful attention to articulation and accents is essential.
Fully showcasing the appeal of wind band music, this piece is recommended for those seeking a bright, uplifting mood.