[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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[Historic] Summary of Popular Set Pieces from the Wind Orchestra Competition (21–30)
GenesisSuzuki Eiji
Eishi Suzuki is one of the renowned composers in the wind band world, known for creating numerous original works such as the Overture for Wind Band “The Liberty Bell Spans the Sky,” as well as for arranging several pieces in the New Sounds in Brass series.
His first time composing a set piece for the All-Japan Band Competition was Set Piece No.
3 in 2022.
The piece opens with a fanfare that conveys a dignified, noble atmosphere, and throughout the work, its gracefully poised melodies leave a strong impression.
Interestingly, aside from the opening section, the piece does not specify concrete tempos; performers interpret it based on the expressive markings indicated in the score.
It is also a profoundly crafted work that invites performance informed by a deep understanding of the overall harmony and chord progressions.
March “Blue Spring”Suzuki Masashi
This piece was composed by Masashi Suzuki, head of Suzuki Music Engraving, and it was the No.
2 set piece in 2022.
He is a very passionate person who has also raised funds through crowdfunding to support wind bands across Japan and deliver sheet music to students.
The March “Blue Spring,” whose title literally means “Youth,” was composed after the title was decided.
Brimming with the vitality of youth, it’s a perfect choice as a set piece for students.
March “Beyond the K-Point”Takahashi Shinya
Contest piece No.
4 from 1999 remains a highly popular march, beloved by concert bands across Japan.
The “K point” in the title now refers to the construction reference point, and whether a jump can exceed it serves as a benchmark for achieving a good record.
Created in response to the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the piece is themed around ski jumping.
Once you listen, you’ll likely be captivated by the opening fanfare followed by a smooth, pleasing melody.
Every section is catchy and exudes a refreshing feel—one of the reasons this piece has been cherished for so many years.
Yamagata Fantasy: for Wind EnsembleSugiura Kunihiro
This piece, Yamagata Fantasy ~for Wind Ensemble~, was composed by Kunihiro Sugiura, who is known both as a composer and as a percussionist.
The title written in hiragana catches the eye, and the explicit subtitle “for Wind Ensemble” signals how well-suited it is as a contest piece.
The work also won the 31st Asahi Composition Award.
With a performance time of about five minutes, it incorporates elements and melodies of Yamagata folk songs, as suggested by “Yamagata” in the title.
March “Blue Sky”Takagi Toko
The 2007 set piece No.
4 is the march “Blue Sky,” which opens with a crisp, refreshing introduction.
Following the opening, a softly woven melody line by the woodwinds unfolds beautifully, while the brass accompaniment that supports it conveys a breezy sense of freshness.
In contrast, later sections feature powerful brass phrases, making the piece appealing for its dynamic and varied development.
The main theme that appears in the middle and toward the end is catchy, and its compelling strength that grips the listener is truly worthy of a set piece.
Circus Hat MarchOkumoto Tomoari
Assignment Piece IV often features march-like styles every year, but in 2022, true to its title, it turned into a stylish and humorous piece with circus-like surprises and rapid developments! The composer is Tomoari Okumoto, who has listened closely to the sound in the field as an active instructor.
It’s a piece with a light, uplifting sound that makes even the performers enjoy themselves! The structure is engaging with clear contrasts, and it might be fun to listen while picturing a circus scene in your mind.
The wind of MayMajima Toshio
If you’re involved in wind ensemble music, you’ve probably seen the name Toshio Mashima, the arranger of this piece.
He arranged fusion masterpieces like “Takarajima” and “Omens of Love” for concert band, and he also worked on arrangements for the Dragon Quest series.
This piece is one he composed as a set piece in 1997.
In addition to its powerful phrases that suit a proud, tempo-matched march, it’s packed with highlights befitting a set piece, including concert march-style development and sections with beautiful melodies.