A Collection of Pop Hits for Wind Band: From Classics to Popular Medleys
What kind of pieces are performed at wind ensemble concerts?
Familiar pieces that have been passed down as club traditions and that year’s competition set pieces are common, but pop music is also essential for concerts.
It’s not just formal wind band works—Japanese and Western pop songs that everyone recognizes really get the crowd going!
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended pop tunes to perform with a wind ensemble.
We’ve selected a wide range, from the latest J-pop to classic staples and medleys arranged for wind band.
Popular songs usually have scores available, so no worries!
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- A popular anime song medley. Classic and popular anime songs.
- A collection of video game music I want to perform in a wind ensemble
- [Brass/Wind Band] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Classics and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice
- Youthful songs recommended as theme songs and openings for cultural and school festivals
- [Uplifting Songs] A curated selection of popular and latest tracks to energize your school cultural festivals!
- [History] A roundup of popular set pieces from the All-Japan Band Competition
- [Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western pop songs for concerts: timeless classics from every era
- Recommended pieces for a wind band contest
- [March] A curated selection of classic marches and dazzling crowd-pleasers for concerts!
[From Classics to Popular Medleys] A Collection of Pops to Energize Your Wind Band (61–70)
HabitSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI is loved by people of all ages.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is “Habit.” It won the Japan Record Award in 2022, so I think even people who don’t usually listen to J-pop might know it.
Also, when you think of this song, that distinctive dance comes to mind—it really made waves.
If you incorporate the choreography into your performance, it’s sure to get everyone hyped.
Definitely give it a try.
rainbowSuda Masaki
Masaki Suda’s “Niji,” with lyrics overflowing with warm affection, is truly moving.
Released in 2020, the song was chosen as the theme for the film STAND BY ME Doraemon 2.
Its proposal-like lyrics that pledge eternal love, together with Suda’s gentle yet passionate vocals, make your heart flutter.
When performing it with a wind ensemble, try to preserve the song’s original warmth.
Even if you’re not thinking of a romantic partner, imagining someone you always want by your side will surely lead to a heartwarming, wonderful performance.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO’s “Ashita mo” starts with cool drums.
The trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and clarinet weave an upbeat, lively melody as it leads into the chorus.
The handoffs of the melody in the latter half—through solos and solis for each instrument—are especially captivating! It’s a track where every instrument gets a moment to shine.
Cheer of StarlightGReeeeN
This song by GReeeeN, the theme for NHK’s morning drama series “Yell,” inspired a project where student members of school bands across the country performed together remotely.
In 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19, competitions and Koshien were canceled, leaving many without opportunities to perform, so they poured their feelings into this rendition.
Although the piece has a relaxed tempo, the arrangement for concert band is extremely dramatic and moving.
It’s not the kind of song that heightens tension and gets you pumped up, but I think it’s a piece that allows everyone—including the audience in the venue—to unite their hearts as one.
paprikaFoorin
A song by Foorin created as a cheer song for the NHK 2020 Cheer Song Project.
It was also performed at the 70th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2019, so many of you may already know it.
The drums keep a steady beat throughout, while various sections weave the melody through unison and solo parts.
It’s a piece that works well either showcasing each solo or being performed together with dance!
Let’s Swing!!Yamazato Sawako
This piece is beloved as a staple of wind ensemble concerts.
Set to a swinging jazz rhythm, it’s a captivating work that delights audiences.
Its light, energetic performance brings listeners a boost of spirit and vitality.
The solo sections—showcasing the unique character of instruments like alto saxophone, flute, and trumpet—are a particular highlight.
Arranged as a medley of three songs featured in the film “Swing Girls,” it includes “Make Her Mine,” “Comin’ Through the Rye,” and “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
Christmas songback number
The theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “5→9: From Five to Nine (The Monk Who Fell in Love with Me).” True to its title, “Christmas Song” begins with a glockenspiel melody that evokes winter and moves the listener with a sound that is both beautiful and powerful.
The arrangement makes use of not only the high register but also the middle register, and features a euphonium and tenor sax soli as well as an oboe solo.