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!
- Perfect for free selections and concert programs! Introducing famous and classic favorites in wind ensemble music.
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- [J-POP] For those who want to listen to everything! A compilation of medleys by popular artists
- 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 That Fire Up in Wind Ensemble (71–80)
Selection from Les MisérablesWarren Barker
Les Misérables, originally a novel and later adapted into a musical and film, is a widely acclaimed work.
The story depicting the life of its protagonist, Jean Valjean, is deeply moving and profoundly touching.
While the novel has been adapted for the screen multiple times, many people are likely familiar with the 2012 film directed by Tom Hooper, which gained significant fame.
This piece is a medley of the songs that colored that grand narrative.
Its magnificent, emotionally stirring, and beautiful performance is sure to move listeners.
Alongside the beauty of the wind ensemble’s harmonies, you can also enjoy lively and lighthearted passages.
At all times.Makihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara’s smash hit “Donna Toki mo” brings a ray of hope to its listeners.
Released in 1991, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “No Problems with the Job Hunt,” starring Yūji Oda.
It has also been hugely popular among artists, with covers by performers across generations, genders, and genres, including Kiryuin Shō of Golden Bomber, Sonoko Inoue, and Scott Murphy.
Even when you’re feeling down, its hope-filled melody will get your body moving—so be sure to try performing it with the warm tones of a concert band!
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.
From classic hits to popular medleys: A collection of pop songs that energize with wind ensemble (81–90)
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.
Scootin’ on Hardrock: Three Improvisatory Jazz-Style Dance PiecesDavid R. Holsinger
A wind band masterpiece overflowing with swingy, jazzy vibes you can’t resist.
It’s by the renowned American composer David R.
Holsinger, an energetic suite made up of three short, scat-inspired dances.
An anecdote about “dashing quickly” down the worn-out roads of his hometown—tinged with humor—fuels the piece’s breezy, improvisational feel.
Just listening makes you want to move.
It’s included on the album The Music of Holsinger, Vol.
8, and in 2012 it was featured in drum corps competition, captivating audiences with its sheer cool factor.
The thrilling back-and-forth between woodwinds and brass is sure to send both performers and listeners into high gear! A perfect pick for anyone who wants to stand out in concert and fire up the crowd with a technical showpiece.
AMBITIOUS JAPAN！TOKIO
TOKIO’s “AMBITIOUS JAPAN!” is the kind of song that makes you want to clap along as you listen.
It starts with the drums and woodwinds, then the melody shifts to the brass.
Beyond the melody itself, the call-and-response sections make the arrangement even cooler.
It’s a piece that gives both the woodwinds and the brass their moment to shine.
There’s no doubt the whole venue will be buzzing together with the audience!
ForceSuperfly
Superfly’s “Force,” arranged with a slightly jazzy touch and opening with a saxophone solo.
It was the theme song for the TV Asahi drama series “Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon.” Not only the saxophone but also the drums lay down a lively groove, and there’s call-and-response between the woodwinds and brass—every instrument gets its moment to shine!