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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- [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
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- 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 classic hits to popular medleys: A collection of pop songs that energize with wind ensemble (81–90)
EXCITEMiura Daichi
Daichi Miura’s “EXCITE” begins with a slightly mysterious mood woven by woodwinds.
Saxophones and trombones carry the melody into the chorus.
Be sure to listen for the clarinet and saxophone solos along the way! Beyond the melody, the arrangement offers plenty to enjoy, including woodwind runs and rhythmic figures in the low instruments.
Passion Continent CollectionHakasé Tarō
This piece is a medley of Etupirka and Jonetsu Tairiku, signature works by violinist Taro Hakase.
Both are theme songs for the documentary program Jonetsu Tairiku and will likely sound familiar.
Etupirka is a pleasant piece noted for its flowing melody, perfectly showcasing the elegant character of a wind ensemble.
In contrast, Jonetsu Tairiku features a powerful, Latin-flavored atmosphere, offering a different facet of wind ensemble appeal from Etupirka.
Suite ‘Space Battleship Yamato’Miyakawa Tai
A masterpiece of wind ensemble music distinguished by its grand orchestral sound and moving melodies.
Created at the producer’s request with the image of “iron” in mind, Hiroshi Miyagawa’s majestic introduction leaves a strong impression.
This work superbly reconstructs the background music from the TV anime that began airing in 1974 for a full orchestra.
With a structure that fully brings out the appeal of wind ensembles, it’s perfect for those who enjoy ensemble playing, ideal for weekend practice or sessions with friends.
In particular, for the generation that watched the anime in real time, this arrangement is sure to be irresistible.
Galaxy Express 999Godaigo
A rock tune brimming with sci‑fi flair, created as the theme song for the film Galaxy Express 999.
Reportedly written by Yukihide Takekawa in just one night after receiving the English lyrics, the song became a major hit upon its July 1979 release, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.
1 on TBS’s music program The Best Ten.
While rooted in rock, its innovative sound breathed new life into anime songs and significantly impacted the music scene of the time.
The up-tempo rhythm—evoking a steam locomotive powerfully charging ahead—and its bold message about having the courage to move toward the future deliver maximum impact even in wind ensemble performances.
It’s a song that will give you a strong push as you strive toward your dreams.
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!
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!
From Classics to Popular Medleys: A Collection of Pops to Excite with Wind Ensemble (91–100)
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!