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.
- A classic brass band medley
- [Wind Band] Guaranteed to hype up the school festival! Recommended pieces the brass band will want to play
- [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 to Excite with Wind Ensemble (31–40)
Japanese Graffiti XII Galaxy Express 999 ~ Space Battleship YamatoHoshide Takashi
The 12th installment of the popular New Sounds in Brass series, “Japanese Graffiti,” features a medley of the anime opening theme “Galaxy Express 999” sung by Isao Sasaki, the movie version of “Galaxy Express 999” sung by Godiego, and “Space Battleship Yamato.” These staples of the wind band repertoire are packed into a medley that cherry-picks all the best parts! Since every piece shines in a brass band setting, you can expect a majestic and cool finish.
These are widely known across generations, so they’re sure to bring the house down at any concert.
idolYOASOBI
Since their debut single Yoru ni Kakeru became a massive hit, the music duo YOASOBI has enjoyed worldwide popularity, particularly among younger generations.
Their 19th digital single Idol, written as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko, is an upbeat track with hysteric synth sounds and an irregular melody that sticks in your head.
Arranging it for concert band softens the sound and gives it a different feel, making it enjoyable for both performers and listeners.
It’s a catchy number guaranteed to hype up any concert.
KINGKanaria
“KING,” produced by the Vocaloid creator Kanaria, captivates listeners with its dark atmosphere and story-rich, distinctive world.
Released in 2020, the song quickly drew attention and has been covered by numerous artists, including Amatsuki and Mafumafu.
Its memorable melody, which rises and falls repeatedly, becomes undeniably cool when played in unison by horn instruments along with percussion like glockenspiel and xylophone.
While staying true to the original song’s world, enjoy a performance that’s delightfully spooky and cute.
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
Among the songs that really energize a wind ensemble concert, a perennial favorite is Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” Released in 1978, it’s known for a melody that sticks in your head after just one listen, and the chorus in particular lets performers and audience share a great sense of unity.
Since the original features a brass section, it really shines when played by a brass band.
Groove is everything in dance music, so when performing it, focus on how to faithfully recreate that groove.
BetelgeuseYuuri
Yuri’s popularity first took off on social media among younger listeners and has since spread across a wide range of age groups.
Many people have surely been captivated by his voice.
The song “Betelgeuse,” released in 2021, was used as the theme song for the drama “SUPER RICH.” Many of Yuri’s songs are mellow and meant to be listened to attentively, which makes them a perfect fit for performance by wind ensembles.
Familiar songs are easier to get the audience excited about, right? And since it’s a number that also conveys a sense of grandeur, it pairs very well with the timbre of wind instruments.
From Classics to Popular Medleys: A Collection of Pops to Energize with Wind Ensemble (41–50)
FlamingoYonezu Kenshi
This is a captivating piece featuring an arrangement that skillfully adapts the song’s mysterious atmosphere for wind ensemble.
The bass, which serves as the backbone of the track, and the grand development of the chorus faithful to the original are both effectively expressed.
As a wind ensemble arrangement, it also brings out the distinct flavor of a Japanese song influenced by Black music.
The swelling of the chorus and the way dynamics are shaped elsewhere make for an intriguing arrangement.
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
The theme song from director Makoto Shinkai’s film Weathering with You, released in July 2019.
Throughout the piece, the flute and piccolo take center stage, while the obligato lines for mid-range instruments like euphonium, horn, and trombone are also highly appealing.
Be sure to listen for the saxophone solo as well! This arrangement distills the grand worldview of this richly colored work and is a piece that resonates with many hearts.
