Perfect for free selections and concert programs! Introducing famous and classic favorites in wind ensemble music.
Members of school wind bands often get frequent chances to perform in public—at competitions (free-choice pieces), regular concerts, baseball game rallies, and even sports days! And every time, choosing the repertoire is the big headache.
Besides classic wind band standards and trending Japanese pop arrangements, if it’s a free-choice piece for a competition, you also want something that shows off your ensemble’s strengths—so when you think through everything, it can be hard to land on “this is it.” In this article, we’ll introduce a wealth of recommended wind band pieces that will surely help if you’re feeling stuck.
We’ve picked out a wide range—from dazzling numbers across various genres to stylish and cool pieces—so please find works that make you think, “We want to perform this!”
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Great for choosing pieces for free selections and concerts! Introducing famous and classic popular wind band pieces (101–110)
Saga CandidaBert Appermont
Composed based on the musical “Seeds of Satan,” it bears the subtitle “Seven Impressions of the Witch Hunt.” Divided into seven parts, it is a dynamic piece that features Appelmont’s characteristic lyrical and beautiful melodies as well as rough, fast passages.
When the wind sparklesKondō Ayataka
A work by Ayataka Kondo selected as a required piece for the 2024 All-Japan Band Competition.
Inspired by the spring kigo “kaze hikaru” (literally, “the wind shines”), the piece features a beautiful melody and rich harmonies that entrust the joy of spring’s arrival to the wind.
The effective use of non-chord tones creates an exquisite balance between tension and release.
It is important to shape the music in broad phrases, beginning with a charming, gentle opening and then vividly depicting sparkling spring scenes.
It is a piece that lets performers truly feel the joy of playing.
Deep Purple Medleysahashi toshihiko
Deep Purple is a British hard rock band formed in 1968 that was active in the 1970s.
They have signature songs like “Smoke on the Water” and “Burn,” numbers that guitarists all over the world love to practice.
In the wind band world, Toshihiko Sahashi’s arrangements are famous; they preserve the raw rock feel of the originals while adding the power of brass and woodwinds for a superb effect.
Deep Purple’s music in particular includes classical-style sections, making it a perfect fit for wind ensemble performances.
Three JaponismesMajima Toshio
“Three Japanese Dances” is a piece by Toshio Mashima, known for his wind band arrangements such as those for the game Dragon Quest.
A major feature of this work is that it is an approximately 18-minute large-scale composition consisting of three movements: “Crane Dance,” “Snowy River,” and “Festival.” Performing all three movements seems challenging, but for concerts, Mashima himself has released a shorter version titled “Three Japanese Dances: Composer’s Edition,” so it might be a good idea to perform that instead.
March ‘Memories Refrain’Itō Shion
A march notable for its dazzling modulations from the very beginning and the lively interplay unique to wind band instrumentation.
With refined tonal writing and beautiful harmonies, it incorporates contemporary elements to create an ambitious work.
While honoring tradition, it brings in a fresh breeze—showcasing the talent of the young composer, Shion Ito.
Published by the All-Japan Band Association in February 2025 and selected as the 2025 All Japan Band Competition Required Piece III, its appeal is spreading through performances by ensembles across the country.
This piece enables performers to rediscover the allure of their own instruments and offers a heart-stirring experience that captures the joy of ensemble playing.
For free pieces and concert programs! Introducing famous and classic favorites of wind band repertoire (111–120)
Dance of the Seven Veils from the music drama ‘Salome’Richard Georg Strauss
This piece accompanies the sensual scene in which the heroine, Salome, dances for her father, King Herod, removing the seven veils one by one.
Its enigmatic melody and ever-shifting character draw listeners into a world of seduction.
With numerous solos, the performance demands high skill from each musician.
Rhapsodia for Wind EnsembleAdachi Tadashi
This piece was selected as a required work for the 2002 Wind Ensemble Competition.
Throughout, it makes extensive use of Japanese scales and harmonies.
The first half features an impressive ensemble solo for piccolo and euphonium, while the latter half employs a variety of percussion instruments and introduces irregular meters.