[Brass/Wind Band] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Classics and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice
Many people have probably developed a longing for wind ensemble music through visual works like the popular anime Sound! Euphonium.
Some may have discovered the appeal of wind ensembles as adults, bought an instrument and started taking lessons, or formed a brass band with friends to enjoy on weekends.
In this article, we’ve gathered classic pieces considered “beginner-friendly” among the popular works performed by wind ensembles.
It should be helpful for those with no prior experience playing an instrument, and for those who were in a wind ensemble during their school days, it may feel nostalgic.
Enjoy this selection of charming wind ensemble works that feel familiar and inviting!
- Perfect for free selections and concert programs! Introducing famous and classic favorites in wind ensemble music.
- A classic brass band medley
- A Collection of Pop Hits for Wind Band: From Classics to Popular Medleys
- Recommended pieces for a wind band contest
- Practice pieces for beginner trumpet players
- A roundup of recommended band scores for beginners: introducing easy songs
- [March] A curated selection of classic marches and dazzling crowd-pleasers for concerts!
- [History] A roundup of popular set pieces from the All-Japan Band Competition
- [Wind Band] Guaranteed to hype up the school festival! Recommended pieces the brass band will want to play
- Masterpieces you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Popular songs that look cool if you can play them.
- [Saxophone] Recommended practice songs for saxophone beginners: Famous tunes you’ll want to try playing
- Practice pieces for beginner flutists. Recommended practice pieces.
- Songs with cool trumpet. Introducing famous pieces from wind ensemble and jazz.
[Wind Ensemble] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Famous and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice (21–30)
A grassland swaying in the windShimoda Kazuki
A work for small wind ensemble by Kazuki Shimoda, known for his brilliant portrayals of scenery.
This gem of a piece reflects the lush expanse of wind-swept grasslands in its melody.
The beautiful flute and oboe solos leave a strong impression, resulting in a piece that brings out each performer’s expressive abilities.
Originally composed in the winter of 2012 for medium-sized ensemble, it was revised in 2018 for smaller forces and has since been widely performed at wind band contests and school concerts.
With its refreshing lines that evoke the breath of nature and an approachable character, it’s perfect for ensemble playing.
It’s a captivating wind band piece that lets players savor the joy of performing in sync with their fellow musicians.
The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa
The march “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” composed by John Philip Sousa, former leader of the United States Marine Band, is a classic that has long been loved as a standard number for concert bands.
In Japan, it’s sometimes used as background music at sports festivals, so many people may find it familiar.
Its musicality, which fully showcases the power of wind instruments, is stunning, and that intensity draws you into the piece from the very introduction.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy grand, vigorous marches.
Deep Purple MedleyHenchoku: Sahashi Toshihiko
This piece, cherished as a classic of wind band repertoire, is a medley that brilliantly fuses three signature songs by the British rock band Deep Purple: Burn, Highway Star, and Smoke on the Water.
Toshihiko Sahashi skillfully renders electric guitar riffs and drum beats through wind and percussion instruments, reconstructing the original rock allure with the rich sonorities unique to wind ensemble.
Released in 1996 as part of the New Sounds in Brass series for concert band, it has been frequently performed at wind band concerts and school recitals.
It has received high acclaim, including a Special Jury Prize awarded to a performing ensemble at the 6th National Popular Stage Wind Band Competition.
Song of the Great PrairieRex Mitchell
Song of the Great Prairie captivates with a melody that evokes expansive natural landscapes.
Composed by American composer Rex Mitchell, it is a piece frequently performed at music competitions and contests.
Although it has a grand scale, it is also well-suited to performances by small brass bands.
In addition to the brilliant, powerful playing by trumpets and horns, it features a beautiful melody propelled by syncopated rhythms.
Because it offers opportunities to learn basic rhythms and harmonies, approach it with an awareness of the orchestra’s overall structure.
Overture to AlcobacaJames Barnes
From the very beginning, it’s powerful and grand, making for a highly impactful piece.
The melody has dynamic rises and falls like a story, making it very easy to listen to, and since it’s not difficult to perform, I think many people know it as a very popular classic.
African SymphonyVan McCoy
African Symphony is one of the powerful cheering songs that resound at Koshien during high school baseball.
For high school baseball fans, the mention of African Symphony likely brings to mind the brass band in the Alps stands of Chiben Wakayama High School.
Chiben Wakayama has used the piece as a cheering song since 1987, and as it is played repeatedly the further the team advances, it has become a popular tune among high school baseball fans for its cool, adrenaline-pumping vibe.
The bold horn parts in the piece are said to represent the roar of the African elephant.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom MenaceJ.Williams
The trumpet features a somewhat complex melodic structure, but it’s a very popular piece.
The grand, orchestral feel of the chorus seems to be a major reason for its lasting appeal.
With sessions from various instruments, it’s a track full of power and impact.