[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)
Sing, Sing, SingIwai Naohaku
Since it was used in the movie “Swing Girls,” I imagine many people wanted to try playing it after seeing that.
It’s a song with a strong jazz session feel, and just listening to its melody makes you feel really excited.
Disney’s Fantillusion!Hoshide Takashi
Composed by Takashi Hoshide, “Disney Fantillusion!” is a medley used in Tokyo Disneyland’s nighttime parade from 1995 to 2001, featuring a continuous stream of familiar melodies.
Now a staple in the wind band repertoire, this medley is sure to delight both listeners and performers alike.
It offers the excitement and immediacy of watching the parade itself, while remaining accessible even for beginner wind band players—one of its key attractions.
[Wind Ensemble] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Classics & Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice (31–40)
Suite on Celtic Folk Songs: Celtic RhapsodyTatabe Tomohiro
It is a single piece arranged from Celtic folk songs, consisting of three movements.
In the first movement, a very rhythmic and lively scene comes to mind.
The second movement has a gentle, slow tempo, and in the third movement, the timbres of various instruments overlap, creating a very powerful and grand structure.
When the Saints Go Marching In
Toshio Mashima, a composer and arranger renowned in Japan’s wind band community, has arranged “When the Saints Go Marching In,” an American folk song that everyone has probably heard at least once, from children to adults.
Speaking of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” Louis Armstrong’s trumpet and vocals are especially famous—you’ve likely heard them before.
This piece is arranged to reflect the evolution of jazz, a form of Black music, through “When the Saints Go Marching In.” It begins with New Orleans jazz, then moves into Dixieland jazz and a big band style, making it a delightful number where you can enjoy and feel the distinctive characteristics of each jazz genre.
Three American landscapesHirose Hayato
Three American Landscapes was created as a work depicting life during the westward expansion of 19th-century America.
It was composed by Hayato Hirose, who is active internationally.
The piece consists of three movements that evoke the lives of villagers.
Characterized by a warm orchestral sound that conjures up a somewhat nostalgic scene, it envelops the entire venue with expansive sonorities centered on the timbres of oboe and flute.
As the music unfolds at a slow tempo throughout, it’s a great piece for beginners to try.
The Sea I Saw SomedayAdachi Tadashi
It starts with a powerful melody that evokes a sense of adventure right from the beginning.
You can really feel the intensity and impact build as it moves into the chorus.
Since it’s an easy piece that even elementary and middle school students can play, it’s recommended for beginners.
Star Puzzle MarchKonagaya Soichi
The use of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in various spots makes it a very familiar piece.
The melody feels like it’s been arranged on a grand scale.
The tempo is just right, so I think it’s a very easy piece for beginners to play.