[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 Classics and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice (51–60)
El Camino RealAlfred Reed
From the very beginning, the powerful, intense melody is incredibly cool.
The piece is composed of three movements, featuring a strikingly dynamic melodic line with clear contrasts.
The overflowing sense of speed and the relaxed slow tempo alike create melodies that are all very pleasing to the ear.
Procession to PeaceToda Akira
Procession for Peace, selected as a required piece for the All-Japan Band Competition held in 2001.
The work was created by composer Akira Toda, who is also active as a euphonium player and conductor.
It is characterized by a stately melody led by the brass and the rest of the orchestra.
Because the character of the piece changes depending on the tempo of performance, be mindful of this as you approach it.
Accompany the rhythmic foundation provided by the snare drum and timpani with a powerful, expansive performance.
It’s also recommended as an opening piece to energize school concerts and ceremonies.
Tanabata (Star Festival)Sakai Itaru
It’s become a piece you often hear at junior high and high school regular concerts.
It’s relatively easy to play, with a low difficulty level suitable even for beginners.
The structure feels great: a fanfare-like melody in the first movement, a relaxed atmosphere in the second, and a powerful feel in the third.
Overture “Aetatis Novae”Kubo Tarō
This piece begins with a tranquil introduction reminiscent of dawn, creating a very calming atmosphere.
However, the chorus swells with excitement, showcasing the beautiful overlapping melodies unique to wind ensemble music.
It’s also arranged so it can be performed by a small ensemble.
[Wind Ensemble] Recommended for Beginners! A Collection of Classics and Popular Pieces Perfect for Practice (61–70)
spring stormjohn
The VOCALOID number “Spring Breeze” gets you hyped right from the intro.
It’s a song where the vocal lines are incredibly fast.
The unique worldview—unlike anything we’ve heard before—is fantastic.
“Spring Breeze” is tough to sing, but it might be perfect as BGM to liven up school festivals and cultural festivals.
It could also work well as a dance track.
Everyone, listen to “Spring Breeze,” dance, and have a great time.
And make your school festival wonderful.
School HeavenFingā 5
When it comes to pop songs that have long been loved by a wide audience, this one surely comes to mind.
“Gakuen Tengoku” performed by a wind ensemble has a special power to capture people’s hearts.
Even if you didn’t know the song in real time, many people have probably heard it.
The Finger 5 melody evokes school scenes and the bittersweetness of young love, making it especially recommended for school band programs.
The intro section also lends itself to fun call-and-response with the audience, so performing it at, say, a school festival will heighten the sense of unity and excitement in the venue.
Overture “1812”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
It’s a piece that depicts Napoleon’s campaign to Russia, and it’s a very powerful composition.
The dramatic melody makes it a captivating track.
There’s a scene where bombs are dropped, and depending on the conductor, some even use real cannons to produce the sound.