[Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western pop songs for concerts: timeless classics from every era
At concert band performances, unlike competitions, many groups choose to play pop music, don’t they?
Among them, Western pop songs pair well with a brass sound, and there are many popular tunes that have been performed for years.
Still, some of you might be thinking, “When it comes time to actually pick a piece, it’s hard to decide…”
So in this article, we’re carefully selecting and introducing Western pop songs we’d love to hear performed by wind ensembles, in order of recommendation!
Be sure to listen together, discuss your options, choose a piece, and put on a wonderful performance.
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[Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western Pop Songs for Concerts: Timeless Classics from All Eras (11–20)
ThrillerMichael Jackson
This is a track from King of Pop Michael Jackson’s album Thriller.
The lyrics vividly capture a scary yet thrilling nighttime atmosphere, making it a perfect pick for a Halloween party.
The up-tempo rhythm paired with Michael’s distinctive vocals creates a stylish, hard-hitting dance number.
Released in November 1982, the album became a worldwide sensation.
It achieved historic success, with seven singles reaching the top 10.
Arrange it for wind ensemble and the whole venue is guaranteed to come alive together!
TreasureBruno Mars
This song by American artist Bruno Mars, reminiscent of 1970s disco, was released for radio airplay in Italy in May 2013.
Featuring a dynamic bass line and bright synth chimes, it expresses deep gratitude and admiration for a loved one.
Included on the album Unorthodox Jukebox, it stands as a symbol of Bruno Mars’s musical diversity and innovation.
Incorporating this piece into a wind ensemble concert—where its rhythmically vibrant brass sound is a perfect match—can create a captivating, joyful atmosphere for the audience.
It’s a selection that people of all ages can enjoy, with the power to turn the concert into a wonderful memory.
I Want You BackThe Jackson 5
This is the debut single by the American pop band the Jackson 5, released in December 1969.
Showcasing the astonishing vocal ability of an 11-year-old Michael Jackson, the song portrays the feelings of a young man asking for another chance with a lost lover.
Beginning with a striking piano intro and keeping the energy high throughout, the track was a major commercial success, reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Its synergy with brassy sounds is outstanding, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at wind ensemble concerts across generations.
Why not perform this classic yourself and deliver a wonderful rendition?
Theme from RockyBill Conti
If you play in a concert band, this is one piece you’ll want to try at least once: the Theme from Rocky.
It’s especially recommended for schools with a powerful trumpet section.
It’s sure to fire up a concert audience, and it’s also a handy number for events like cheering on sports teams.
The trumpet solo is awesome, too.
And if your group has stronger soloists on sax or flute, switching the solo to those instruments works great as well.
Carpenters ForeverCarpenters
When it comes to songs by the brother-sister duo the Carpenters, who debuted in 1969, virtually every track is familiar to a wide range of generations.
A medley of Carpenters songs that strings together only the highlights is nothing short of a feast for the ears.
Classics like “Sing,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Top of the World,” and “(They Long to Be) Close to You” are combined with dynamic contrasts, offering enjoyment from solos to full ensemble.
We’re all aloneBoz Scaggs
Released in 1976, this signature song by Boz Scaggs is a classic that many people have heard at least once, partly because it has been covered by numerous artists.
There are many arrangements for concert band as well, and since it’s a slow ballad, it’s relatively easy to perform and quite popular.
[Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western Pop Songs for Concerts: Timeless Classics from All Eras (21–30)
Copacabana(At The Copa)Barry Manilow
This is a song released by Barry Manilow in 1978.
It’s an upbeat Latin tune and one of the most popular pieces in wind band repertoire.
Because there are so many arrangements and covers, the original song and its composer, Barry, aren’t widely recognized, and many people assume it was originally composed as a wind band piece.