[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 (21–30)
I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE
This is a 1987 song by Australian female singer Kylie Minogue, also known by the title “Lucky Love.” Its bright, disco-influenced style has many wind band arrangements and is often used in pop music stage performances.
Killing Me Softly with His SongRoberta Flack
It’s a song released in 1971, originally written and sung by Lori Lieberman, but it became famous through Roberta’s cover.
It’s often covered in jazz and bossa nova, and is also a staple number in wind ensembles.
Irresistiblement (I’m Your Captive)Sylvie Vartan
This is a song released in 1968 by the French singer Sylvie Vartan.
In Japan, it became popular after being used in commercials and as one of the performances in the film Waterboys.
It’s an upbeat, lively tune, so it’s often arranged for and performed by wind bands.
I’m in the mood for DansingThe Nolans
This is a signature song by The Nolans, a British sister group active from the 1970s through the 1980s.
It became a big hit in Japan in 1980.
With its catchy, upbeat, and easy-to-sing pop melody, the song lends itself well to stand-play performances with actions while playing, making it popular among junior high and high school students.
Smooth CriminalMichael Jackson
This is a 1988 song by the universally recognized King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
The Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, an active professional wind ensemble, even released a brass band arrangement CD in 2011 consisting solely of Michael’s songs, including this one.
There are numerous arrangements, especially if you include those presented as part of medleys.
Stand By MeBen E. King
This is a signature work by the American soul singer Ben E.
King, and it is also famous as the theme song of the film with the same title.
With a relaxed, country-style sound and an unforgettable melody, the piece is notable for its beautiful orchestral interlude, which has led to many arrangements for wind ensemble.
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head (Even When It Rains)B.J.Thomas
This is a song released in 1969 by American male singer B.J.
Thomas, known in Japan under the title “Ame ni Nuretemo” (“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”).
The original makes extensive use of trumpet melodies, so there are many wind band arrangements, and its light, lively sound has made it very popular.