Recommended by a Former Wind Band Member! 4 Standard and Popular Wind Band Pieces

I have a question for current and former wind band members: what’s your favorite wind band piece?
When you’re part of a wind band, you get to perform not just competition pieces but also popular J-pop and wind band pop songs from various genres, right? (^^♪
This time, I’d like to introduce some of my personal favorite and memorable pieces, especially those that are classic and popular.

1. Gakuen Tengoku

Many wind band members have probably played this song before.
Its upbeat and catchy rhythm makes it perfect for baseball game cheerleading or school festival performances.
The solo parts go to trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and tuba!
It’s a great chance for brass players to show off their skills (^^♪

PLAYTECH / PTTR-200 Bb Trumpet, Clear Lacquer Finish

PLAYTECH / PTSL-300OP Tenor Bass Trombone, Open Wrap

PLAYTECH / PTEP-300S Euphonium, 4 Piston (Top Action)

PLAYTECH / PTBB-100GD Tuba, Gold Plastic

2. El Camino Real

This piece is just cool. Really cool. But also very challenging.
It was composed by Alfred Reed, often called the god of wind band music, and has been beloved across generations. The impact of the opening, with its powerful horn unison, is amazing...
The middle section features solos for oboe and euphonium, creating a completely different atmosphere with its beautiful melody and harmony. No matter how many times you listen, the middle section is always mesmerizing. By the way, I’m a huge fan of Alfred Reed’s compositions. His music is so much fun to play!

PLAYTECH / PTOB-200 Oboe

PLAYTECH / PTEP-300S Euphonium, 4 Piston (Top Action)

3. Arsenal

Marches aren’t just performed as competition pieces; they’re also played as concert openers, at ceremonies, and in many other settings.
I played all the competition pieces every year throughout middle school, high school, and college, and I realized that marches aren’t as easy as they seem. Pitch, rhythm, tempo, harmony... they all require precision.
“Arsenal”, in particular, is a memorable piece that I performed many times, not just in the wind band version but also in the British brass band version. It has a different feel compared to Japanese marches.

PLAYTECH / PTCR-200S Cornet, Silver Plated Finish

PLAYTECH / PTAH-200S Alto Horn, Silver

4. Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral

This piece, an arrangement of “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from the opera Lohengrin for wind band, is one of the most popular wind band arrangements.
Especially notable is the beautiful and elegant melody played by the flute in the opening, which captivates listeners. This is where flute players can truly shine.
Also, the final trombone melody, though high-pitched and challenging, is a crucial part of the climax. Let’s work hard to play it beautifully!

PLAYTECH / PTFL-200R Flute, Ring Key

How did you like it? Did any of the pieces catch your interest or resonate with you?
I have so many more pieces I’d love to recommend! Stay tuned for the second part (^^♪
I’m also planning to introduce ensemble pieces and British brass band music, so look forward to that too!
Please share your favorite pieces with me as well (^^♪