A classic brass band medley

Symphonic Fantasy for Wind Ensemble: Howl’s Moving CastleHiroshi Goto

Howl’s Moving Castle: Symphonic Fantasy for Band – Arr. Yo Goto

This is a medley arranged into a symphonic fantasy based on Howl’s Moving Castle, one of Studio Ghibli’s most popular films.

Released in 2004, the movie also became famous for featuring Takuya Kimura as the voice of the wizard Howl.

Although it is a medley, its distinctive feature is that it focuses on a single film.

Throughout, it captures the movie’s mysterious, elusive atmosphere, and as you listen, it evokes a vivid sense of being transported into its scenes.

Anime Medley: The Works of Joe HisaishiKazuhiro Morita

Anime Medley: Joe Hisaishi Works Collection / Joe Hisaishi

From the opening piece, the performance’s slightly wistful atmosphere creates a grand sense of scale that makes it feel like more than just an anime—it’s as if it brings the story back to life.

I love this kind of medley, too.

Both adults and children can’t help but be drawn in.

I want to perform it again.

Dragon Quest Concert SelectionKoichi Sugiyama

Dragon Quest Concert Selection / Koichi Sugiyama

A brass band medley whose fanfare announces the beginning of a grand tale of a hero known as the Player, instantly capturing listeners’ hearts.

Koichi Sugiyama, one of Japan’s leading composers, provided the timeless original melodies, which arranger Toshio Mashima has shaped into a dramatic 9-minute-48-second work.

Reimagined from video game music for the concert hall, this piece is structured to evoke vivid images of a hero journeying across vast lands and confronting formidable foes.

The fact that its source piece, Overture, was used at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics further attests to its musical significance.

With its thrilling, valiant sound, presenting it as the climax of a concert is sure to sweep the audience into a whirlwind of excitement.

Battle Suite for Wind Ensemble “Evangelion”Shiro Sagisu / Masamichi Amano

Wind Ensemble: Battle Suite from Evangelion — Shiro Sagisu / Masamicz Amano

Battle Suite for Wind Ensemble “Evangelion” is a wind band arrangement that compiles the tracks used in the battle scenes of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion.

It is a collaboration between two popular composers—Shiro Sagisu and Masamichi Amano—who work across a wide range of genres, including wind ensemble pieces, film music (such as for anime), jazz, and enka.

With its tense, battle-ready sound, the suite captivates not only anime fans but a wide audience.

Many people look back on their school band days saying, “I never watched the anime, but the music was so cool I loved it,” making this a highly impactful piece.

West Side Story MedleyNaohiro Iwai

[Wind Ensemble] West Side Story Medley – Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Band

This collection also has a nostalgic feel, bringing to mind scenes from movies.

The drums and other sounds that evoke iconic film moments are very delicate and light—really nice.

We practically always performed this in middle school.

It’s a piece that’s fun to play, too.

Three JaponismesToshio Majima

[Wind Ensemble] Three Japonismes Composer’s Edition (Toshio Mashima)

This is a piece depicting three Japanese scenes.

1) In “Cranes Dancing,” percussion sound effects like the climax of a kabuki performance and trombone glissandi create a sense of exaltation.

2) “Snowy River” portrays a quietly flowing river amid falling snow.

3) “Festival” passionately expresses the spirit of the Japanese festival, the very soul of the Japanese people.

Deep Purple MedleyArrangement: Toshihiko Sahashi

Deep Purple Medley Hokkaido University Wind Orchestra

Beloved as a wind band classic, this piece is a brilliantly crafted medley that fuses three signature songs by the British rock band Deep Purple: Burn, Highway Star, and Smoke on the Water.

Toshihiko Sahashi skillfully translates the electric guitar riffs and drum beats into wind and percussion writing, reconstructing the original rock appeal through the rich sonorities unique to wind ensemble.

Released in 1996 as part of the New Sounds in Brass series for concert band, it has been frequently performed at wind band concerts and school recitals.

It has also received high acclaim, including a Special Jury Prize awarded to a performing ensemble at the 6th National Popular Stage Wind Band Competition.