[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 (1–10)
Can’t take my eyes off youBoys Town Gang
Famous for the cover by Boys Town Gang, this song charms with its sweet lyrics that express the feelings of someone in love.
Released in 1982, this version is characterized by an energetic rhythm and catchy melody that set the dance floor on fire.
It became a huge hit, topping the charts in several European countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium.
In wind band concerts, it pairs perfectly with a dazzling brass sound.
It’s sure to be a piece that both audience and performers can enjoy together.
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
This is a Queen track brimming with overwhelming dynamism and joy.
Included on the album Jazz, it was released to the world in November 1978.
Freddie Mercury’s exceptional vocals envelop listeners in euphoria, like an invincible starship.
Coupled with an inventive guitar solo, it’s truly a powerhouse number that elevates any wind ensemble concert.
Perfect for those who want to express the joy of life with their whole being.
After being featured in the 2004 film Shaun of the Dead, it gained renewed attention and captured the hearts of many.
Shake It OffTaylor Swift
A song released in 2014 by the hugely popular female singer Taylor Swift, especially among junior high and high school students.
In Japan, it spread to households through a commercial featuring a large group dancing to the music.
Her catchy, upbeat songs are also frequently performed by wind bands.
[Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western Pop Songs for Concerts: Timeless Classics from All Eras (11–20)
Top of The WorldCarpenters
The brother-and-sister duo the Carpenters took the world by storm in the 1970s and are still famous today.
Their songs are often sung in Japan because they feature singable, catchy melodies and use relatively simple English words that even children can understand.
This song is also included in the wind band piece “Carpenters Forever,” a collection of the Carpenters’ classic hits.
Go WestVillage People
Village People are known for singing “Y.
M.
C.
A.
,” the original song behind Hideki Saijo’s signature hit “Young Man.” One of Village People’s representative songs is “Go West,” which is also famous as a soccer chant.
Besides concerts, this piece seems perfect for cheering on school sports teams, so why not try performing it with style? Since it’s an American song, the key is to avoid a straight up-and-down feel and instead focus strongly on the backbeat and sixteenth-note groove.
It’s also recommended to clap your hands or tap your feet along while listening to the track to get the feel of the rhythm.
Born This WayLady Gaga
One of the signature songs by the hugely popular pop singer Lady Gaga, released in 2011.
It’s a bright, techno-driven track, and a wind band arrangement is also available; it’s often performed on pops concert stages, with players dancing as they play.
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.