[Wind Ensemble] Recommended Western pop songs for concerts: timeless classics from every era

ThrillerMichael Jackson

WSL-09-012 Thriller (Wind Band Selection)

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

Hamamatsu Kita High School Brass Band “Treasure” Bruno 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.

Dancing QueenABBA

Dancing Queen

When it comes to the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, this song is surely their signature hit.

Since its release in August 1976, it’s been filling dance floors around the world.

Celebrating youth, freedom, and the joy of dancing, the song also carries a touch of the bittersweet fleetingness of adolescence.

Featured in the film “Mamma Mia!,” it’s beloved across generations.

At a wind ensemble concert, why not fire up the venue with this piece, which pairs perfectly with a bold brass sound? It’s a truly magical song that both listeners and performers can enjoy together.

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

Hamamatsu Koto High School Brass Band "I Want You Back"

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

Rocky Theme, arranged by Naohiro Iwai, Urawa Wind Orchestra

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.

Copacabana(At The Copa)Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow / Copacabana

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.

We’re all aloneBoz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs – WE’RE ALL ALONE (Live)

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.