Download Air for Band - Bellbrook

Air for Band
Bellbrook High School
Wind Ensem ble
October 2014
Definitions
Pitch – is the frequency of
the note’s vibrations.
Dynamics – the volume
Phrasing – is a
recognizable musical unit,
indicating a grouping of
notes.
Legato – to lengthen.
Tenuto – to hold the note
for the full length, not
shorten.
Piano (p) – soft dynamic
Mezzo Piano (mp) –
moderately soft dynamic
Soli – a group solo, or
section solo.
Poco a poco – little by
little
Modulation – A transition
from one key center to
another.
Background on the song
Since this work was first published in 1956, it has
helped several generations of band musicians develop
their ability to play a sustained line, to listen for the
moving part, and to improve their intonation while
playing. Revised n 1966, the work retains its wonderful
melodic sense with graceful harmonic movement and
skillful contrapuntal writing. The work is 53 measures
and three minutes and fifteen seconds long.
The work was composed early in Erickson’s career, in
1956, a period during which some composers were very
mindful of writing tuneful works that had great
educational value to young American bands. The term
Air refers to a tuneful melody, whether vocal or
instrumental. The term, used to describe musical
pieces for at least 400 years, aptly describes this 20 th
century work.
Who is Frank Erickson?
Frank Erickson was born in 1923, in Washington. He began to
study music – playing piano and trumpet – and compose while in
high school. During World War II, he arranged for army bands
and, following the war, worked as a dance band arranger while
studying composition. He received degrees from the University
of Southern California, and San Jose State College. Erickson has
been music editor for several music publishers and he has more
than 250 compositions and arrangements for band to his credit.
Allargando – getting
slower and broader.
Rall. (rallentando) –
becoming slower.
Measure:
Section:
Key:
Form and Structure
1
9
17
28
a
a
b
a1
C minor --->
36
b2
44
a2
C Major