air for band
frank erickson - Grade 2
About the music
Air for Band is a staple in the concert band repertoire and has benefited generations of band musicians in their ability to play in this legato style.
Tempo & style
Slowly (QN=68-72)
Ranges
Flute
|
Clarinet 1
|
Clarinet 2
|
Trumpet
|
Trombone
|
instrumentation
WOODWIND
Flute Oboe Bassoon Clarinet 1, 2, 3 Alto Clarinet Bass Clarinet Alto Sax 1-2 Tenor Sax Baritone Sax |
BRASS
Trumpet 1, 2, 3 French Horn 1-2 Trombone 1, 2, 3 Euphonium Tuba String Bass |
PERCUSSION
Snare Drum Crash Cymbals |
teaching concept categories
teaching considerations
Each line in each voice of this piece is ripe with emotion, and players should squeeze our every drop possible. Attention to consistent airflow (breath "support") through the phrase is key. Each line must have direction, either going to or coming from somewhere. Nothing in this music should be stagnant. Players should "lean" on suspensions and dissonances which are used throughout the piece. Ends of phrases will require work with rubato, ensuring that they don't feel rushed, and that the harmonic voices connect phrases while the melodic voices breathe. This piece is guaranteed (and time-tested) to be a rewarding experience for the students, conductor, and the audience.