Air for Band Frank Erickson

Spokane native Frank Erickson (1923-1996) was a composer, conductor, arranger, and educator known primarily for his band works. Among these are three symphonies, a Symphonette, and the famous Air for Band, as well as many others.

Erickson wrote Air in 1956 and subsequently revised it in 1966. It is simple in conception, with A and B sections that lead to a climactic coda. It was one of the first original (as in non-transcription) slow and pretty pieces that was playable by young bands. As such, it showed the way for future composers to explore phrasing and delicate playing with younger players.