YOUNG BAND REPERTOIRE PROJECT
Literature Analyses

AIR FOR BAND
Written by  Frank Erickson


Publisher: Bourne Co.
Year Published: 1956, Revised 1966 
Difficulty Level: Publisher rating = 2

1999-2002 Texas PML rating = Grade 1
Reviewed by: Michael Burnias - Fall 2000
Style/Form: Slow expressive melody.  Theme can be found mostly in the clarinet 1 part, and flute.  Very little low brass movement.
Key Signatures:

(concert pitch)

 Three flats (m. 1-m. 43); No flats (m. 44- end.)
Time Signatures: 4/4
Ranges: Woodwinds:
    Flute 1 up to f2, down to b-flat; Oboe up to c2 down to a; Clarinet 1 up to b1, down to c, Clarinet 2 up to b1, down to B-flat; Clarinet 3 up to g1, down to G; E-flat Alto Clarinet up to a1, down to f; Bass Clarinet up to g, down to F; Bassoon up to F, down to CC; Alto Sax up to b1, down to f; Alto Sax 2 up to a1, down to f; Tenor sax up to f1, down to f; Bari sax up to f1, down to d
Brass: 

            Trumpet 1 up to g1, down to C; Trumpet 2 up to e1, down to B-flat; Trumpet 3 up to e1, down to B-flat; Horn in F 1 up to d-sharp 1, down to d; Horn in F 2 up to b, down to  
                up to f, down to F; Trombone 2 up to c, down to AA; Trombone 3 up to BB-flat, down to GG; Baritone BC up to c, down to GG; Baritone TC up to d1, down to AA; Tuba  
                BBB-flat; String Bass up to e-flat, down to FF
Rhythms:
  		Winds:
    Level 2
Percussion:
    Level 1
Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, E-flat Alto Clarinet, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Sax 1, Alto Sax 2, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Trumpet 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Baritone TC, Baritone BC, Tuba, String Bass, Percussion
Percussion: Snare Drum, Pair of Cymbals (1 player needed)
Conductor Score: Full score
Length/Timing: 58 seconds
Comments:
  • Reasonable register for clarinets
  • All clarinets go over the break in the music
  • Oboe ranges up to c2
  • f sharp 1 and g1 can be found in the trumpet parts
  • very little rhythmical movement in the low brass
  • oboe doubles flute part in many sections.

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