Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1923

Death

:

1996

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

Frank Erickson was an American composer and educator who was born on September 1, 1923, in Mason City, Iowa. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a band director, and his mother was a pianist. Erickson started playing the trumpet at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Erickson attended the University of Iowa, where he studied composition with Philip Greeley Clapp and received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1947. He then went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1949. While at Eastman, Erickson studied with Howard Hanson, Bernard Rogers, and Howard Boatwright. After completing his studies, Erickson began his career as a music educator. He taught at several schools, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Miami. He also served as the director of bands at the University of Illinois from 1955 to 1962. Throughout his career, Erickson composed numerous works for concert band, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His compositions are known for their lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and rhythmic vitality. He was particularly interested in exploring the possibilities of the concert band as a medium for serious music. One of Erickson's most famous works is his Symphony for Band, which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in 1956. The symphony is a four-movement work that showcases the full range of the concert band. It has become a staple of the band repertoire and is widely performed by bands around the world. Another notable work by Erickson is his Toccata for Band, which was commissioned by the University of Illinois Band in 1960. The piece is a virtuosic showcase for the band and features intricate rhythms and complex harmonies. It has become a popular work for advanced high school and college bands. Erickson also composed several works for orchestra, including his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1960. The symphony is a three-movement work that showcases Erickson's skill as an orchestrator. It features lush string writing, colorful woodwind and brass solos, and a powerful finale. In addition to his work as a composer, Erickson was also a respected music educator. He wrote several influential books on music education, including The Structure of Music in Rhythm and Time and The Contemporary Band Course. He was also a frequent guest conductor and clinician for bands and orchestras around the world. Erickson received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Midwest Clinic's Medal of Honor in 1986 and the National Band Association's Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts Award in 1992. He was also inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1973. Frank Erickson passed away on April 25, 1996, at the age of 72. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians around the world. His works for concert band, orchestra, and chamber ensembles remain popular and are frequently performed by ensembles of all levels.

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