Donald Erb

Donald Erb (January 17, 1927 – August 12, 2008) was an American composer best known for large orchestral works such as Concerto for Brass and Orchestra and Ritual Observances. Early years Erb was born in Youngstown, Ohio, graduated from Lakewood High School, a Cleveland suburb, and gained early recognition as a trumpet player for a local dance band. Following a stint in the Navy during World War II, he continued his career as a jazz trumpeter and enrolled at Kent State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music in 1950. Honors and awards In the course of his career, Erb earned considerable recognition. He received the 1992 Rome Prize and was composer-in-residence with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. He was Distinguished Professor of Composition, Emeritus, at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Cleveland, Ohio. Selected works * 1966 Concerto for Solo Percussionist * 1964 Symphony of Overtures * 1965 Phantasma for four musicians * 1966 Diversion For Two (other than sex) for trumpet and percussion * 1966 String Trio for violin, electric guitar and violoncello * 1967 Reconnaissance for instruments and electronic sounds * 1968 In No Strange Land for instruments