Eric Thomas Knechtges, DM (born April 16, 1978 in Lansing, MI) is an American composer. He has written works for a wide variety of performing mediums including: concert band, orchestra, a cappella choir, and chamber ensembles (including some works using computer music technology).
Eric Knechtges has studied at the Indiana University (Bloomington) Jacobs School of Music (DM), Bowling Green State University (MM) and Michigan State University (BMusEd); he has also taught music (band, chorus, and music appreciation) at Addison Community Schools in Michigan. He has been an active conductor of bands and orchestras, including the Pride of Indy Band and Color Guard. Knechtges is currently on the faculty at Northern Kentucky University.
His composition, Broken Silents, was recognized for Special Distinction in the second annual American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers ASCAP/CBDNA Frederick Fennell Competition. He has also been recognized in the National Bandmasters Association Young Composers Mentor Project, the National Association of Composers, USA Young Composers Competition, and the San Francisco Choral Artists New Voices Composition Competition, and the “Juan Bautista Comes” Choral Competition. His works have been performed by ensembles and artists throughout the United States, including the Michigan State University Symphony Band, the Bowling Green State University A Cappella Chorus, the Indiana University Symphonic Band, tubists Timothy Olt and Philip Sinder, cellist Suren Bagratuni, the San Francisco Choral Artists, the Governor's School of North Carolina, and the Purdue University Wind Ensemble.
Knechtges is also one of eighteen featured composers in the fourth edition of Composers on Composing for Band series written by Mark Camphouse.
Aporia (2012), for euphonium and concert band
Capriccio (2011), for tuba and piano
Dali Hexaptych (2010), for brass choir
Out Of C, for mixed ensemble (2008)
Reflections on the River (2008), for tuba, cello, and piano
Tie-Line March (2008), for concert band
Things Left Unsaid (2008), for orchestra
Amherst Posy (2007), for soprano, flute/alto flute/piccolo, and guitar
Between (2007), for multiple percussion duet
Mi Mariposa (2007), for concert band (based on melodies by Bloomington, IN elementary school children)
To Build a Rainbow (2006, rev. 2007), for concert band
O Nata Lux (2006), for mixed chorus
Blaze (2006), for brass ensemble
Synthetic Diversions (2006), for two-channel tape
Winter Night (2006), for mixed chorus in just intonation [1]
Narrow Road to the Deep North (2006), for voice and Max/MSP
Three Degrees of Separation (2005), for flute, clarinet, viola, cello, and marimba
The Mystic Trumpeter (2005), for flügelhorn, baritone, and piano
Exotherm (2005), for wind quintet (featured at Midwest Composer's Symposium 2007)
Bogoroditse Djevo (2005), for soprano, euphonium, and piano
Sic Enim Dilexit Deus Mundum (2005), for mixed chorus
Sonos (2005), for mixed chorus
The Sunset (2004), for mixed chorus
Autumn Twilight (2004), for mixed chorus in just intonation
A Moment's Peace (2004), for orchestra
Caritas (2004), for mixed chorus
Time for a Dream (2004), for two-channel tape
Flag Salute (2004), for chamber ensemble
Come and Be My Baby (2004), for soprano, alto saxophone, and piano
Der Jagd (2003), for horn and piano
Carpe Diem (2003), for concert band
Jackson Fanfare (2003), for concert band
October Prayer (2003), for mixed chorus
A Metamusical Sonata (2002), for bassoon and piano
Fleurs d'Eté (2002), for string quintet
Broken Silents (2000), for concert band
Song for a Rainy Day (200), for alto saxophone and piano
The Kinsey Scale (2000), for baritone saxophone and harpsichord
Oboists Three (2000), for oboe trio
Dry Tears of November (1999), for trombone choir
Michigan Moods (1996), for orchestra
Midnight Caffeine (1996, rev. 2006), for tuba-euphonium quartet
In Limine (1996), for concert band
¿Qué Pasa? (1995, rev. 2004), for tuba and piano
