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 bandCapriccio (2011), for tuba and pianoDali Hexaptych (2010), for brass choirOut Of C, for mixed ensemble (2008)Reflections on the River (2008), for tuba, cello, and pianoTie-Line March (2008), for concert bandThings Left Unsaid (2008), for orchestraAmherst Posy (2007), for soprano, flute/alto flute/piccolo, and guitarBetween (2007), for multiple percussion duetMi Mariposa (2007), for concert band (based on melodies by Bloomington, IN elementary school children) To Build a Rainbow (2006, rev. 2007), for concert bandO Nata Lux (2006), for mixed chorusBlaze (2006), for brass ensembleSynthetic Diversions (2006), for two-channel tapeWinter Night (2006), for mixed chorus in just intonation [1]Narrow Road to the Deep North (2006), for voice and Max/MSPThree Degrees of Separation (2005), for flute, clarinet, viola, cello, and marimbaThe Mystic Trumpeter (2005), for flügelhorn, baritone, and pianoExotherm (2005), for wind quintet (featured at Midwest Composer's Symposium 2007) Bogoroditse Djevo (2005), for soprano, euphonium, and pianoSic Enim Dilexit Deus Mundum (2005), for mixed chorusSonos (2005), for mixed chorusThe Sunset (2004), for mixed chorusAutumn Twilight (2004), for mixed chorus in just intonationA Moment's Peace (2004), for orchestraCaritas (2004), for mixed chorusTime for a Dream (2004), for two-channel tapeFlag Salute (2004), for chamber ensembleCome and Be My Baby (2004), for soprano, alto saxophone, and pianoDer Jagd (2003), for horn and pianoCarpe Diem (2003), for concert bandJackson Fanfare (2003), for concert bandOctober Prayer (2003), for mixed chorusA Metamusical Sonata (2002), for bassoon and pianoFleurs d'Eté (2002), for string quintetBroken Silents (2000), for concert bandSong for a Rainy Day (200), for alto saxophone and pianoThe Kinsey Scale (2000), for baritone saxophone and harpsichordOboists Three (2000), for oboe trioDry Tears of November (1999), for trombone choirMichigan Moods (1996), for orchestraMidnight Caffeine (1996, rev. 2006), for tuba-euphonium quartetIn Limine (1996), for concert band¿Qué Pasa? (1995, rev. 2004), for tuba and piano