About Clare Grundman
Clare Grundman (1913–1996) was a prominent American composer and arranger, widely celebrated for his significant contributions to wind band literature. He carved a unique niche by blending traditional folk melodies from various cultures with his distinctive compositional voice, making his primary musical style accessible and engaging for performers and audiences alike. Grundman is recognized as one of the 20th century's most prolific and respected composers for band, and his works remain staples in school and collegiate concert band repertoire globally.
- Clare Grundman studied composition with the influential German composer Paul Hindemith.
- During World War II, Grundman served his country as the chief musician in the United States Coast Guard band.
- Beyond his musical accomplishments, he also co-authored The New York Times' 1974 Crossword Puzzle Dictionary.
- Grundman received numerous accolades for his work, including the prestigious AWAPA award from the National Band Association and the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation from the American Bandmasters Association.
Performing Clare Grundman's music offers a rewarding experience for musicians of various skill levels, particularly those in school, university, and community bands. His sheet music spans a range of instrumentation, from his renowned works for concert and symphonic band to pieces for chamber ensembles, including clarinets, saxophones, and brass instruments, as well as full orchestra. Grundman took a special interest in creating music for school ensembles, ensuring his compositions possess a blend of substance, playability, and audience appeal, making them both educationally valuable and enjoyable to perform.