Eric Osterling Sheet Music

About Eric Osterling

Eric Osterling (1926-2005) was an American composer, arranger, and music educator widely recognized for his significant contributions to concert band literature. Often hailed as the "Modern March King," Osterling specialized in crafting engaging and accessible works, particularly marches and arrangements, that have become staples for school and college bands across the country. His extensive background as an educator deeply informed his compositional style, making his music both challenging and rewarding for performers of all levels.

  • Osterling began his musical career as a professional pianist at the remarkably young age of 14, performing and arranging music for various dance bands in the Hartford area.
  • He served as the director of music for the Portland (CT) Public Schools for 34 years, during which time his high school band achieved national recognition as one of the finest ensembles in the East.
  • An ASCAP award-winning writer, Osterling maintained a close and prolific relationship with the Hal Leonard music publishing company, through which many of his celebrated works were released.
  • His compositions, such as "Bandology" and "Dorchester Concert March," along with numerous arrangements, are performed globally and showcase his commitment to providing valuable educational repertoire.

Eric Osterling's sheet music is ideally suited for concert bands of all skill levels, from developing young ensembles to more advanced college groups. His compositions and arrangements are primarily for wind instruments, offering parts for a full range of band instrumentation including brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Performing Osterling's music is rewarding because it strikes an excellent balance between educational value and engaging musicality, allowing musicians to develop technical skills and ensemble cohesion while enjoying pieces that are both well-crafted and widely recognized in the band repertoire.

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