Ervin Henry Kleffman (born 11 January 1892 Dorchester, Wisconsin; died 2 April 1987 San Gabriel, California) was an American composer whose music is played by concert and marching bands throughout the world. He is best known for his marching band compositions, Salute to Peace and China Clipper.E. Kleffman, Composer, Music Teacher, Chicago Tribune, pg. A15, April 15, 1987
His primary instruments were trumpet and violin.Jesse Katz (born 1962), Ervin Kleffman Dies; Composer of Band Music, Los Angeles Times, April 13, 1987
Selected Compositions Salute to Peace China Clipper My Buddy (polka, for 3 cornets, or solo cornet or 2 cornets) with band; accompaniment arranged for piano Rubank, Inc., Chicago (publisher) (1933) Legionnaires on Parade (march) Pride of the Pacific (march) Rubato Caprice (for 3 coronets), Rubank, Inc., Chicago (publisher) (©1938) The Spartans (march) Jantzen Beach March Minstrel Parade March Hank and Lank (drum and trombone feature) Rubank, Inc., Chicago (publisher) (©1933) America the Glorious (march for band), dedicated to Hale Ascher VanderCook (1864–1949), C. Fischer (©1954) Pride of the Nation (commissioned for the Notre Dame University BandJesse Katz (born 1962), Composer, Teacher : Maestro Gone but His Life's Music Lingers, Los Angeles Times, April 16, 1987 Onward and Upward Mounties on Parade East Meets West Blaze of Glory
Professional career He taught at the American Conservatory of Music and the Chicago Musical College.
Education Bachelor and Master of Music — VanderCook College of Music, Chicago 1940 — PhD from the now defunct Emerson University in Los Angeles
Text publications Ervin H. Kleffman, How to Compose, Harmonize and Arrange a March for Full Band (1952) Ervin H. Kleffman, Course of Lessons in Musical Expression and Interpretation (1917) Ervin H. Kleffman, Series of treaties on band, orchestra and instrumental teaching (1920)
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