Theodore Melyan

Theodore Melyan (20 November 1917 - 10 February 2017) was an American war veteran, composer, musician, and music educator, based in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Early life and education

Theodore Melyan was born on November 20, 1917, in Newark, New Jersey. 

Melyan served in the army during the Second World War. He fought and was wounded at the Battle of Anzio, Italy, one of the war's most critical engagements, receiving two Purple Hearts and other decorations, indicated by an "Oak Leaf Cluster." 

After leaving the service, he attended Columbia University in New York City graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. He then studied at the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and received his Master's degree in Music.

Career

Melyan was a well-known jazz musician and performed with numerous orchestras throughout the United States. For over 30 years, he taught music in the public schools of Clifton, New Jersey, and at the same time became internationally famous as the composer of numerous works for concert band, piano, jazz ensemble, voice, choir, and chamber ensemble. His works were performed throughout the world.

Later, he worked as a musician in entertainment orchestras and as a music educator.

Melyan has written works for various genres such as for concert band, jazz ensemble, vocal music, and chamber music.

Personal life

Melyan was married to his wife Olga Milancevich Melyan. They had one daughter, Martha Melyan Brunelle, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Death

Melyan died on February 10, 2017, at the age of 99, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Compositions

Working for concert band

• 1965 Gypsy Campfires, for concert band
• 1966 DebonAire, for trumpet and concert band
• 1972 Free and Easy, for concert band
• Cha-Cha for band

Working for jazz ensembles

• 1952 Jazz fugue
• 1978 Come in!

Vocal music

Work for choir

• 1972 The First Nowell, for three-part mixed choir

Songs

• 1936 Hold my arm lovely Lady, for voice and ensemble
• 1981 Ember glow, for voice and ensemble - text: William Acker
• 1982 Individuality, for voice and ensemble - text: William Acker
• 1984 Mean casino blues, for voice and ensemble
• 1984 Jackpot polka, for voice and ensemble
• 1992 Bo Mid theme

Works for piano

• 1952 Soliloquy
• 1966 Puppet patrol
• 1988 Free and easy

Bibliography

• Wolfgang Suppan, Armin Suppan: Das neue Lexikon des Blasmusikwesens, 4th Edition, Freiburg-Tiengen, Blasmusikverlag Schulz GmbH, 1994, ISBN 3-923058-07-1
• Paul E. Bierley, William H. Rehrig: The heritage encyclopedia of band music: composers and their music, Westerville, Ohio: Integrity Press, 1991, ISBN 0-918048-08-7