Eric Bolvin Obituary

Eric Bolvin, age 62, passed away on May 16, 2023 in Campbell, CA. He was an award-winning musician and composer, and a well-known and respected teacher and publisher of educational books. Eric's career in music spanned four decades and he recorded on over 50 CDs.Eric received his Bachelor's degree in music from San Jose State University. He is survived by his sisters, Noelle Arce and Paula Chamberlin, and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Carlomagno and Debora Bolvin. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and colleagues.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Mercury News on May 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Bolvin

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

13 Entries

Scott Sizer

April 19, 2024

I'm an older comeback trumpet player. I didn't know Eric personally, but I have several of his method books that I regularly work out of. In fact, I'm still playing a Curry Eric Bolvin custom mouthpiece! His books and many videos have helped me tremendously. I even remember his cat, Stevie, making an on-screen appearance!
I only found out recently that he had passed, so R.I.P, Mr. Bolvin and thanks for all the help I've gotten from your teaching even though we never met.

Adrian - Perth, Western Australia

October 25, 2023

Eric was an early pioneer in Youtube Trumpet Education. He inspired my own teaching and playing from the other side of the world. He is a legend and may he rest in peace.

Roberta (Bobbie) Howe

June 28, 2023

Dear Family,

Eric taught with Chris Kay and I at the Kiwanis Summer Music Camp for many years. We have established a scholarship in his name and will be presenting it to a student this FRIDAY, JUNE 30 at our 10:00 AM concert. If any family member would like to attend, email me for more information. Roberta Howe [email protected]

Diane Machado-Wyant

June 22, 2023

I am so sad to hear of Eric´s passing. For so many years, Eric taught students that I had at Leigh, Branham and Bellarmine. He was a wonderful teacher, musician and person. He will be missed so much! Sending sincere condolences to his family. -Diane Machado-Wyant his Campbell neighbor and fellow musician.

Ed Harris

June 14, 2023

So Sorry to hear that Eric passed away. We went to San Jose State together and recorded our first album together. He had an influence on so many people, as one can see reading some of the comments from his former students.
He definitely had an influence on my musical development and I am thankful for that fact.
Ed Harris

Rick Giguere

June 1, 2023

Eric- hope you´re soaring high beyond troubles of this life. So many memories of lying on your front lawn reading comic books, all curled and dog eared from our back pockets. Geez, I remember you lugging your trumpet case too and from Quito School. Close as brothers for a bit.
Hits hard- rest well, my friend.
Rick

Chris Kay

May 29, 2023

Eric Bolvin was one of my first band directors (in middle school), as well as my first private teacher on trumpet. He must´ve been about 22 or 23 when he began teaching me privately. Fast forward about 40 years, and I have been directing bands for about 26 years, 23 as a middle school band director. Eric is one of the people who influenced and guided me to decide to pursue this career, and I owe him. It has been as fulfilling a life as I could have hoped for, and I´m so glad it is what I´m doing. Every time I´m able to inspire a student musically, there is a part of Eric in that. Not to mention the many generations of students just like me that Eric taught. My own daughter, years after Eric taught me, began playing french horn under the direction of Eric (again in elementary school). She is now a senior at Leigh HS, and has been accepted by CSULB as a music major. I can´t say enough about what an important influence Eric has been on me, my family, and countless other musicians in the South Bay Area.

Chris Kay

Planted Trees

Chris Kay

May 29, 2023

Eric was one of my first band directors (in elementary school), and he was my first private teacher on trumpet. I´m a full time middle school band director for the last 23 years, and he is one of the people who shaped who I am, and the career path I chose. I will always be thankful for his guidance, as band directing has been an incredibly fulfilling life/career. It is a blast to have influenced the lives of so many kids over the past 20+ years, and every time I do, there is a little bit of Eric that has influenced him as well. Years later, he taught my daughter in elementary school. She is now going to attend CSULB as a music major. Eric´s influence on the lives of countless musicians is undeniable. He was my teacher and friend, and I will miss him a lot.

mark A Guardino

May 28, 2023

R.I.P Eric

Jerald

May 26, 2023

A true inspiration in my early musical journey (as a drummer even!), I will miss Eric and will always appreciate the inspiring words he wrote down for me (I asked him to sign a flyer after the insane show we had just played together): "keep grooving!", which coming from such a monster player meant so much to me. I will do my best, Eric, for myself and for music, which you so loved and respected. Thank you. Rest easy.

Jose F. Medeiros

May 25, 2023

My deepest condolences to the family, I met Eric several times through Don Heisen his former room mate and he was a great performer. May God bless his soul.

Karl M. Braun

May 25, 2023

I did not know Eric personally, but his influence was profound, and his dedication to musicians will not be forgotten. As has already been said, he will be deeply missed.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results