Originally from Cincinnati and currently based in Chicago, Erich Corfman is a trombonist whose performance career spans major orchestras, opera companies, and chamber ensembles. He is also a dedicated music teacher at multiple schools around Chicagoland. Known for his versatility and refined sound, Erich has performed with major orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and the Illinois Philharmonic. 2025 marks his first season as Principal Trombonist of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. He also holds the position of Second Trombonist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and was Acting Second Trombonist of the Des Moines Metro Opera for the 2024 season. Erich earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where, in addition to his specialization in classical music, he studied other styles, including jazz trombone and improvisation with Wayne Wallace, and historical performance on sackbut with Liza Malamut. Among other honors acquired during his studies at IU, he received a fellowship at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival in 2022. He recently completed his Master of Music degree at DePaul University under the guidance of Mark Fisher and Charlie Vernon. A passionate pedagogue, Erich teaches low brass at the Central Middle School in Tinley Park, Illinois and Wilbur Wright Middle School in Munster, Indiana. At home, Erich is the proud father of two beautiful cats, Oliver and Juniper, and lives with his partner Julia Koehler, violinist and faculty member at the Merit School of Music.