Helen Jean Erb

Helen Kerr Erb passed away January 22nd 2023. Born in New Orleans on September 29th, 1942, to Doris Toennies Kerr and Gerald Clifford Kerr, Helen grew up Uptown and attended Audubon Montessori. Her parents both loved music, and played the piano. She discovered her own passion for music in Mr. Longuefosse's band at McMain, and began to play the oboe in Mr. Dombourian's band at Fortier high school, where she was Valedictorian. After private studies with John Mack (Principal Oboe of the New Orleans Symphony, and later the Cleveland Orchestra) she attended Swarthmore College, where she met her first husband, Herbert Taylor. After graduating in 1963, Helen began a Masters degree program at Harvard in German literature, but soon realized that she wanted to pursue a career in music. When asked about leaving Harvard she would often say, " das Studentenleben ist sehr schwer" (a students life is very difficult). She left Harvard to take up her first position as English Hornist of the New Orleans Symphony in 1964. She also performed with the Houston Symphony (1965-67), completing tours with them including performances in Carnegie Hall. Helen enjoyed performing with the Santa Fe Opera orchestra in the summers from 1967 to 1979 and again in 1982, returning after the birth of her son Peter in 1980. A love of the New Mexico mountains, native pottery and art was kindled in her during these precious summers. She performed as a soloist with the New Orleans Symphony and later the Louisiana Philharmonic on several occasions, but when one plays English Horn in a symphony orchestra, every concert has a solo or two. Helen met her second husband in the New Orleans Symphony. Richard Erb played Bass Trombone, and sat about 20 feet behind her on the stage. They married in 1972, moving into the home they shared for 50 years about the same time. During their long careers together, they also taught many students at Loyola University. Helen was instructor of oboe at Loyola from 1970 until her retirement, with a few breaks here and there. Many of these students became lifelong friends. Colleagues from the New Orleans Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and former students will remember Helen's garden, and many wonderful evenings well spent around the dinner table as guests in her home. She was also a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians, local 174-496 New Orleans, served on the New Orleans Symphony personnel committees, and was a founding member of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Helen is survived by her husband Richard Erb, sister Carol Bennett of Silver Spring, MD, son Peter Erb of Albuquerque, NM (also a musician), and two grandchildren, Elida and Dylan Erb. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trap Dat Cat, www.trapdatcat.org, a feral cat trap/neuter/release nonprofit based in New Orleans.