Dolores Rae (Miller) White

Dolores Rae White of Beachwood, OH passed away after a brief illness at the Cleveland Clinic on March 24,2023. Mrs. White was a prolific music composer,pianist,and educator. Her music reaches into American traditions and draws on ethnic and international influences. She said,"I take risks, I dream big and I use humor in my works in different ways which helps to keep my optimistic views."

Dolores was born on June 17,1932 in Chicago, Illinois to the union of Ray and Lillian Miller. She was an only child.

Dolores attended Howard University for two years and then transferred to the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music where she received her Bachelors degree in piano performance. She later completed her Masters of Music in piano performance and composition at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She married Donald White who, shortly after their marriage, became a member of the Cleveland Orchestra. They were together for nearly 50 years.   

Mrs. White was an assistant professor of music at the Metropolitan Campus of Cuyahoga Community College and a piano instructor at the Cleveland Music School Settlement. Her musical works have been performed by The Cleveland Orchestra, The Detroit Symphony, and The Cleveland Chamber Symphony to name a few. She was a member of the Chicago based 6 Degrees Composers and the Cleveland Composers' Guild. She is a contributor to the book, Black Women in America: A Historical Encyclopedia by Carlson Publishers. Mrs. White's musical works have been published by Ludwig Music publishing Company and The Boston Music company. Mrs. White was a recipient of numerous commissions and grants from The Bascom Little Fund, American Society of Composers and The Cleveland Women's Symphony Orchestra. Both Delores and Donald White's biographies are in the History Makers Digital Archive. Mrs. White is survived by her daughter, Dianna White - Gould and her husband, Eric Gould, her son Darrow White and his wife Avanda White, and grandchildren Alexandria, Gabrielle, and Daniel.

There will be a  Memorial Service and concert of her music to be announced.   Her website: Doloreswhite.com

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