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VOCAL/CHORAL

Much of my choral and vocal music can be purchased through J.W. Pepper
Black Riders Came from the Sea (2023)

Carl Fischer

TB choir (coming soon)

I'll Never Study (2022)

Mark Foster/Hal Leonard

2021 American Prize Finalist Honorable Mention

SSAA choir

Composed in honor of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. With satirical lyrics, liberation and empowerment are the important messages in this blues-infused music. Composed for the TWU Concert Choir performance at the

2020 Texas Music Educators Association Convention.

The Winter Owl (2020)

BriLee Press

Voicing Options:

SA choir (coming soon)

TB choir

This compelling setting of a William Shakespeare text vividly describes the winter season with its frigid temperatures and chilling wind. In contrast, the owl hooting merrily is illustrated with a change in meter and accented syncopated phrases. This minor-mode piece provides an interesting change of pace for winter concerts.

I Will Be Worthy of It (2020)

Michael John Trotta Signature Series/Carl Fischer

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

SAB choir

With an empowering text urging the singer to press on regardless of difficulties or setbacks one may face in life, this musically satisfying piece is propelled by a driving piano and interesting rhythms in the vocal parts that mimic the intrinsic motivation spoken of in the lyrics. With a modern sound and engaging harmonies, this work will make a wonderful closer or opener.

Patti Rides the DART (2020)

E.C. Schirmer 

Song cycle for soprano, flute, and piano

Patti's unexpected and often humorous experiences riding the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) were chronicled online and eventually discovered by the composer. Inspired by Patti's pithy, sarcastic, and self-effacing observations, he went on to create a set of seven musical miniatures for soprano, flute, and piano. Ideal as a humorous recital element or as a comedic change of pace, Patti Rides the DART will resonate with audiences and remind them that whatever is posted online may eventually become an art song! 

Incendiary (2019)

SATB choir

Commissioned by the Flower Mound High School Jaguar

Chorale, Flower Mound, TX

Outside In (2019)

SATB choir

Commissioned by the Ryan High School Choir, Denton, TX

Two Landscapes of Song (2019)

Carl Fischer

SA choir

Who Robbed the Woods? and O Cool Is the Valley Now combine to create a set that both explores the subtle beauty, serenity, fragility, and resiliency of nature and examines our relationship to the natural world around us. For SA voices, this enchanting, contrasting pair of songs can be performed as a set, or each can stand alone nicely.

Lux in Tenebris (2019)

Carl Fischer

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

SATB choir

Reinforced by a driving piano accompaniment, the inspiring text "We follow the light that shines in the darkness" is made musically poignant through the confident vocal line. A few Latin phrases are interspersed with English lines of text to create a mature and significant concert work that remains accessible for developing mixed choirs. A wonderful selection!

The Brook (2019)

BriLee Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

Voicing Options:

SA choir

TB choir (coming soon)

Like an ever-moving brook, chattering along, captured by the perpetual motion of the piano part, the use of the asymmetrical meter creates a constant sense of forward momentum in this delightful piece for treble choirs. Opportunities abound for literary connections, diction, tone, and meter with this text from a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. 

Beautiful Things (2019)

E.C. Schirmer

Song cycle for soprano, violin, and piano 

Each song of this work sets an essay from Beautiful Things, a collection of 28 short essays by author Michelle Webster-Hein. Each essay is a short discourse on finding beauty in simple things each day, and the musical setting attempts to convey the same sentiment. The set of songs may be performed in any order, or the individual songs may be performed as stand-alone pieces. The score is written for soprano, violin and piano, and includes a separate pull-out score for the violin part.

Jack (2018)

song cycle for tenor and piano

Commissioned by John Green

Out, Damned Spot (2018)

Mark Foster/Hal Leonard

2019 American Prize 2nd Place Winner

SSAA choir

In depicting the manic nature of this Shakespeare text, the music features numerous key changes and employs a variety of time signatures. The combination of the dramatic text along with the ever-shifting music will require a full range of emotions and vocal virtuosity from your treble choir.

I Celebrate Myself (2018)

Mark Foster/Hal Leonard

 

SSAA choir 

The Walt Whitman poem Song of Myself conveys both a sense of confidence and a spirit of adventure and is powerfully set in this treble voice arrangement. The text affirms our uniqueness as individuals but also stresses our interconnectedness to each other and the world. The music captures these characteristics with a constant drive and sense of excited anticipation.

I Saw Three Ships (2018)

BriLee Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

Voicing Options:

SA choir

SAB choir

SATB choir (coming soon)

TB choir

Jolly and jaunty, rhythmic and fun, this energetic setting of the traditional English carol is sure to be a holiday favorite for your choir. Accessible ranges and a supportive accompaniment make this a great choice for developing choirs. Add the optional frame drum and flute parts for a more stylistic interpretation.

In Umbra (2017)

Carl Fischer

TTB choir

Bold, daring vocals exemplify the translation of the Latin text, "In the shade, therefore, we will fight." When coupled with the rhythmic, forceful piano accompaniment, male ensembles of all sizes will sound fantastic singing the accessible Latin text. Supportive piano and compelling text join forces in this exciting concert piece. Pronunciation guide provided.

Where Can I Go? (2017)

Carl Fischer 

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

S(S)A choir

This spiritual setting of the Psalm 139 text, supported by a driving piano accompaniment and optional tambourine, really rocks! Wonderful harmonic moments and fun interplay between the voices provide opportunities to create excitement and explore expressive singing. Treble choirs of all levels will enjoy performing this unique spiritual which will delight audiences at any concert performance.

Keep a-Goin' (2017)

BriLee Press

TB choir

Tenor-Bass ensembles will enjoy learning this uplifting song full of fun rhythms, toe-tapping, and accessible ranges. With lyrics that encourage the singer to persevere no matter what challenges lie ahead, this soulful and energetic gospel-style piece will be a wonderful choice for your next concert.

The Hurricane (2016)

BriLee Press

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice

J.W. Pepper Basic Library 

Voicing Options:

S(S)A choir

SAB choir

This setting of a text by William Cullen Bryant really conveys the excitement of a hurricane! Knee slaps, finger snaps, and blowing sounds effectively imitate the rain and wind while the piano contributes just the right percussive effects to complete the illusion of the storm. "Lord of the winds! I feel thee nigh, I know thy breath in the burning sky!"

We the Ragged (2015)

SATB choir 

Commissioned by Trinity United Methodist Church, Denton, TX

We the Ragged - Trinity UMC Chancel Choir
00:00 / 00:00
Voices in the Night (2014)

song cycle for baritone and piano - score

(tenor version also available)

Loss is Indeed Our Gain (2014)

baritone and organ 

A New Creation's Joy (2014)

SATB choir 

Commissioned by Trinity United Methodist Church, Denton, TX

A New Creation's Joy - Trinity UMC Chancel Choir
00:00 / 00:00
If God Is For Us (2013)

SATB choir 

Passiontide (2012)

cantata for soloist and SATB choir 

The Fallow Ground (2011)

Pierrot ensemble with baritone solo 

Uprooted (2007)

song cycle for bass, piano, and percussion 

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