We’re shining a spotlight on one of the best resources directors can use for finding music at Pepper: the J.W. Pepper Basic Library. While shopping on our site, if you see the Basic Library blue star icon you know that this music has been a best seller chosen by directors consistently for at least a five-year period. This video showcases 12 titles being added to the Basic Library in 2025 – plus some bonus additions as well!
I’m On My Way
Artist: Mahalia Jackson arr. Anthony Trecek-King – Walton Music
Rhythmic, driving, and intense, this arrangement of the traditional spiritual with themes of home, journey, and trial is based on the 1950s Mahalia Jackson version with an Afro-Cuban beat. Add string bass (part available as a download from the publisher’s website) and improvised percussion to the piano accompaniment for a truly dynamic performance that will excite your singers and audiences alike.
Starts at 1:07
Desperta Ferro!
Christopher Fox – Alfred Music Publishing
This medieval Catalan battle cry was employed by the fierce Almogavers as they struck the earth with their weapons, causing sparks to fly. Bravado and confidence surge with each additive cry of this original text and music based on the powerful ancient declaration. A dynamic choice for developing tenor-bass choirs!
Starts at 2:07
Storm
James M. DesJardins – BriLee Music Publishing
A creative depiction of the frenetic energy of a storm, this piece utilizes body percussion and drums to mimic the sounds one might experience during a storm. That, coupled with the descriptive text, makes this piece worthy of study for your ensemble. Truly exciting!
Starts at 2:58
Non Nobis, Domine
Rosephanye Powell – Fred Bock Music
This work is pure magic! Short rhythmic phrases repeating and building on top of one another, contrasting sections, a dynamic and rewarding conclusion. The traditional Latin text makes it appropriate for sacred or secular performance.
Starts at 4:12
Where the Light Begins
Susan LaBarr – Walton Music
“Perhaps it does not begin. Perhaps it is always. … Perhaps this day the light begins in us.” Jan Richardson’s rich and universal text is set with an equally compelling and musically sensitive setting that connects with singers of all ages. Approachable vocal lines and a supportive, steady accompaniment ensure ease of learning and allow for meaningful performances.
Starts at 5:05
Soon We Will Be Done
arr. Kyle Pederson – Galaxy Music Corporation
Building on the original text, this adaptation of the classic spiritual invites the listener to envision and commit to a better, more just world – a world of inclusion, radical kindness, compassion, love, and grace – a world where we have the courage to champion the inherent dignity and value of all people, a world where we will be done with all the ways we deny a person’s worth. Spoken word is incorporated throughout, heightening the intensity of the performance, and giving a sense of immediacy to the challenge for the choir and audience to work together for justice, equity, and wholeness.
Starts at 6:13
Crowded Table
Artist: The Highwomen arr. Andrea Ramsey – Hal Leonard Corporation
Now available for mixed or treble voices, this country pop song from supergroup The Highwomen delivers a powerful message for us all to band together and hold one another up. The optional fiddle adds a nice touch to the pretty choral harmonies in this poignant selection.
Starts at 7:36
Be the Change
Laura Farnell – Hal Leonard Corporation
With a multicultural flair, this energetic and rhythmic work conveys a singular force for change. Combining texts from Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Matthew 5:15 with original lyrics, the piece also incorporates This Little Light of Mine. An optional divisi descant will challenge younger choirs while remaining accessible. Optional djembe and shaker parts are included.
Starts at 8:26
Shine Like Stars
Pinkzebra – Pinkzebra Publishing
This celebratory song is bursting with positive energy and uplifting lyrics that are perfect for year-end concerts, graduation and moving-up ceremonies, or any kind of award or celebratory occasion. Simple body percussion accentuates the rhythmic melody, and the pop-style harmonies are so fun to sing! Perform with piano accompaniment and drums, or use the accompaniment MP3. Help your students rehearse with the part-dominant MP3 practice tracks, available in a multi-user bundle to share with your whole choir.
Starts at 9:36
Shenandoah
arr. Andrew Parr – Choristers Guild
A spy attempts to infiltrate the defenses of an arch enemy. Take caution though, for every step can trigger an alarm because tripwires are everywhere! This clever work is unlike anything out there and offers some extraordinary colors. From the sneaky sound of the beginning melody to the loud and raucous rips that follow later in the work, this is an incredible standout piece for any concert!
Starts at 10:47
You Do Not Walk Alone
Elaine Hagenberg – Beckenhorst Press
“May you always remember when the shadows fall, you do not walk alone.” This ethereal setting of a traditional Irish blessing is scored in a variety of voicings with piano. Deft strokes of Celtic styling within the melody weaves throughout the vocal texture. Gradually building in intensity, it transitions into the final stanza with a burst of light, aided by a key change, then slowly draws to a quiet close.
Starts at 11:51
I Will Sing
Michael Engelhardt – Walton Musicmpany Inc
“What will I do with the portion given to me? I will sing.” This fantastic work, written in a gospel style with an ecumenical text that challenges each of us to make the most of the lives we’ve been given, is a perfect piece for any setting, and makes a great closer!
Starts at 13:09
I was kind of surprised when The Creation (a rock cantata) was not mentioned within this group. Released in 1970, and published and performed worldwide by Norman Luboff, it has sold copies every year since its release. If the topic is choral music that has stood the test of time then why not? Of course I might be one of its biggest fans!
Thank you for your comment, David! The focus of this particular video was pieces that have recently received our Basic Library designation. The Creation has certainly been well-loved for many years now!