Featured Composers for 2025–2026
At J.W. Pepper, we are committed to supporting today’s composers and amplifying the impact of independent creators publishing through My Score. Their catalogs bring original music to educators and performers worldwide, helping to shape a diverse and continually evolving repertoire. Each month, we highlight composers whose work captures the creativity and dedication that define this community.
This month, we’re pleased to feature Adrian Sims as our Composer of the Month. In addition, we’re spotlighting nine other composers whose profiles provide a closer look at their musical backgrounds, artistic approaches, and the newest works they’ve contributed to My Score.
Composer of the Month
Adrian Sims
Concert Band, Orchestra, Chamber Ensemble
Adrian B. Sims, born in Seattle, Washington, is an accomplished composer and conductor of music for band, orchestra, and chamber ensembles of all levels. Adrian has more than 50 publications to his name, and many of his works have been selected for J.W. Pepper Editors’ Choice, the Bandworld Top 100, and the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List. His music has been performed at prestigious conferences such as The Midwest Clinic and the Texas Music Educators Association as well as at new music reading sessions across the country. Adrian has been commissioned by numerous organizations, including by the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity to compose a new work that premiered at the 78th Midwest Clinic.
He is frequently invited to conduct honor bands as well as rehearse and lead clinics with bands and orchestras of all levels across the United States. Adrian has recording experience as both a conductor and producer; he has recorded music at the University of Maryland, College Park; the University of Texas at Austin; and the Palladium in Indianapolis. He has produced recordings of works by notable composers such as Viet Cuong, David Biedenbender, and Katahj Copley.
Adrian’s primary mentors in composition include Brian Balmages, Dr. Robert Gibson, Omar Thomas, and Dr. Donald Grantham. He received his master’s degree in composition from the University of Texas at Austin and bachelor’s degrees in music education and composition from the University of Maryland, College Park. At the University of Maryland, he studied trombone with Matthew Guilford, solo bass trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra, and Aaron LaVere, principal trombonist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Be sure to check out his independent works on J.W. Pepper through the My Score platform!
Featured Compositions
