New Independent Publications for 2025–2026
J.W. Pepper is excited to highlight a handpicked collection of newly published concert band works available on My Score, our platform for independent publishers. These pieces showcase the imagination, skill, and distinct musical voices of composers contributing to the evolving concert band repertoire. Whether you’re selecting music for an upcoming performance or seeking new inspiration, we invite you to explore these engaging works.
The Royal Chamber for Concert Band
by Brian Chance
A bright fanfare‑style opener for elementary band that offers a confident sound while keeping notes, rhythms, and articulations firmly within a beginner’s reach. The scoring is straightforward with plenty of doubling, helping young players focus on steady tone and clear articulation. It’s a dependable choice that lets first- or second‑year musicians feel successful onstage.
Burying the Hatchet for Concert Band
by Evan Combs
Explore the powerful intersection of music and spoken word in this concerto for actor and band. Centered on a dramatic monologue, the work invites students to support and shape a narrative tracing a tense relationship between a child and a father whose mastery of performance left little room for empathy and understanding at home.
Three-Ring Circus! for Concert Band
by Adrian B. Sims
Experience the chaos of a circus with this inventive composition. Composed in traditional march form, unexpected twists and turns ensure there’s nothing else traditional about it. Everyone has a chance to be in the spotlight here. Don’t sleep on this one!
Guardian of the Glen for Concert Band
by Jon Montgomery
From the peak of Ben Nevis and along the River Coe of Scotland, the rugged terrain and thick mist give us a victory dance in the popular Scottish Fling style. Glenfinnan is a village in Scotland known as the site where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised his standard in 1745, marking the beginning of the Jacobite rising. Starting with both woodwind and brass choirs, this piece moves out of the mist into a 6/8 Scottish reel with victorious themes—the sound of swords clashing and percussive articulations from the whole group as well as the flourish of woodwinds with strong low brass punches. A reverent pause for the fallen soldiers of the distant past includes haunting trumpet and French horn solos before energetic themes complete this concert band piece. This is an audience favorite no matter what time of year it is programmed!
Fanfare 250 for Concert Band
by Noah D. Taylor
A dynamic and celebratory work for concert band dedicated to the men and women of the United States Army in recognition of their 250 years of steadfast service. The piece captures the spirit of resilience, bravery, and unity that defines the Army’s history, with bold brass fanfares, driving percussion, and soaring woodwind lines. Salute a quarter millennium of dedication, sacrifice, and service to the nation!
Night Wolf for Concert Band
by Ricardo Stevens
Transport listeners into the mysterious world of a wolf’s nocturnal journey with this enchanting composition. Designed specifically for first-year beginning band, this piece captures the essence of the wild with melodies that mimic the stealth and grace of a wolf moving under the cloak of darkness. Accessible rhythms and harmonies are perfect for young musicians while still providing engaging challenges that help develop their ensemble skills.
Remember for Concert Band
by Vince Gassi
This reverent, lyrical work is a setting for concert band of the famous East Coast fiddle tune In Memory of Herbie MacLeod by Jerry Holland. Injecting a moment of calm, this work will serve as a reflective centrepiece at your next concert. Its emotional sincerity will appeal to your audiences and to your young musicians as well, providing them opportunities for expressive playing and sensitive ensemble collaboration.
Ceres for Concert Band
by Steve Kessler
Ceres is a dwarf planet in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Your students will have fun performing this piece as they picture this dwarf planet in their minds. The entire song is based on the first five notes of the concert B-flat scale. Enjoy!
Energize for Concert Band
by Brandon Rivas
Energize your next performance with this new work for concert band! Written in Phrygian mode, it’s a great piece for your ensemble to play to learn new harmonies. The constant switch in the subdivision is a great way to learn how to subdivide, as the piece could be felt in “one.” A great educational piece as well as a fun one for players and audiences alike!
Dawn on the Island for Concert Band
by Tyler Mazone
Immerse your audience in the sights of dawn on a tropical island. It begins in darkness, depicted by a dialogue between solo clarinet and low winds. The journey to brightness begins with the middle voices fragmenting the theme previously stated by the clarinet. The climax is overwhelming, with so many different colors swirling about and the brightness piercing the scenery, dark just moments ago. The piece then settles down and restates the themes in reverse order. The clarinet solo comes back, and the low winds imitate waves on a beach to close the piece.
