When composer Elizabeth Alexander first experienced choral music, what she heard on stage was predominantly classical. Over the past few decades she has thrived...
Upon meeting Tom Trenney, one can’t help but notice that there is something special about him. His calm spirit, nonjudgmental loving manner, high intelligence,...
The Pepper team has had the opportunity to interview many amazing musicians about their careers. We’ve rolled up some of our favorite clips about different...
Internationally known for his saxophone playing and improvisational prowess, Jeff Coffin is also a composer, educator, and author. When not on stage with the...
Many choir directors today have fond memories of the times they
have worked on arrangements by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw. Who could help but
admire...
Composers have many considerations when creating pieces for student ensembles. Among other things, they have to ensure their works have the right balance of...
Updated February 17, 2023
Trombonist Amanda Stewart compares it to a slow-moving glacier – the gradual acceptance of talented women playing brass instruments in the...
Originally from Columbus, Ohio, composer John Mackey grew up without formal music lessons.
Though his mother played the flute and the family owned a piano,...
In February, we celebrate past presidents and their contributions to our national identity. The legacies of our past leaders are played out in history...
Music, for many, is about joy before anything else. Spend a few short minutes with conductor, composer, and choreographer John Jacobson, and it will...
Alex Meixner’s hands fly across his accordion when he plays crowd favorites at Oktoberfest celebrations across the country. The talented musician, who is known...
David Kim paused after playing a few exquisite bars of music on his Italian violin. The concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra seemed concerned that...
In an age where it seems easy to make an amateur recording with electronic devices, the process of collaborating on a professionally produced choral album...
Over a period of two years, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has strengthened its partnership with an exciting program that is building...
A prolific composer of choral music, Andy Beck has written hundreds of works, vocal resource books, and children’s musicals. Among his most famous works...
Composer Brian Balmages’ sheet music can be found in music rooms across the nation. He has written music for every skill level from very easy to advanced....
No discussion of sacred and church choral music is complete without including the works of composer Joel Raney. Raney’s contribution to sacred music is...
Wynn-Anne Rossi is known to the music world as a talented pianist, dynamic composer, and dedicated music educator. Throughout her life, she has combined...
On September 10, 2015, Pepper welcomed world-renowned saxophonist David Liebman, the latest music legend to take part in our Jazz with Pepper master class...
Sharon Burch has always been passionate about music education, especially for elementary-age students. From a young age, she loved music and wanted to bring...
Joseph Martin is one of the most influential composers in sacred music today. His music has graced countless congregations and led many to consider with...
On Wednesday, February 11th, the Jazz With Pepper series continued with a visit from guitar legend Pat Martino. Eager musicians of all ages filled the...
Recently, Pepper had the privilege to speak with Debra Reilly, a 2015 Grammy nominee for the Music Educator Award. Ms. Reilly teaches and directs the string programs for Springhouse and Orefield...
When you hear the name John Rutter, your mind automatically jumps to the thought of Christmas music. What makes Rutter's name so synonymous with Christmas? We...
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with John Rutter and discuss his forthcoming Anniversary Editions series, published by Oxford University Press and...
On April 25, 2013 we welcomed Alec Harris from GIA Publications to our Pennsylvania office. Alec presented GIA’s new choral releases, which included two...
Looking back on my high school and college percussion studies, I recall working through many of Garwood Whaley’s books. I particularly liked working with Recital...
Sean O’Loughlin is a rising name in the music world. His music is characterized by vibrant rhythms, passionate melodies, and colorful scoring.
Commissions and conducting...
Larry Clark's pieces have been performed internationally and appear on numerous contest/festival lists. He is an ASCAP award-winning composer with over 200 titles in...
Crystal Desch and I recently interviewed Robert D. Vandall by phone. Robert Vandall is one of this country's most prolific and popular composers of educational...
A graduate of Indiana University (Bloomington), and Director of Band Publications for Hal Leonard Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Michael Sweeney has over 500 publications...
An active composer, conductor and performer, Brian Balmages' fresh style of composition has put him in high demand for his wind, brass and orchestral...
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Robert Sheldon, Concert Band Editor for Alfred Music Publishing, and was able to gain some insight into the...
Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Mary McDonald, a multi-talented musician from Knoxville, Tennessee.
In addition to her work as a composer, arranger, producer,...
