Pepper Choplin holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Bachelor of Music) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas (Master of Music in composition). His catalog includes over two hundred anthems and seven choral musicals, written across an unusually wide range of musical contexts: from churches to theme parks, from rock and bluegrass to classical idioms. He conducts and performs throughout the country as a composer, clinician, and entertainer, drawing audiences into worship through a distinctive blend of inspirational and humorous material.
As Minister of Music at Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, Choplin channels his creative work into designing vibrant worship experiences. Many of his pieces emerge directly from liturgical needs in his own congregation. His recordings include "Pepper Is My Real Name," a self-produced collection of his comedic songs, and "Hold On," a solo album of inspirational favorites. His fundamental aim remains constant: to craft music that invites people into deep, dramatic worship.
Why we love this
Choplin writes sacred music that bridges accessibility and substance. The multicultural dimension signals genuine inclusion rather than tokenism, making this piece valuable for choirs working toward authentic representation in their season. Its five pages fit neatly into octavo literature without demanding excessive rehearsal time.
What to expect
The piece carries the warmth and directness characteristic of congregational sacred music, with a multicultural sensibility that opens the prayer outward. Singing Choplin's setting feels both accessible and purposeful, inviting the choir into genuine worship rather than mere performance.
Who it's for
This octavo serves SATB choirs of moderate ability who want to program meaningful sacred repertoire without requiring virtuosic demands. It works equally well in church settings, concert programs, or festivals where multicultural representation matters to your artistic vision.
How to get the most out of it
Explore the interplay between the English text and any multicultural musical elements early; understanding the cultural context enriches the singers' interpretation and phrasing choices.
Balance the SATB voicing by checking that inner voices aren't buried during full sections; use sectional rehearsals to ensure each line has presence and purpose.
Shape the piece with attention to text accentuation; sacred hosanna texts often benefit from pointed articulation rather than legato throughout.
Record a rough run-through midway through rehearsals to hear how the ensemble locks together harmonically and adjust blend accordingly.
How to use it
Slot this into a sacred concert alongside one or two other pieces of different cultural origins to create a thematic program about prayer across traditions. It also works as a strong closer for a church service or as part of a festival set where choirs are sharing repertoire from varied backgrounds.
Skills your students will build
SATB balance and blend in a homophonic texture
Singing English text with clarity and conviction in a sacred context
Responding to multicultural musical idiom with appropriate stylistic choices
Sustaining focused ensemble sound across multiple pages
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
