New Music for 2026-27
I am delighted to share four new concert band works for the coming year. Each reflects a different part of my compositional journey: a commissioned works now available to a wider audience, a holiday work that I admired from afar, and several firsts for younger ensembles to help them grow. I’ve also included updates on several earlier works that continue to find homes with outstanding directors and students. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore them and consider whether one might be a good fit for your ensemble.
NEW WORKS FOR CONCERT BAND
First Steps Together (RWS Music Company, Grade 1/Grade 2) – “First Steps Together” is created to be a celebratory work for massed ensembles, honoring the shared beginnings of young musicians while pointing confidently toward the journeys ahead. Scored to be accessible for early instrumentalists yet musically satisfying for older students, the piece allows performers across grade levels to contribute meaningfully to a unified musical experience (Grades 1 and 2 parts included). The result is a joyful work that celebrates students beginning their musical journeys together.
Tidings by Torchlight (Wingert-Jones, Grade 1.5) – Inspired by the beloved 16th century French carol Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, “Tidings by Torchlight “ captures the festive spirit of a centuries-old Christmas tradition. Associated with the Provence region of France, the carol accompanies children dressed as shepherds and milkmaids as they make their way to Midnight Mass, joyfully announcing the birth of Christ. This energetic setting brings that same sense of celebration to the concert stage with lively rhythms, sparkling colors, and accessible writing for developing ensembles. Full of warmth and excitement, “Tidings by Torchlight” is a delightful addition to any holiday concert and a joyful way to celebrate the Christmas season.
Clap for Joy (Carl Fischer, Grade 2.5) – Every band director knows the look — the moment a student stops counting and starts feeling the music. “Clap for Joy” was written for that moment. This 6/8 fanfare for developing bands invites the whole ensemble in — not just to play, but to listen, respond, and yes, literally clap together. Rhythmic motifs passed between percussion and winds, clapping that shifts from unison response to dramatic accent, and an overall buoyancy that keeps young musicians light on their feet (and hands) rather than digging in for volume. It’s a piece that works on the stand, in the rehearsal room, and for your performance space — and I think it makes a pretty energetic and wonderful concert opener. I hope your audience gets to “Clap for Joy” right along with you (A 2026 Editor’s Choice from J.W. Pepper).
Time and Chance (Murphy Music Press, Grade 4) – “Time and Chance” was born from one of the most profound seasons of my life. This piece is a journey — through loss, tension, and ultimately, peace. Throughout the work, strains of “It Is Well With My Soul” are woven into the fabric of the ensemble, first in the minor and later resolving into the major, tracing the arc of that journey. The tension in the score is intentional. Sometimes we learn to live with the unresolved things in our lives, and the music asks the ensemble to hold that honestly. My parents live on in my actions — in working hard with what I have and serving others. That is the hope I carry into this music. The hope that I offer to anyone who listens to this piece is simply that in the storms of life is this: what sustains us is what — and who — we hold onto. Time and chance comes for us all. This is one of three works I completed for a commission series with the Council Rock School District (PA). The recording online is by the incredible people that make up the Pittsburgh Creator’s Project Wind Ensemble – my thanks to Rob Traugh, John Mackay and the entire PCP Board for their support.
OTHER WORKS FOR CONCERT BAND
It was a joy sharing pieces with several honor bands over the past year including “We Go To Music” (Carl Fischer, Grade 1.5), “Of Metal and Magic” (Carl Fischer Grade 1.5), “As Moonlight Falls” (Wingert-Jones, Grade 2), “Peat Fire Flame” (Wingert-Jones, Grade 3), and “Resilience” (Carl Fischer, Grade 4). I make it a point to program no more than one of my own works on an honor band concert. With so much outstanding repertoire available, I want students to experience a variety of musical voices. I was able to make several other visits to bands to hear their progress on other works like “New Day Breaking” (Carl Fischer, Grade 3), “Apollo Arise” (Carl Fischer, Grade 3), “A Festival Celebration” (Wingert-Jones, Grade 4), and “Irish Jig for Young Feet (FJH, Grade 2). Super proud of Irish Jig as it surpassed 1,000 copies sold this past year – thank you directors!
As you make plans for adjudication/contest/festival appearances with your ensembles in the spring of 2027, I would encourage you to check out the pieces below that appear on the following state lists:
| Title | State List |
| The Shady Grove | AL, |
| Eyes of the Dragon | AL, MD, NC, PA |
| Festival of Flight | AR, LA, MD, PA, TX |
| We Go To Music | AR, TX, UIL |
| Moravian Dance | CA, SC |
| Yankee Fanfare | FL, PA |
| Tales of A Medieval Warrior | FL, PA, WV |
| American Visions | GA, PA |
| A West Highland Fanfare | IN |
| The Last Stage Coach Heist | IN, MD, PA |
| Siege of the Dark Castle | MD, OH, PA |
| Resilience | NC |
| Peat Fire Flame | NC, SC |
| Promise on the Horizon | OH |
| Irish Jig for Young Feet | PA |
| Pirates! | TN |
| Dream Chaser | WV |
It is great to learn from directors and students what they have enjoyed about other works prepared for concert or a spring trip adjudication. This year I received positive feedback on works like “Sonic Ascent” (Barnhouse, Grade 0.5), “Renaissance Round” (Ludwig, Grade 1.5) “As Moonlight Falls” (Wingert-Jones, Grade 2), “Of Country and Courage” (Wingert-Jones, Grade 2), “The Shady Grove” (Wingert-Jones, Grade 3), “Four Captains” (RWS, Grade 4), and Metro Dances (Wingert-Jones – Grade 5). I always enjoy hearing from directors and students about their experiences with these pieces. If your ensemble is programming one of my works this year, I’d love to hear how it’s going. I continue to offer in-person and virtual clinics on rehearsal techniques, composition, leadership, and the preparation of my music. If I can be of assistance to you or your students, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for all you do to invest in young musicians. I hope you enjoy a restful summer, and I wish you and your ensembles every success in the coming school year.
