Compositions
Each piece in this collection is informed by my years of classroom experience and the instructional goals I have developed with fellow music educators. Many selections are inspired by meaningful stories or places, providing engaging connections for students.
With repertoire ranging from Grade 1 through Grade 4, I hope you find a selection that inspires your students and supports the growth of your young musicians.
One of the so-called Never Summer Mountains (Colorado, US)
Capybara Cha-Cha
Grade 0.5 / 2026 / Listen on Youtube / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice
Capybara Cha-Cha was designed to use the first six notes of the D Major scale with rhythms only consisting of half, quarter, and eighth notes. It’s approachable for a beginner orchestra and references a rodent they’ll find cute, but with some simple optional percussion, your beginners can groove!
Quicksand
Grade 3.5 / 2026 / Listen on Youtube / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice / GMEA Grade 4 List
Based on the threat we all thought would be ubiquitous, this piece starts with a solemn chorale introduction and follows that with music representing the adrenaline of a quicksand escapade.
Dead Reckoning
Grade 4 / 2025 / Listen on Youtube / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice / GMEA Grade 5 List
An introduction to 6/8 time, inspired by the historical sea and air navigation technique. Students will also use techniques like harmonics, sul ponticello, tremolo, and pizzicato. This piece was originally composed to showcase Dodgen Middle School Chamber Orchestra in their 2025 Midwest Clinic performance.
Bear on the Square
Grade 1 / 2025 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice / GMEA Grade 1 List
A perfect venue for first-year students to play double stops and work on bow technique. This piece was inspired by a local legend about a wayward bear cub 30 years ago in Dahlonega, GA.
Acadian Solstice
Grade 3.5 / 2024 / Listen on SoundCloud / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice
I conceived of ideas for this lyrical and pastoral piece with a violin solo while hiking in Maine. A striking sunset I experienced and photographed (see home page) at Bass Harbor inspired the title.
Stegosaurus Stomp
Grade 1 / 2024 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
GMEA Grade 1 List
The orchestra actually gets to stomp! This piece is also a friendly way for younger students to work on different types of articulation.
Never Summer Mountain
Grade 1.5 / 2023 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice / GMEA Grade 1 List
A piece for developing bow technique with a catchy melody where all sections get to have the theme, inspired by hikes in the Rockies.
Someday
Grade 4 / 2023 / Listen on YouTube / View Publisher Site
J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice / GMEA Grade 4 List
This melodic piece serves as a venue for students to develop skills for expressive playing before approaching the bigger lyrical string pieces.
Also available for percussion ensemble