There’s always a little uncertainty when releasing new music into the world. You spend months shaping ideas, refining details, imagining how students and audiences might respond, and then eventually the pieces leave your desk and begin their own lives in rehearsal halls and concert performances.
That’s why I’m especially grateful to share that four of my newest works have been selected as J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice selections for the 2026–2027 season.
J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice designation is awarded to works that their editorial team identifies as outstanding new releases with strong musical and pedagogical value. According to J.W. Pepper, editors review new publications each year and evaluate them based on criteria such as concept and execution, educational appropriateness, musicality, and overall value for directors and students.
Considering the sheer volume of music released every year, I’m deeply honored that these four works were included among this year’s selections.
Sneak Attack!
Purchase Sneak Attack! on J.W. Pepper
“Sneak Attack!” is a cinematic beginning band work built almost entirely from just six notes. The piece explores tension, suspense, contrast, and sudden bursts of energy through dramatic dynamics and rhythmic drive.
My goal with this piece was to create music for younger players that still feels modern, intense, and emotionally engaging. Beginning ensembles deserve music that feels exciting and substantial, not just technically accessible.
The result is a piece that gives directors opportunities to teach:
- dynamic contrast
- precision
- ensemble pulse
- musical tension and release
…while still being incredibly fun for students to perform.
Jingle Jam
Purchase Jingle Jam on J.W. Pepper
“Jingle Jam” was originally written for concert band as a high-energy, groove-driven holiday work designed to capture the excitement and chaos of the season through a modern musical lens.
This year, the newly released string orchestra adaptation of the piece was selected as a J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice selection, and I’m incredibly grateful to see the music continue reaching new ensembles and performers in different settings.
The piece leans heavily into rhythm, momentum, and fun while still giving students meaningful musical material to explore. My hope was to create something festive and audience-friendly that still feels fresh, energetic, and musically substantial for performers.
Whether performed by band or string orchestra, “Jingle Jam” is meant to bring joy, motion, and a little bit of controlled holiday chaos to the concert stage.
Light It Up! (A Hard Rock Hanukkah)
Purchase Light It Up! on J.W. Pepper
“Light It Up!” is probably one of the most unapologetically fun pieces I’ve ever written.
Inspired by the energy of classic hard rock and symphonic rock traditions, this Hanukkah celebration combines driving percussion, aggressive brass writing, and optional rhythm section parts to create a full-on arena-rock experience for young bands.
There’s still surprisingly limited Hanukkah repertoire available for concert band, especially music that feels contemporary and energetic. This piece was written to help fill that gap while giving students something they can really throw themselves into emotionally.
It’s loud, dramatic, theatrical, and meant to bring a ton of energy into a holiday concert setting.
Inspirare
Purchase Inspirare on J.W. Pepper
“Inspirare” represents a different side of my writing.
Rather than focusing on cinematic intensity or rhythmic energy, this piece centers around breath, momentum, emotional expansion, and long-form musical shaping. The title comes from the Latin root connected to the word “inspire,” meaning “to breathe into.”
This work was written as a reflection on possibility, growth, and human connection through music-making. It asks performers to think carefully about phrasing, color, pacing, and emotional direction.
While each of these four works is very different stylistically, I think they collectively represent something important to me as a composer:
I want educational music to feel alive.
I want younger students to feel cinematic intensity and excitement. I want holiday programming to feel energetic and fresh. I want advanced ensembles to have opportunities for emotional depth and artistic expression.
Most of all, I want the music students’ performances to feel meaningful.
I’m incredibly thankful to the directors, performers, colleagues, and students who continue to support my music and bring these pieces to life.
Explore the Music
FAQ
What is J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice?
J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice designation highlights new music selected by their editorial staff for exceptional musical and educational value. These selections are featured prominently for directors searching for high-quality new repertoire.
Which Evan VanDoren works were selected for 2026–2027?
The selected works are:
- “Sneak Attack!”
- “Jingle Jam”
- “Light It Up! (A Hard Rock Hanukkah)”
- “Inspirare”
Is “Jingle Jam” available for both band and string orchestra?
Yes. “Jingle Jam” was originally written for concert band, and the newly released string orchestra adaptation was also selected as a J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice work.
Where can I purchase these pieces?
All four works are available through J.W. Pepper using the links above.
Recent Comments