Pepper Choplin is a full-time composer, conductor and humorist. He has gained a reputation as one of the most creative writers in church music today. With a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
With a diverse musical background, Choplin incorporates varied styles such as folk, Gospel, classical, and jazz. His published works includes over 300 anthems for church and school choir with 23 church cantatas and two books of piano arrangements. Over 100 groups have commissioned him to write original works for them. An original hymn, “Come to the Water” appears in the hymnal, Celebrating Grace. His anthems consistently appear in the top seller lists of publishers and distributors. Since 1991, his choral music has sold several million copies. Each week, thousands of singers present his music in churches and schools in the United States and around the world.
Choplin has conducted eight New York concerts of his music at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center with 250 voices and full orchestra. In his hometown of Raleigh, he has conducted eight mass performances of his cantatas at Meyrnandi Auditorium (home to the NC Symphony) with over 200 voices and orchestra. In 2019, he conducted Handel’s Messiah (Christmas portion) with the 165-voice Cary Community Choir with orchestra. He also visits many churches and conferences to conduct and to entertain. Beyond his choral music, Choplin has produced two humorous CDs and an inspirational recording. In his solo concerts, he moves audiences with his powerful ballads and his hilarious humor.