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 330 anthems for church and school choir plus 24 church cantatas and four books of piano arrangements. Over 150 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.
He recently published his first book, A Million Notes, a collection of his best-loved lyrics and the stories behind them.
Choplin has conducted ten New York concerts of his music at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Julliard with over 250 voices and full orchestra. In his hometown of Raleigh, he has conducted twelve mass performances of his cantatas at Meymandi Concert Hall (home to the NC Symphony) with over 200 voices and orchestra. Since 2019, Choplin has 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 clever humor.