A J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice" for concert band. [View the YouTube video score with recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKizPKoS6qI.] Composed for the 2019 University of Mobile Honor Band, "Molly Pitcher" is the fourth entry in my "American Legends" series for concert band. During the American Revolution, cannon crews for the Continental Army often had family members – including wives – that traveled with them. It was common for these wives to have the critical job of carrying water for the crews and often earning the nickname of “Molly Pitcher”. There are at least a couple of famous situations where the husband in the cannon crew was injured or killed during the battle and the wife stepped in the help with firing the cannon to the victorious end of the battle. (Best known is probably Molly Hays at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.) This piece sets the tone for battle – including muted or off-stage trumpets representing the British with snippets of “Rule Brittania” – while playing a lovely theme for Molly. The battle begins and a crash signifies the fall of her husband. She mourns briefly and then steps in as the piece moves to a huge ending.

A J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice" for concert band. [View the YouTube video score with recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b59T5C6kQ1Q.] Composed for the 2020 University of Mobile Honor Band, this is the 5th and final installment in the ongoing "American Legends" series for wind band. It tells the story of the powerful railroad worker, John Henry (you can "hear" his name in the opening motif), and his contest with a steam powered drilling machine. Dynamic and exciting. Available through J.W. Pepper: https://www.jwpepper.com/Steel-Driving-Man/11572106.item