Pepper Choplin, full-time composer, conductor and humorist, will be leading worship at First Baptist Church of Tryon on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. Choplin has gained a reputation as one of the most creative writers in church music today.

Beginning his music training at the age of four, he grew up singing and playing piano, trumpet, guitar and banjo. 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.

 

Since he has a diverse musical background, Choplin’s compositions incorporate varied styles such as folk, gospel, classical, and jazz. His published work includes over 250 anthems for church and school choir, 16 church cantatas and a book 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 recent 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.

 

In 2013, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in a joint concert with Joseph Martin. In 2015, Choplin traveled to Lincoln Center where he conducted his new cantata, Our Father, based on the Lord’s Prayer. 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.

 

Currently, he attends Greystone Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C., where he served as minister of music for 22 years. There in his hometown, Choplin has conducted several mass performances of his Easter and Christmas cantatas in Meymandi

Auditorium, home to the N.C. Symphony, with over two hundred voices and full orchestra. He is married and has three daughters.

 

First Baptist of Tryon invites the community to attend this special service of praise and celebration.

 

– Submitted by Candace Wilson