Music
Featured Music
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We Are the Song, We Will Rise
for SATB Choir and Concert Band Commissioned in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, We Are the Song, We Will Rise reflects on the American story through themes of perseverance, community, and hope. The work brings together choir and symphonic band in a powerful musical journey from remembrance to renewal. Status: Premiering June 28, 2026 Concert Band • SATB Choir Duration: 5:30 Difficulty: Medium Easy |
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Commissioned in celebration of America's 250th anniversary and premiered by the Lone Star Symphonic Band and Community Chorus of Katy, Texas.
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Set Me As a Seal
for SATB Choir, a cappella Inspired by the radiant poetry of Song of Songs 8:6–7, Set Me as a Seal is a meditation on love that is steadfast, passionate, and enduring. Rich harmonies and soaring melodies illuminate one of Scripture’s most beloved declarations—“for love is strong as death”—before culminating in the triumphant assurance that “many waters cannot quench love.” Both intimate and expansive, the work celebrates love as one of life's most powerful and sacred gifts. Status: Premiering Fall 2026 SATB Choir • a cappella Duration: 3:15 Difficulty: Medium |
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Requiem for My Mother
for SATB Double Choir and Organ Currently in development, Requiem for My Mother is a large-scale sacred work exploring grief, memory, love, and the enduring bonds between parent and child. Drawing upon traditional requiem texts alongside personal reflection, the work seeks to create space for both mourning and hope. SATB Double Choir • Organ Duration: 35:00-40:00 Difficulty: Medium Advanced Status: In Progress |
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dear god
an original musical dear god is an original musical examining the intersection of faith, identity, and belonging through the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals navigating life within religious communities. Through contemporary musical theatre storytelling, the work explores Musical Theatre • Praise Band Duration: 80-100 minutes Status: In Development |
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Published Works
Published music is available through JW Pepper and Steorra Music Publishing.
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The Roses
for treble choir and piano The Roses is a lyrical work for treble choir and piano inspired by a ruba'i, a traditional Persian poetic form consisting of four lines. Through flowing melodies and expressive harmonies, the piece explores themes of beauty, growth, and reflection. Written for developing and advanced treble ensembles, the music unfolds through two distinct melodic ideas that gradually intertwine, culminating in an optional duet or small ensemble feature that highlights the text's sense of connection and unity. Treble Choir • Piano Duration: 2:30 Difficulty: Medium Easy |
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Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day? - "Sonnet 18"
for mixed choir, a cappella This expressive a cappella setting brings William Shakespeare's beloved "Sonnet 18" to life through rich, lyrical harmonies and sensitive text painting. The music embraces the tenderness and romantic imagery of Shakespeare's words, allowing the text to unfold naturally while building toward a radiant conclusion. Appropriate for concert performance throughout the year, the work culminates in the celebrated final lines of the sonnet, affirming the enduring power of poetry, memory, and love. Mixed Choir • a cappella Duration: 2:45 Difficulty: Medium Advanced |
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Arranging/Orchestration
In addition to original compositions, I create custom arrangements and orchestrations for choirs, churches, schools, and community ensembles. Projects have ranged from worship music and patriotic works to educational and concert repertoire.
About Steorra Music Publishing
Many of John's original compositions, arrangements, and editions are published under Steorra Music Publishing, his independent publishing imprint dedicated to creating meaningful and accessible music for choirs, churches, and educational ensembles.
Commission a New Work
Interested in a Commission?
Whether you're seeking a new work for your choir, church, school, or community ensemble, I would be delighted to discuss your project.
Whether you're seeking a new work for your choir, church, school, or community ensemble, I would be delighted to discuss your project.
Catalog at a Glance
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Work
The Roses Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day? Set Me as a Seal We Are the Song, We Will Rise |
Voicing
Treble Choir • Piano SATB Choir • a cappella SATB Choir • a cappella Choir • Symphonic Band |
Duration
2:30 2:45 3:15 6:00 |
Difficulty
Medium Easy Medium Advanced Medium Medium Easy |