top of page
UNCC COA+A_20200313_Distinguished Alumni
2010 CTS Memorial Composition Contest.pn

Awards and Recognition

  • 2023 - Elf-Con Five, The Fencing Master, and Kye Kye Kule for concert band were selected to be included in J. W. Pepper's 2023 Editors' Choice catalog.

  • Chorale and Allegro (C. T. Smith), Rondo from Incidental Suite (C. T. Smith), and Symphonic Variations on Amazing Grace (C. T. Smith) selected as part of the 2022 BANDWORLD Top 100.

  • 2022 - Arabia and Man Against Machine for concert band were selected to be included in J. W. Pepper's 2022 Editors' Choice catalog.

  • Carol of the Boombuckets, Declaration Overture (C. T. Smith), Emperata Overture (C. T. Smith), and Where the Wild Things Dance selected as part of the 2021 BANDWORLD Top 100.

  • 2021 - Carol of the Boombuckets for concert band or custom concert ensembles was selected to be included in J. W. Pepper's 2021 Editors' Choice catalog.

  • 2021 - Where the Wild Things Dance for custom concert ensembles was selected to be included in J. W. Pepper's 2021 Editors' Choice catalog.

  • 2020 - Ghillie Dhu "Elf of the Forest" from Scottish Folklore for concert band was selected to be included in J. W. Pepper's 2020 Editors' Choice catalog.

  • 2020 - University of North Carolina at Charlotte College of Arts and Architecture Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient (North Carolina)

  • 2019 - Inducted into the Omega Nu Lambda National College Honor Society for academic achievement at Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia)

  • 2019 - Where the Wild Things Dance for concert band was selected to be included in J. W. Pepper's 2019 Editors' Choice catalog.

  • 2018 – Winner of the Thornton Community Band Composition Contest (Colorado) Dr. Earp’s Migrate to Gyrate was the winning composition selected in commemoration of the Thornton Community Bands 10th Anniversary

  • 2014 – Loving Lenoir Award (City of Lenoir, North Carolina) for continuing to honor the historical importance of the famous Lenoir High School Band.

  • 2012 – Outstanding Teacher Award (Cox Mill High School – Concord, North Carolina) sponsored by the Cox Mill High School Academic Boosters

  • 2010 – Winner of the Claude T. Smith Memorial Composition Contest (Missouri) Dr. Earp’s Robinson Suite was the winning composition selected by the contest sponsor, Phi Beta Mu (Lambda Chapter)

  • 2009 – University of North Carolina at Charlotte Alumni Achievement Award (North Carolina) for Dr. Earp’s Robinson Suite being recognized as the winning selection of the Claude T. Smith Memorial Composition Contest. (Presented by Dr. Royce Lumpkin, former UNC Charlotte Music Department Chair - Retired)

  • 2002 – John Philip Sousa Award (West Caldwell High School - Lenoir, North Carolina) for superior musicianship, dependability, loyalty and cooperation. (Presented by Mr. John R. Craig, former West Caldwell High School Director of Bands – Retired)

An American Hymnsong (Blessed Assurance) by Joseph Benjamin Earp
04:00

An American Hymnsong (Blessed Assurance) by Joseph Benjamin Earp

An American Hymnsong (Blessed Assurance) by Joseph Benjamin Earp Premiered Monday, November 20th, 2023 Clemson University Symphonic Band Dr. Mark Spede, Conductor (Clemson, South Carolina) “An American Hymnsong” was written as a gift by my wife, Mary Beth, and myself honoring our dear Grandma Evelyn. This amazing woman has been a staple musician at Taylor Memorial Pentecostal Holiness in Anderson County, South Carolina, and the surrounding community for over 75 years. Most of the thematic material for this work is based on a tune written by Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839-1908) in the mid to late 1800’s. It was then set to text by Fanny Crosby and called Blessed Assurance, which was published in 1873. Blessed Assurance has grown to fame over the years and is now recognized as a standard church hymn. This hymn is one of Grandma Evelyn’s favorites and is perfect to honor her love of music and dedication to her community and family. https://www.joeemusic.com/
Anthem for Winds and Percussion (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
05:03

Anthem for Winds and Percussion (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

Anthem for Winds and Percussion by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp The original of this arrangement continues to be one of Claude T. Smith’s most performed works. The opening theme sparkles with rhythmic energy and harmonic structure that never grow old. The Andante section is a beautiful contrast to the main theme occurring in neighboring sections. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8059-00/
Symphonic Variations on Amazing Grace (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
05:23

Symphonic Variations on Amazing Grace (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

Symphonic Variations on Amazing Grace (Flexible Ensemble) by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp Amazing Grace is one of the most well-known spiritual songs known to date. Claude T. Smith cleverly created this band setting forming variations throughout. With Smith’s passing in December of 1987, this was one of the final works he produced. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8044-00/
Greensleeves (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
06:59

Greensleeves (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

Greensleeves by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp Grade: 4 Time: 6:58 Series: CTS Flexible Ensemble Series Brand: Claude T. Smith Publications, Inc. Year: 2022 “Greensleeves” dates to the 16th century as a traditional English folk song. Claude T. Smith created a masterful setting of this timeless classic providing many solo opportunities and melodic interest throughout all the sections of the band. The use of standard and contemporary harmonies gives the listener a wonderful experience. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8043-00/
Symphonic Variations on 'In Dulci Jubilo' (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
05:25

Symphonic Variations on 'In Dulci Jubilo' (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

Symphonic Variations on 'In Dulci Jubilo' by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp “Symphonic Variations on In Dulci Jubilo” promotes joy and celebration. ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ is Latin for ‘in sweet rejoicing’. The lovely choral beginning features the familiar carol “Good Christian Men, Rejoice,” and forms the groundwork for this unique setting of this timeless traditional Christmas carol. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8041-00/
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
04:22

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (A Christmas Prelude) by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a Christmas prelude originally commissioned by the Papillion, Nebraska Junior High School Symphonic Band under the direction of Kenneth A. Molzer. This widely popular song relates to Advent and Christmas. Claude T. Smith expanded upon the original hymn adding deeper musical interest to this already timeless classic. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as twelve musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8042-00/?
Symphonic Prelude on Adeste Fidelis (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
03:09

Symphonic Prelude on Adeste Fidelis (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

Symphonic Prelude on Adeste Fidelis (Flexible Ensemble) by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp This late 19th century Christmas carol, also known as “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, is a traditional favorite. Claude T. Smith masterfully crafted his arrangement of this cherished carol to form a symphonic prelude that continually pleases the performers and audience alike. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8068-00/
Chorale and Allegro (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp
06:05

Chorale and Allegro (Flexible Ensemble) Claude T. Smith/Arr. Earp

Chorale and Allegro by Claude T. Smith Arranged for Flexible Ensemble by Joseph Benjamin Earp “Chorale and Allegro” captivates the imagination with a solemn chorale. As this lush chorale closes, the mood quickly transforms into an energetic allegro section filled with excitement throughout. Claude T. Smith concludes the composition with intertwines the ideas from the allegro section with portions of the opening chorale leading to an enthusiastic ending. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. https://barnhouse.com/product/cts-8022-00/
bottom of page