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Education and Publication

​Joseph Earp earned his Doctor of Music Education degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In 2019, Dr. Earp was inducted into the Omega Nu Lambda National College Honor Society based on his academic achievement at Liberty University. He earned his Master of Music in Music Education from Anderson University (Anderson, South Carolina – 2017).  ​

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Dr. Earp earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (North Carolina - 2006). During his time at UNC Charlotte, he studied trombone with Dr. Royce Lumpkin (former Music Department Chair – Retired) and conducting with Dr. Laurence Marks (former Director of Bands - Retired). He was selected to serve as student conductor for the UNC Charlotte Wind Ensemble during his semester prior to student teaching.  Dr. Earp is also a proud graduate of West Caldwell High School (Class of 2002 - Lenoir, North Carolina).

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In 2012, Robinson Suite became Dr. Earp’s first published composition by BKJ Publications. During the fall of 2017, he signed a contract for publication of his concert band music by RWS Music Company (Robert W. Smith, President and CEO) distributed by C. L. Barnhouse. In 2020, Dr. Earp started working with Claude T. Smith Publications (distributed by C. L. Barnhouse) involving transforming concert band compositions of Claude T. Smith to flexible ensemble arrangements. Just recently, Carl Fischer has been added as a publisher of Dr. Earp's compositions for instrumental ensembles.

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(Dissertation: First-Generation College Students' Lived Experiences in an Undergraduate Music Education: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study)

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(Article: "I think I have the parts covered, but my group still doesn't sound good!" - School Band and Orchestra)

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An American Hymnsong (Blessed Assurance) by Joseph Benjamin Earp
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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/
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