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Limestone University (2017-2021)

Joseph Earp worked at Limestone University (Gaffney, South Carolina) as Director of Athletic Bands.   Some notable moments at Limestone University included:

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  • Productive recruitment for the department of music with the reorganization of the high school honor band event and the creation of Reading Band Day hosting over 250 high school students annually.

  • Strengthened the relationship between athletics and band during the summer of 2018 with the addition of the pep band now performing at fall basketball games and the marching band attending select away football games in addition to home games.

  • Created several community performance opportunities for the Marching Saints, performing exhibition at high school band competitions, local middle and high schools, and assisted living facilities.

  • Marching Saints auditioned and led one of the 2019 prime time parades in Magic Kingdom (Disney World)

  • Premiered Dr. Earp's compositions for concert band with the wind ensemble and high school honor bands.

  • 2018 keynote speaker for the Olde English Consortium (Upper State School Districts of South Carolina)

  • Created LU's first virtual band experience for high school band students.

  • Arranged the music and wrote the drill for the Marching Saints halftime shows offering apprenticeships for student writers.

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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