CWJ Music House Publications

05/27/2026

We are thrilled to announce that CHRISTMAS EVE IN OLD MONTROSE has been officially released for sale! This work was originally composed by Robert “Joe” Welden and was expertly arranged for SATB choir by Kristen S. Burkhart and Christopher W. Johnson.

To our hometown of Montrose, Joe Welden was an icon – a pillar of the Montrose community, and a mentor to many musicians and artists alike. We’re so thankful that his legacy lives on through those whose lives he impacted, including our own. This arrangement is dedicated to Joe’s loving wife Esther Welden – a beloved grandma, cherished friend, and a heart that has brightened the Montrose community.

Christmas Eve in Old Montrose evokes memories of the holidays in an idyllic hometown, where carolers raise their voices amidst the falling snow, shoppers finalize their purchases, and everyone knows Santa is on his way. With lush chords and a gentle piano accompaniment, this arrangement will transport you to a simpler time and place – a hometown Christmas in old Montrose.

Original song by Robert "Joe" Welden, Arranged for SATB choir by Kristen S. Burkhart and Christopher W. Johnson

04/27/2026

Check out Viking Spirit and many other great pieces for band at jwpepper.com/myscore/cwjmusichouse

04/26/2026

We are honored to have earned J.W. Pepper Sheet Music Editors Choice for “Viking Spirit”!

This is the first time we have ever received such a distinction. Thank you Pepper for supporting the little guy!

Check out Viking Spirit here at https://www.jwpepper.com/viking-spirit-11629320/p

04/01/2026

Two NEW American Patriotic Edition works are coming soon, just in time for your upcoming patriotic festivities! AMBER WAVES for Marching Band, and GRACE & GLORY for Concert Band (with optional battery percussion parts also available soon!).

AMBER WAVES is a thrilling marching band arrangement of America the Beautiful. Originally arranged for the Montrose Marching Unit Alumni Band (Montrose, PA) to celebrate the USA’s upcoming 250th birthday, this patriotic classic features bold brass fanfares and driving percussion. Perfect for energizing your band and wowing audiences, it delivers excitement, pride, and pageantry from the first note to the last. An essential addition to your parade repertoire!

GRACE & GLORY combines the classic hymn "Amazing Grace" with the majestic "Battle Hymn of the Republic" into one powerful work set for the concert stage, but can be brought outside for parades with the optional battery percussion parts available separately!

These two exciting works will be the perfect "Salute to Independence" this July. Stay tuned for official release dates and preview materials!

03/29/2026

COMING SOON!

We look forward to the next release from C. Douglas Ballard, a concert march entitled GRACE AND GLORY.

11/20/2025

WORLD PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT!

It is with great pride and excitement that CWJ Music House Publications will premiere a (not so) brand new song!

CHRISTMAS EVE IN OLD MONTROSE, originally written by Robert “Joe” Welden, has been ingeniously scored for 4-part choir and piano by our own Kristen Burkhart! Thoughtful and nostalgic in feel, it will take you on a reminiscent journey back in time to a classic Montrose Christmas Eve that will warm the soul.

We will premiere this work at the Montrose Community Chorale holiday concert on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 pm, at the Montrose Presbyterian Church.

Trust me, you do not want to miss this new setting on a classic Joe Welden tune. Hope to see you there!

09/17/2025

Great news! The digital downloadable audio for VIKING SPIRIT (FLEX SCORE EDITION) is now available for sale on JW Pepper! These tracks are the audio only version of our already successful Practice Tracks YouTube playlist.

Available formats include full performance and percussion-dominant with click track.

Check them out at the product listing below:

Viking Spirit was commissioned by the Readington Middle School Vikings band program (NJ) and their director Mrs. Samantha Lestrange. When approached by Samantha, she noted to me that they wanted something bold like a fanfare or concert opener, something to challenge yet motivate and excite her stude...

09/01/2025

VIKING SPIRIT Flex Score Edition is now available on J.W. Pepper Sheet Music!

In the works, we also have downloadable Practice Tracks audio files being uploaded to the listing soon so you will be able to purchase and download these files straight from JW Pepper in addition to the QR codes in all student parts.

Check it out today!

Viking Spirit was commissioned by the Readington Middle School Vikings band program (NJ) and their director Mrs. Samantha Lestrange. When approached by Samantha, she noted to me that they wanted something bold like a fanfare or concert opener, something to challenge yet motivate and excite her stude...

08/30/2025

Attention Band Directors! Looking for something new for your band this year? Have a small band or one with non-standard instrumentation?

Whatever your situation, we have you covered! We offer standard and flex scores for a few of our selections. Check out VIKING SPIRIT and others at www.cwjmusichouse.com

08/29/2025

We are pleased to announce the release of VIKING SPIRIT- FLEX SCORE EDITION!

Viking Spirit was first commissioned by the Readington Middle School Vikings band program (NJ) and their director Mrs. Samantha Lestrange. When approached by Samantha, she noted to me that they wanted something bold like a fanfare or concert opener, something to challenge yet motivate and excite her students! The piece was premiered jointly with the Whitehouse Wind Symphony in May of 2025. This work is centered around the skill set of a developing middle school ensemble. It is structured in Rondo form incorporating catchy rhythms, strategic repetition, and thorough use of dynamics and expression to build interest around a powerful theme. While the high winds/strings carry the melody in the main theme, low winds/strings and percussion provide a solid bass line and rhythmic accompaniment. This flexible adaptation allows you to create unique instrument groupings within the instrumentation you already have. This gives you the opportunity to play the piece effectively and musically, even if you do not have a full band available to you. Strings parts (Edited by Mr. Alexandre F. Soares) are also included for an opportunity to form a flexible symphony orchestra. Fingerings are included as a guide in all string parts. As an added bonus, all student parts contain a scannable QR code to be able to practice along with the percussion section track and the full performance track via YouTube! If you're looking for an inspirational and fresh-sounding piece, this is sure to inspire your musicians and instill a profound sense of pride and spirit!

Flexible Edition Based on Viking Spirit for Concert Band. By Christopher W. Johnson; String Parts Edited by Alexandre F. Soares