Chase McCay Profile Picture.jpg

Chase McCay

Composer, Arranger, Engraver, Conductor, and Trumpeter

“…shows a strong command of the wind ensemble… a deep understanding in traditional wind band writing, as well as a fresh, new sound.”

Chase McCay (b. 2003) is an award-winning composer, arranger, trumpeter, and conductor from Austin, Texas. Hailed as "beautiful, honest, and alive," his music has been performed by esteemed ensembles such as the Austin Symphony Orchestra as well as concert bands, marching bands, chamber ensembles, choirs, and orchestras around the United States. He was also the first college freshman to have a work premiered with the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra.

Chase is currently pursuing a B.M. in Composition at The University of Texas at Austin, studying with Dr. Donald Grantham, Dr. Alyssa Weinberg, Dr. Russell Podgorsek, and Omar Thomas. He has also served as a professional music engraver for Farkhad Khudyev, Donald Grantham, and many others. 

Demo Recordings

Coming Soon!

Testimonials

  • “Chase McCay is quickly establishing himself as a fresh new voice in the wind band repertoire. His craftsmanship, orchestration, and professionalism show maturity beyond his years. His music is ambitious yet achievable and thrilling for an ensemble to perform. The quality of his music is evident in the numerous accolades he has already accumulated, but it's his quality as a human that makes him so special. Chase takes great care of every detail in his projects and is a joy to work with in any capacity, whether you are simply purchasing a piece or having him guest conduct.”

    CHERYL LEE

    Director of Bands — L.C. Anderson High School

    M.M. Conducting — University of Kansas

  • “From the first time I met Chase, I was immediately struck by the quality of his music and its visual presentation. His beautiful, polished scores set up performers for success in the concert hall. His melodies are tuneful and memorable, and he understands how to develop themes in a satisfying way. Using the full range of instrumental techniques at his disposal, he writes emotional and exciting music that is deeply personal. Anyone would be extremely lucky to work with Chase.”

    AUSTIN ALI

    B.M. Composition — The University of Texas at Austin

    M.A. Composition — University of California, Los Angeles

  • “I've had the pleasure of knowing Chase personally and professionally for the last three years and he has shown a strong commitment to excellence in all aspects of his work. From collaborating with other musicians to his music itself, he is incredibly professional and highly skilled. His work, Verdant Anthology, shows a strong command of the wind ensemble that demonstrates a deep understanding in traditional wind band writing, as well as a fresh, new sound. I cannot recommend Chase enough as an artist, both professionally and personally.”

    KEVIN CHAROENSRI

    Composer & Pianist — The University of Texas at Austin

  • “Chase McCay is a wonderful young composer whose music is beautiful, honest, and alive.”

    FARKHAD KHUDYEV

    Director of Orchestras — The University of Texas at Austin

    B.M. — Oberlin Conservatory

    M.M. Orchestral Conducting — Yale University

Upcoming Events

Next Premiere

TBD

Ensemble TBD

Austin, TX, USA

Current Project

Liberty Catalyst (2024)

“Liberty Catalyst” is a journey from oppression to liberation. Inspired by the courage and resilience of the Hong Kong protestors, the piece captures the spirit of freedom amidst oppression using otherworldly soundscapes and stirring harmony. With its intricate motivic development and grand theatrics, "Liberty Catalyst" is a captivating musical tribute to the enduring fight for freedom and justice in an authoritarian world.

Recent Recordings

Euphoric Dawn (2021)

The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra

Verdant Anthology: III. Heart Lake (2022)

University of Kansas Wind Ensemble

Songs of Bulgaria: III. Svatba! (2023)

for Wind Ensemble - MIDI

Westward, Pointed Up (2023)

for Symphony Orchestra - MIDI

Euphoric Dawn

Chase’s 2021 piece for orchestra, Euphoric Dawn, is the winner of the 2022 University of Texas Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. In May 2022, the piece was performed and recorded by the UT Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gabriela Mora Fallas, and overseen by Maestro Farkhad Khudyev. At the concert, Chase became the first college freshman to ever secure a performance with UTSO.

Westward, Pointed Up

Chase’s 2023 work for symphony orchestra, Westward, Pointed Up, is an adventurously thrilling journey that threads the needle between classic western film scores and science-fiction epics.

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Videos

High-quality content including score study videos, reductions, mockups, and live performances of Chase’s original work.

Millennium Composers Initiative

In 2022, Chase was inducted to the Millennium Composers Initiative (MCI)—an organization created to connect composers from across the globe to create new music in a variety of contemporary styles. Click below to view his profile page on the MCI website.

Follow

Consider following Chase on social media to stay up-to-date on his current and upcoming projects, performances, and collaborations.