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, and orchestras around the United States. Chase was also the first college freshman to have a work premiered with the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Composition at The University of Texas at Austin, Chase has studied with renowned professors such as Dr. Donald Grantham, Dr. Alyssa Weinberg, Dr. Russell Podgorsek, and Omar Thomas. In addition to his compositional work, Chase is an accomplished music engraver. His engraving skills have made several high-profile performances at the Butler School of Music possible, representing distinguished composers such as Donald Grantham and Farkhad Khudyev. Chase is also a four-year member of The University of Texas Longhorn Band.

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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
“I've had the pleasure of knowing Chase personally and professionally for the last four 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
“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
“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

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Upcoming Events

Senior Composition Recital

April 12, 2025

Bates Recital Hall | The Butler School of Music — Austin, TX, USA

The North Austin Winds

More Info

Current Projects

2025  |  Grade 3  |  ca. 5'

Liquid Gold Sky

2025  |  Grade 3  |  ca. 5'

Echoes of the Frontier

Recent Recordings

Euphoric Dawn (2021)

The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra

Songs of Bulgaria (2024)

for Wind Ensemble - MIDI

University of Kansas Wind Ensemble

Heart Lake (2022)

Westward, Pointed Up (2023)

for Symphony Orchestra - MIDI

Songs of Bulgaria

Chase’s newly composed work for band, Songs of Bulgaria, is a beautiful celebration of Bulgarian culture—comprised of unique interpretations of three traditional Bulgarian folk songs, the work captures the stark sonorities and powerful harmony of the Balkans in the context of a symphonic wind ensemble.

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.