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

Upcoming Events

Senior Composition Recital

April 12, 2025

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

The North Austin Winds

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.

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