Chase McCay

Composer • Arranger • Music Engraver

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“tuneful and memorable… emotional and exciting music that is deeply personal.”

Chase McCay (b. 2003) is an American composer, arranger, and engraver whose music bridges raw folk energy with a cinematic sense of scale. Characterized by strong melodic clarity and rhythmic drive, his work focuses on "achievable excellence"—crafting meticulously engraved, high-level scores that remain deeply accessible to performers.

A recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Chase’s music has been premiered by ensembles such as the UT Symphony Orchestra under Farkhad Khudyev, who describes his work as “beautiful, honest, and alive.” Deeply committed to the "Art of the Score," he maintains an active professional engraving practice alongside regular collaborations with ensembles across Central Texas.

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Upcoming Events

Echoes of the Frontier

Fall 2026

Ensemble TBA

Location TBA

Svatba! from Songs of Bulgaria

April 2, 2027

The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra

Bates Recital Hall | The Butler School of Music

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Testimonials

“I've had the pleasure of knowing Chase for the last five years, and he has shown a strong commitment to excellence in all aspects of his work… he is incredibly professional and highly skilled. He shows a strong command of the wind ensemble with 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
M.M. Composition | Michigan State Univ.
B.M. Composition | The Univ. of Texas
“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 ensembles to perform. Chase takes great care of every detail in his projects and is a joy to work with in any capacity.
CHERYL LEE
Director of Bands | Tulsa Community College
M.M. | University of Kansas
“I was immediately struck by the quality of Chase’s 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… he writes emotional and exciting music that is deeply personal. Anyone would be extremely lucky to work with Chase.”
DR. AUSTIN ALI
Ph.D. 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 Univ. of Texas
M.M. | Yale University
"It was a joy to collaborate with Chase, and I look forward to the next opportunity to do so!"
DR. TYLER EHRLICH
Assistant Director of Wind Studies | University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
D.M.A. | The Univ. of Texas

Looking to commission a new work or license existing material?

Chase collaborates with ensembles, universities, and directors on custom compositions, arrangements, and professional engraving.

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