Chase

McCay

Composer, Arranger, Engraver, Conductor, and Trumpeter

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“…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 American composer, arranger, and engraver whose music bridges raw folk energy with a cinematic sense of scale. Defined by driving rhythms and melodic clarity, his work focuses on "achievable excellence"—a commitment to crafting meticulously engraved scores that remain accessible to ensembles without sacrificing emotional or technical depth.

His music has been featured in a wide range of professional and academic settings, from the landmark premiere of his orchestral work Euphoric Dawn by The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra to his ongoing collaborations with concert bands across Central Texas. Chase’s artistic ethos has earned the trust of conductors like Farkhad Khudyev, who describes his work as “beautiful, honest, and alive.”

Beyond the concert stage, Chase maintains an active professional engraving practice. Viewing notation as a sacred contract between composer and performer, he dedicates himself to the “Art of the Score”—a philosophy that has made him a sought-after collaborator for faculty and guest artists seeking high-level performance materials.

Chase holds a B.M. in Composition from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied under the mentorship of Donald Grantham, Yevgeniy Sharlat, and Omar Thomas.

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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
B.M. Composition — The University 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
M.M. Conducting — University of Kansas
“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… 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 University of Texas at Austin
M.M. Orchestral Conducting — 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 University of Texas at Austin

Looking to commission a new work or license existing material?

I collaborate with ensembles, universities, and directors on custom compositions, arrangements, and professional engraving.

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