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, conductor, and music engraver from Austin, Texas. Deeply influenced by the expressive language of film music, his works explore the emotional depth of the human experience, with emphasis on history and the natural world. Chase was the first college freshman to be premiered with The University of Texas Symphony Orchestra and his music has been commended by respected conductors such as Farkhad Khudyev, who describes his work as “beautiful, honest, and alive.”

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition at The University of Texas at Austin, Chase has studied with renowned professors such as Donald Grantham, Alyssa Weinberg, Russell Podgorsek, Yevgeniy Sharlat, and Omar Thomas. In addition, Chase is also an accomplished music engraver, whose skills have enabled several high-profile performances at the Butler School of Music, representing distinguished composers. Chase is 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

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.

Social Media

When describing my professional skills, I often use three words: composer, conductor, and engraver. The first two terms are pretty self-explanatory—but I often get questions about what “engraver” really means. In short, music engr
Last Saturday was a dream come true in Bates Recital Hall. In collaboration with my friend, Tanner Walterman, we organized an entire wind ensemble to premiere six works for our senior composition recital. I cannot convey my gratitude enough to the pl
In just 30 days, join us for the culmination of four years of composition at The University of Texas—a thrilling premiere of six wind ensemble works by Tanner Walterman and Chase McCay Conductors: T.J. Anderson and Dr. Tyler Ehrlich Featuring
The University of Texas Concert Band had a wonderful performance of “Svatba!” last Sunday, with fantastic conducting by Dr. Tyler Ehrlich. The multicam recording is up on YouTube now! LINK IN BIO 🔗 #concertband #newmusic #windensemble
Next stop for “Svatba!”… Bates Recital Hall at The University of Texas. Conducted by the wonderfully talented Tyler Ehrlich (@tlehrlich). It’s a great honor to share the program with two phenomenal composers. Join us if you c
NEW RELEASE ALERT: Songs of Bulgaria (2024) 🇧🇬 Wind Ensemble • Grade VI • 15:00 Available to stream on YouTube & SoundCloud (MIDI) OR for purchase @ www.chasemccay.com LINK IN BIO 🔗
I had a wonderful time with the ACC Wind Ensemble last night for the world premiere (and encore) of my piece, “Svatba!” I am honored to have been able to work with so many great musicians, who showed me just how much the teaching proces
I’m excited to announce the world premiere of my piece, “Svatba!”, which will be performed by the ACC Wind Ensemble on April 18th, 2024 at 7:30pm. Hope to see you a week from today in the ACC music recital hall! Admission is free.