Chase McCay (b. 2003) is an award-winning composer from Austin, Texas, USA. His compositions have secured numerous performances with ensembles at both the secondary and collegiate level, including concert bands, marching bands, chamber groups, and full symphony orchestras.

His works for wind band are heavily inspired by early 20th century music, often drawing influence from Holst, Grainger, and Copland, as well as more modern composers like Ticheli, Giroux, and Grantham. In his music, Chase aims to “tell stories about our past, explore the beauty of our natural world, and reinvigorate the American dream with new light and positivity.”

Chase began composing in 2017 through the process of self-teaching, taking inspiration from modern composers in film. In his first two years of high school, he wrote over a half-dozen pep band arrangements and original fanfares for his marching band. In late 2019, he was commissioned to compose an honorary piece for his high school Wind Ensemble, which he rehearsed, conducted, and premiered with the band.

His music has received accolades and recognition in several composing competitions. His piece, K2, won fifth place in ASO’s Texas Young Composers Competition, earning him a live performance with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, and a publication with Ars Nova Press. His work, Euphoric Dawn, was recognized as the winner of the 2021-2022 University of Texas Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, in which Chase became the first college freshman to ever be programmed on a concert with UTSO.

Chase is currently pursuing a B.M. in Composition at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has received private mentoring with Dr. Donald Grantham and Dr. Alyssa Weinberg. He has served as a professional engraver for faculty composers such as Farkhad Khudyev and Donald Grantham, and is also a member of the Showband of the Southwest.