Welcome!

This site features various works of mine that I hope you'll enjoy. For information on where to purchase an item, please contact your local music store or visit the  publisher's website.

For information on commissioning a work for your band, orchestra, or choir, or to inquire about composer workshops, please contact me. 

I hope you enjoy my music. Thank you for visiting.

SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED WORKS

BE SURE TO SET YOUR YOUTUBE VIDEO SETTINGS TO THE HIGHEST RESOLUTION

Check out this article I wrote on how I use OmniFocus for music directing.

https://inside.omnifocus.com/vince-gassi

Click the link below to listen to my interview on Mark Connor's "Everything Band" Podcast (interview #69)

http://www.markjconnor.com/eb-podcast

 
DSC_1920.jpg
 

New Jazz Ensemble Works

Dante’s Hot House

Your next concert will heat up with this straight ahead, high energy, driving swing chart. It’s got just about everything with solos for Tenor Sax, Trumpet, and Piano. Also included are an ensemble shout chorus, a flaming hot sax soli, and a super hip trombone section soli. This chart will definitely raise the temperature! (Kitchen sink sold separately)

Dante's Hot House
Excelcia Music Publishing
Brewed in Rio
Kendor Jazz Ensemble

Brewed in Rio

Get ready to take a musical journey to the heart of Brazil with Brewed in Rio!, a spirited and flavourful samba that’s bursting with energy and Latin flair. Written for developing jazz ensembles, this piece blends catchy rhythms, colourful harmonies, and a laid-back groove that evokes the vibrant street scenes and sunny coastlines of Rio de Janeiro.

A feature spot for alto saxophone lets young soloists shine with an easygoing, melodic solo—perfect for players gaining confidence in improvisation or reading written lines. Syncopated rhythms and Latin percussion give the ensemble a chance to explore the essential samba feel while keeping things accessible and fun for all players.

Whether you're dancing in your seat or tapping your toes, Brewed in Rio! delivers a delicious taste of Brazil that’s sure to perk up any concert program!

New String Orchestra Works for 2026

Agent Arco: You Only Shift Twice
LEVEL: Gr. 2-2.5

Agent Arco: You Only Shift Twice

(JW Pepper Editor’s Choice)

Step into the world of spies, secret missions, and high-stakes adventure with Agent Arco: You Only Shift Twice! This thrilling piece for string orchestra puts young musicians in the role of a top-secret agent navigating daring escapes, mysterious disguises, and covert operations.

Accidental Intelligence
LEVEL: Gr. 2.5

Accidental Intelligence

(JW Pepper Editor’s Choice)

This new work is a fun and engaging piece designed to help young musicians develop confidence in reading and playing accidentals. Students will sharpen their awareness of accidentals, and enharmonic spellings, all while enjoying a lively and expressive musical journey. With its clever interplay of musical "accidents" and intelligent design, Accidental Intelligence turns the challenge of learning accidentals into an exciting adventure in sound!

 

CONCERT BAND

There Is Another Sky

(Wingert-Jones - Gr. 3-3.5)

(JW Pepper Editor’s Choice)

There Is Another Sky
Wingert-Jones Publications

Inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, There is Another Sky invites listeners into a world of hope, resilience, and quiet beauty. The poem speaks of a place beyond the struggles of life—an evergreen, sunlit realm that exists within the heart and mind.

The piece opens with a bold, triumphant fanfare, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey. As the tempo quickens, an energetic interplay of woodwind flourishes and commanding brass statements propels the music forward with vitality and momentum. Shifting textures and colours create a dynamic landscape, capturing the poem’s contrast between shadow and radiance. A serene, lyrical section provides a moment of reflection before the music surges once more, driving toward a powerful and uplifting conclusion.

Even in moments of despair, there is always another sky—one that remains bright and full of promise.

Sticky Notes

(Alfred Publishing - Gr. 2.5)

What begins as simple motion---a clap, a tap, a click---gradually builds into a tightly woven engine of sound, pulsing with precision and drive. A lyrical motif rises above the rhythmic undercurrent, adding contrast and lift as the stage transforms into a living, breathing beat---bold and unexpected. The energy builds, layer upon layer, toward a powerful crescendo of motion and sound. Ideal for developing ensemble timing and rhythmic awareness, Sticky Notes, by Vince Gassi, promotes listening, coordination, and student engagement---all wrapped in a fun, accessible package for young bands.

Sticky Notes

Accidental Intelligence

(Wingert Jones - Gr. 2-2.5)

(JW Pepper Editor’s Choice)

Accidental Intelligence
Wingert-Jones Publications

Accidental Intelligence is a fun and engaging piece for concert band designed to help young musicians develop confidence in reading and playing accidentals. Through playful melodies, surprising harmonic twists, and energetic rhythms, performers will encounter a variety of chromatic notes in a way that feels both natural and rewarding. The piece encourages students to sharpen their awareness of accidentals and enharmonic spellings, all while enjoying a lively and expressive musical journey. With its clever interplay of musical "accidents" and intelligent design, Accidental Intelligence turns the challenge of learning accidentals into an exciting adventure in sound!

Remember

Grade 2

(available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

This reverent, lyrical work is a setting for concert band of the East Coast fiddle tune “In Memory of Herbie MacLeod” by Jerry Holland.

Injecting a moment of calm, this work will serve as a reflective centrepiece at your next concert. Its emotional sincerity will appeal to your audiences and to your young musicians as well, providing them opportunities for expressive playing and sensitive ensemble collaboration.

Full orchestra

O Canada (Full Orchestra)

(Medium-Advanced)

This orchestral arrangement of O Canada opens with a broad, ceremonial fanfare, setting a tone of dignity and pride. The melody unfolds in a solemn, unhurried manner, allowing its familiar contours to breathe while highlighting the anthem’s natural strength and poise. Tasteful brass flourishes lend a sense of majesty, while woodwind figures add warmth, colour.

 

More Jazz

Alice in Wonderland

Grade 3

(Available from Sheet Music Plus - Click Here to Purchase)

This spirited arrangement of Alice in Wonderland reimagines the beloved standard as a high-energy instrumental feature for jazz ensemble. It showcases the lyrical beauty of the melody while injecting fresh rhythmic vitality and swing. Tenor sax and trumpet are given the spotlight and the chart’s upbeat tempo and dynamic ensemble writing keep the momentum driving forward. Blending sophistication with a sense of playful adventure, this arrangement invites listeners down the rabbit hole into a world of musical wonder. 

Free Bird Seed, 500 Yards

Grade 3

(Available from JW Pepper - Click here to purchase)

Inspired by the classic antics of Wile E. Coyote and his endless schemes to catch the Road Runner, Free Bird Seed, 500! Yards is a playful musical nod to the iconic signposts, wild chases, and cartoon chaos of Saturday morning nostalgia.

Driven by an up-tempo swing groove, this chart captures the frantic energy of a high-speed pursuit. The alto sax and piano soloists take centre stage, dodging and weaving through the ensemble’s tight punches, sudden stops, and surprise twists–much like the Coyote’s best-laid (and usually failed) plans. A brief but bold soli section for trombones, bass, and bari sax adds weight, swagger, and a touch of grit to the chase.

Perfect for developing bands, the piece offers rhythmic excitement, call-and-response lines, and plenty of opportunities for character and fun. Just watch your step… there might be an anvil overhead.

 

(JW PEPPER) click here to purchase

(Gr. 3)

Feel the spray in your face and the wind in your hair as this breezy Bossa transports your audiences to warmer climes. Let the catchy themes and gentle rhythms wash over you. As an added bonus, it's a great key signature workout with harmonies that are shifting yet smooth.

 
 

Who Wants Gum

(JW PEPPER) click here to purchase

(Grade 3)

Here’s a Jazz waltz your ensemble and audiences will really dig! Who Wants Gum features a lilting melody, cool chord changes, and hip contrapuntal writing which gives you that carefree sugarless sound.

Alto Sax and Trumpet share the head, setting the stage for the alto player to stretch out a bit later. Throw in some sizzling ensemble moments and you’re all set. Lighthearted and engaging, this piece is sure to leave your audience smiling—no sugar needed!

 
 

Hip Fingers

(JW Pepper) click here to purchase

(Grade 3)

This tune oozes cool!! An infectious theme repeats, unravels, and winds its way through the piece, picking up a little counterpoint on the way. Solos for trumpet and alto sax  solos unfold somewhere amidst the hustle and bustle. A quick key change, a sax soli, and presto change-o, we get back to the original head. All you can say at the end of this one is Du-u-ude"!!

 
 

Ensembles and Solos

rolls up the rim (percussion trio)

(Medium)

Available from jw pepper - Click here to purchase

When it comes to percussion ensembles, talk is not cheap, it's essential! Featuring an impressive array of things to hit, this "way cool" piece for things pitched and un-pitched alike will give percussionists and non-percussionists alike much to talk about.  Grooves, moves, and mallet blues; it's all good. So gather your posse now and just tell them to beat it!

 

Splash (for Brass Band)

(Advanced)

(Available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

Three movements (Windsurf, Floating, Jet Ski) capture the excitement and thrills of a day on the water. Ride the waves with the rhythmic energy and crisp harmonies of Windsurf. Written solos with chord changes will have you cookin' in no time. Floating slows it all down with a beautiful, lyric ballad for trombone with lush, watery backgrounds from the rest of the ensemble. Feel the spray in your face and driving momentum as you shoot the rapids in Jet Ski. Cool jazz licks and high chops abound, providing litres of opportunity for everyone to share the water sports in this piece. Life jackets are a must!!

Sleigh Bell Swing - Brass Quintet

(Advanced)

(Available from JW Pepper) Click here to purchase

Sleigh Bell Swing is a festive and energetic jazz arrangement for Brass Quintet that brings a fresh twist to beloved Christmas tunes. Infused with modern harmonies, swinging rhythms, and a vibrant big band sound, this piece takes listeners on a joyful holiday ride. The arrangement features exciting soli sections and showcases every member of the group, adding an expressive flair to the holiday classics. From cool, laid-back grooves to high-energy shout choruses, Sleigh Bell Swing delivers a spirited and sophisticated take on the season’s favourites—perfect for spreading holiday cheer with a touch of jazz.

 

(available through Alfred Publishing, SmartMusic, and Total SheetMusic)

Though you will hear either flute, trumpet, or tuba on these recordings, the solos are available for all wind and brass instruments with piano accompaniment. They also come with preparatory exercises and performance advice from the composer. Check out Alfred’s entire catalogue of Sound Innovation Solos for wind, brass, percussion, and strings.

METRO MORNING
LEVEL: Intermediate
MINDFUL MOMENT
LEVEL: Intermediate
SONG FOR US
LEVEL: Intermediate
 

more featured pieces

 

FULL ORCHESTRA

A CAMBRIDGE CAROL
Gr. 3.5

A Cambridge Carol

Alfred Publishing (Digital Download only) click here to purchase

A Cambridge Carol is a delightful full orchestra arrangement of "Ding Dong Merrily on High" and is sure to become a seasonal favorite with audiences. The tune dates back to the 16th century and the lyrics were added in the 20th century by English composer George Ratcliffe Woodword. The song appeared in his 1924 publication, The Cambridge Carol Book. Vince Gassi’s joyous harmonies and cheerful rhythms will immediately put you in the Christmas spirit! (3:30)

 

Copyright © 2021 Vince Gassi Music