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.

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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

Featured works

Concert band

Windstorm

(Alfred Publishing - Gr. 3)

The forecast: gusting winds, increasing tempi, with a mix of powerful brass, thunderous percussion, and 100 percent chance of participation. Commissioned by The Country Day School Concert Band in King City, Ontario, _Windstorm_, by Vince Gassi will sweep over your audience like a powerful tempest, the calm before the storm foreshadowing the gentle Zephyr calmly flowing through the lyrical section.

Ring Christmas Bells

(Alfred Publishing - Gr. 2.5)

Bells, carols, joyousness. Everything you need for the season. Well, except, that is, this delightful new setting of the Bell Carol. Familiar yet fresh, old yet new. It’s even got a twist of lemon.

CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS

(Wingert Jones - Gr. 2-2.5)

Circadian Rhythms oscillate, fluctuate, recapitulate. Harmonies resonate, melodies fascinate. Hand claps and foot stomps will captivate. So get in the groove and take your young musicians on a journey that gives every section an opportunity to “rhythm-ate”.

Accidental Intelligence

Gr. 2 (medium easy)

(Available from JW Pepper) Click here to purchase

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!

There’s Some Fiddle for Ya’

(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 and is dedicated to Emily Tuck and the many victims of the mass shooting in Portapique, Nova Scotia in 2020.

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.

Jazz Ensemble

Sleigh Bell Swing

(Advanced)

(Available from JW Pepper) Click here to purchase

Sleigh Bell Swing is a festive and energetic jazz arrangement 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 soloists on trombone, trumpet, and flugelhorn, adding expressive flair to the holiday classics. The saxophone section adds extra colour by doubling on flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet, creating a rich and dynamic palette of textures. 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.

Hark! The Herald Angels Swing

(Medium)

(Available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

Hark! The Herald Angels Swing gives a fresh, swingin’ twist to some of the most beloved holiday tunes. Anchored by Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, this festive medley seamlessly weaves in Good King Wenceslas, We Three Kings, and Angels We Have Heard on High, all reimagined with lively horn riffs, syncopated rhythms, and a driving jazz groove. Let the driving jazz groove, rich harmonies, and playful interplay between sections set the stage for your next holiday concert.

All For One

(Available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

(Medium-Advanced)

This high energy chart celebrates unity, teamwork, and the unstoppable power of groove. With driving rhythms, bold horn lines, and infectious swing, this piece brings the band together in a dynamic conversation—each player shining while contributing to the greater whole. Whether it's a tight ensemble riff or an electrifying solo, All For One proves that jazz is at its best when everyone’s in sync. Get ready for a thrilling ride where every note counts, and the groove never quits!

For Pete’s Sake

(Available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

(Advanced)

For Pete’s Sake pays tribute to the relentless drive and fiery spirit of hard-swinging big band music. Packed with crisp horn punches, tight ensemble work, and burning solo sections, this piece is designed to push players to their limits while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. From the blues-infused lines to the unexpected twists in harmony and rhythm, this chart delivers an electrifying ride from start to finish. Whether it’s a wailing sax soli, a roaring shout chorus, or a hard-grooving rhythm section, this chart is all about passion, power, and pure jazz energy. Buckle up and let it rip!

Bob is NOT my Uncle!!

(Available from JW Pepper) Click here to purchase

(Medium)

Have you ever heard the phrase “Bob’s your uncle” and wondered, Who’s Bob? And why is he my uncle? Well, this high-energy funk tune takes that idea and runs with it—straight into a groove so deep, you might never climb out! This “Gut Bucket Funk” chart lays down a greasy, infectious groove from the very first note. The rhythm section sets the foundation with a heavy backbeat, locked-in bass line, and just the right amount of attitude. The piece shifts between bold, brassy statements and nimble, quick-moving lines, capturing the spirit of playful defiance. Solo sections for tenor sax and trumpet give space for players to stretch out and bring their own flavor to the mix, while the entire band gets in on the fun with tight, dynamic hits and unexpected twists. Whether you have an Uncle Bob or not, one thing is certain—this piece is all about fun, attitude, and a refusal to conform! So, hold on tight, lay it down funky, and remember… Bob is definitely NOT my uncle!

Dante’s Hot House

(Available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

(Medium-Advanced)

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)

Breezy Bossa

(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"!!

More Concert Band

Lights of the Aurora

(Eighth Note Publications Gr. 3) click here to purchase

The Northern Lights appear when energized particles from the sun crash into Earth's upper atmosphere at enormous speeds. Lights of the Aurora explores harmonies that are mystical, motifs that are celestial, rhythms that are powerful; all inspired by those "dancing ribbons of light." (3:55)

String Orchestra

Agent Arco: licensed to trill

(PEPPER EDITORS’ CHOICE) - click here to purchase

(Alfred Gr. 2.5)

Chills, spills, and trills! Agent Arco faces her most dangerous assignment yet! Being licensed to trill is one skill she must use judiciously. Up bow, down bow, you name it, she's on the case. Pulsating, tuneful, and harmonically interesting, the energy sustains throughout. Add a touch of suspense to your next program!

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.

more featured pieces

FULL ORCHESTRA

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)