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

 
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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.

New String Orchestra Works for 2026

Agent Arco: You Only Shift Twice

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

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

Windstorm

(Alfred Publishing - Gr. 3)

JW PEPPER EDITOR’S choice

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)

JW PEPPER EDITOR’S choice

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)

JW PEPPER EDITOR’S choice

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”.

 

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.

 

Jazz Ensemble

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.

 
 

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.

 
 

(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.

 

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)

 

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