Jim Casella is a composer and music publisher based in Portland, Oregon, USA. He is best known for the music he’s created for percussion ensembles and the drum corps' Santa Clara Vanguard (Santa Clara, CA) and Cavaliers (Rosemont, IL). His musical emphasis on color, melodic drum writing, and a tightly woven blending of the full ensemble has contributed to DCI championships, high percussion awards, and has influenced new generations of modern, holistic percussion arrangers.
Beyond his work in the marching arts, Casella's concert music has been performed across the globe. His music weaves elements of contemporary minimalism, groove-based hooks, and a complex blend of timbres well suited to percussion instrumentation. His work as a composer has contributed to the creative, and ever-evolving world of percussion writing, notation, and technology. In addition to his work in the percussion industry, Jim has composed music for film and advertising.
Tapspace, the company Casella co-founded with Murray Gusseck, is one of the leading publishers of percussion music in the world. He pioneered and produced the versatile software sample library, Virtual Drumline – an industry-favorite tool used for over two decades by designers for marching band, drum corps, and indoor percussion, in addition to being used frequently by notable film, media, and concert composers.
Casella’s signature series of drumsticks and keyboard mallets are manufactured by Innovative Percussion and are popular worldwide. He has served on the board of advisors for the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) (the world’s largest percussion organization), and is a member of The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Jim Casella endorses Pearl/Adams instruments, Innovative Percussion sticks & mallets, Zildjian cymbals, and Remo drumheads.
Inspired by accounts of an expedition to Mt. Everest, this aggressive composition depicts determination and danger. It features a quartet of marimba players backed by seven multipercussionists and piano.
Odd meter, ostinato-driven work for larger ensemble (15-17 players) that explores mathematically overlapping patterns in 7/8 time. Requires groove, balance, and strong ensemble timing skills.
A downloadable, student-modeled version of the flagship book UP FRONT. Specifically tailored for individual players, this product contains most of the Technique and Exercises chapters from the original book at a fraction of the cost.
This solo for djembe requires the drum to be amplified and effected with digital delay. It also calls for a prayer bowl and audio soundscape accompaniment.
A piece designed to imitate a tense, action-packed, horror soundtrack. Using a fairly large instrumentation including piano, a variety of percussive effects are used to create an eerie, creepy atmosphere.
This piece is designed for young/intermediate ensembles as a sort of sequel to "Technology." It can be performed by itself as an octet, or by a full wind ensemble.
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