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.
Now available by popular demand, "Ramrod" offers a super-sized serving of rammage. Originally heard played by the Santa Clara Vanguard, this was a meaty interlude within their aggressive show in 2003.
An homage to the groovy, retro sounds of classic American TV cop shows such as "S.W.A.T," "The Mod Squad," and "The Streets of San Francisco." An enjoyable piece for medium to advanced percussion ensembles.
This piece uses a variety of textures, instruments, and techniques to create a driving and intense feel. With complex rhythms and an organic ostinato, this piece offers an intense and entertaining experience.
Available by popular request! Spice Mon is a cadence originally written for the 1993 SCV Cadets drumline, and used as a popular demo for the Virtual Drumline sample library.
Written for eight percussionists of intermediate to beginning skill levels. This piece is sure to be a hit among high school percussion ensembles and audiences alike!
During our recent website redesign, some passwords may not have carried over. If you’re unable to log in, please reset your password by selecting the “Lost your password” option. Thank you for your understanding!
