Jay Coles

From Wind Repertory Project
Jay Coles

Biography

Jay Coles (b 17 December 1995, Indianapolis, Ind.) is a composer, conductor, author, and clinician.

Mr. Coles holds degrees in liberal arts, english, education, and music from Vincennes University and Ball State University. He has come to be known as an emerging and distinguished young composer and is rapidly making his debut on many programs across the globe. Jay’s first composition for wind ensemble, a self-published grade 5 piece entitled Orchesis: Legends of Thailand, was premiered in Wakayama-Shi, Japan. Jay credits composers and mentors Brian Balmages, Larry Clark, Ryan Main, and Michael Markowski for their guidance and many lessons that continue to shape his music—all those lessons that motivate him to thrive as a composer.

Jay’s performance background is very eclectic. He has performed in numerous jazz ensembles, wind ensembles and pep bands, and currently plays bassoon and euphonium professionally. He is also the lead pianist and residential composer for his church, where he has arranged and composed many works for small choirs and chamber orchestras. He maintains a tight and busy schedule of composing and arranging, performing, and traveling. Additionally, Jay has composed numerous works for wind band for just about every level.

In addition to composing, Jay has written several novels over the years, including the upcoming Black Lives Matter-inspired standalone, “Tyler Johnson Was Here’ which is expected to be released in the spring of 2018.


Works for Winds

Adaptable Music

  • Dystopia (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)


All Wind Works


Resources