Quotable Quote

 

The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There is also a negative side. (Hunter Thompson)

Choral Music by Tom Rasely

* Click on the "sample" or "view" links for an mp3 or video of any title listed.

* Click on the "purchase" link to download the pdf score. The price marked is a one-time licensing fee; make as many copies as you need- no limits.

[Once you have downloaded your opy of the pdf, we ask you to follow a policy of not sharing it with anyone else. Not to be too blunt about it, but that would be illegal- not to mention that we wouldn't exactly appreciate it. Please pass the URL link to this page to any other choir directors you know; and you may be interested in the short biographical sketch at the bottom of this page.]

 The Best of Times (SATB w/piano)

This is a 7 song cycle on texts from the writings of Charles Dickens. Each section can stand alone, but it works really well as a complete set also. 2012 marks the bicentennial of Dickens’ birth. This is a perfect way to introduce some great literature into your music program.

Video preview (live performance)

Purchase ($24.98)

 Rivers in the Desert (SATB w/piano)

This anthem features a lovely melody, with unisons balancing very simple parts. Based on Isaiah 41.

mp3 sample (live performance)

Purchase ($8.98)

 Simple Song of Praise (SATB w/piano)

An effortless anthem for any choir to learn; useful any time of the church year.

mp3 sample (live performance)

Purchase ($8.98)

 God's Gift of Music (SATB w/piano, oboe, aux. keyboard)

A larger work in 6 sections (4 of which can work as stand-alones), this piece was commissioned by the Monday Evening Musical Club in Norwich, NY for their 100th anniversary. With texts by Douglas V. Rose, this piece celebrates music, and can be used by school choirs as well as church choirs.

view concert video (live performance of Part 6)

Purchase ($24.98)

 Your Promise to Build (SATB w/piano)

A strong melody, with lyrics by Douglas V. Rose, this anthem works well for many church celebrations: membership drives, new pastor installations, graduation service, etc. “Your promise to build a house for me encourages me to pray,” this text is based on II Samuel, chapter 7.

mp3 sample (Finale files, no vocals)

Purchase ($8.98)

 Pslam 89 (SAB w/piano)

“We will sing of the love of the Lord forever!” A beautifully simple anthem with a strong melody; perfect for small choirs.

mp3 sample (Finale files, no vocals)

Purchase ($8.98)

 Psalm 148 (SATB w/piano)

“Let everything praise the name of the Lord.” A very simple praise melody with easy parts.

mp3 sample (Finale files, no vocals)

Purchase ($8.98)

 Comical Folk (SATB a capella)

This wonderful little fuguing tune is based on a very silly Mother Goose rhyme; think William Billings in the 21st century. Makes a great encore piece.

mp3 sample (Finale files, no vocals)

Purchase ($8.98)

 Dmm Dmm (SSATB a capella)

I like to think of this little pastiche as an instrumental song for choir. There are no words, merely the syllables “Dmm Dmm” throughout. But it’s more than just an exercise; it’s an intricate arrangement with a lot of really interesting moving parts. The simple themes and slightly modal harmonies add to the charm of the piece. This song could easily become a choir favorite, and a definite audience pleaser.

mp3 sample (Finale files, live vocals mixed with Finale files)

Purchase ($8.98)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

So who the heck IS Tom Rasely?Tom Rasely (b. 1951) is a professional guitarist, composer, arranger, performer, teacher and recording artist; Tom received his musical education at Onondaga Community College (Syracuse NY) and SUNY Fredonia NY. He has composed over 600 pieces of music, and has played guitar on over 80 recordings. Tom has also appeared as guest artist with the Syracuse Symphony Holiday Pops, and performed twice at the White House.  Tom lives in southern Indiana with his wife and all their animals; they also have one daughter.]