Thomas Grant Reese

It is with deepest sorrow that family members announce the passing of musician, composer, flautist and educator, Thomas Grant “Tom” Reese, 71, of Mount Joy.

A lifelong central Pa. resident, Tom was a profound presence on the regional music scene, and in the arts community at large, while friends from Elizabethtown Area High School remember him as well for his athletic ability. He was the 1970 State Champion Discobolus (discus thrower), an accomplishment that earned him an athletic scholarship to Hiram Scott College in Nebraska.

Tom was a prolific composer, arranger and performer,and he can be heard in music groups such as TRP (The Reese Project), Wyndfall, The Susquehanna Ensemble, and Muzette to name only a few. He recorded extensively with many artists, and his recording “Blue Etude”, by TRP received a GRAMMY nomination in 2002.

As a composer he has released many compositions that are indefinable by genre. His composition “Dark Moon Octet” integrates elements of jazz, rock, classical and folk music in a single piece, and his published book of sacred music, “Pastor’s Choice” features his arrangements of classic hymns for beginner to intermediate level instrumental ensembles. Tom’s compositional work for the Fulton Opera House’s “Youtheater” program, garnered four consecutive NEA awards in 2005, 06, 07 and 08.

He was also a long time board member on the Lancaster Summer Arts Festival, and a member of the Arts in Education and Arts in Special Education of Pa, from which his work received national recognition for innovations in arts education.

His brilliant artistry, incisive wit, and generous personality will be irreplaceable. 

Tom is survived by his wife and professional colleague Laurie, his brother and colleague Kirk, two daughters, two grand-daughters and a great- grandson.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Bube’s Central Hotel and Catacombs, on Sunday September 8 at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to; The Tom Reese Music Education Scholarship Fund: https://gofund.me/0c9edaf5