Rasaan Hakiem

A 25-year-old self taught musician, Rasaan was born and raised in the Eastchester section of the Northeast Bronx. Starting at age 12, Rasaan began his musical journey playing the pipe organ in Catholic parishes of the Archdiocese of New York. While a student at St. Raymond’s High School he developed that great gift of improvisation – one of the roots to a fine musician. In taking the classical path of improvisation Rasaan was introduced to such great composers like: Debussy, Stravinsky, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Bach, and Palestrina. In listening to these great poetic music writers, he adapted his musical genius with theirs. Rasaan now has found a deep love and passion for genres such as Jazz, and Gospel.Rasaan is now using his talents full–time ministering his music to his home parish community of Holy Rosary Church in Bronx, NY, where he is Director of Music, organist, and choirmaster of the parishes three Choral Ensembles. Currently outside his parish work, Rasaan is Assistant Conductor of the New York Master Choralem as well as Artistic Director and Conductor of the 30 voiced Secaucus Town Chorale based in Secaucus, NJ that performs two concerts per season.Asked by the Office of Black Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York, Rasaan for the past two years has been conductor of a chorus formed for the annual African American Heritage Celebration held at the esteemed St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In expanding his talents Rasaan is now composing a three work score for an indie filmmaker here in New York City. While working on an undergraduate degree at Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ, Rasaan developed an interest in conducting, under Dr. James Jordan. Within his keyboard studies he has studied with Dr. Robert Owen, and Dr. Christa Rackish."Bourke directs the choir like he's playing a fine violin, coaxing wonderful performances string by string." (The Secaucus Reporter)