I wrote this piece after the extremely hot and dry summer of 2021 (with temps as high as 114F – rare for the Seattle area). Whenever the forecast suggested “a chance of rain”, we all eagerly hoped that water might actually fall from the sky, the way it used to. And, each time, we’d be disappointed – and still dry.

But early one morning, I awoke to a strange sound: a sort of a tapping… pattering… dripping sound. Rain! Real, wet, rainy rain!! I actually ran outside in my nightgown to stand in it, with outstretched arms and upturned face and puddle-eager toes. (I might even admit to dancing a bit… though that’s a completely different song.) It was glorious — and far too brief!

This piece, A Chance of Rain, was originally going to be a very spare piece, mainly pizzicato and descant guitar, with just a breath of low cello here and there — more like the light sprinkles we usually get. However, the cello got away from me, so now there’s a glorious downpour in the middle. So, get out your umbrellas, kick off your shoes, and enjoy!


Cello & guitar: Betsy Tinney
Music by Betsy Tinney