Violinist Was Already a Mentor in Fourth Grade

As the prodigal violinist returns home to Piedmont, he is remembered fondly by his former Piedmont music teacher, Leonora Gillard.

The violinist,, brings his Manhattan Piano Trio to Piedmont for a concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the Alan Harvey Theater, 800 Magnolia Ave., Piedmont. Tickets are $22 for adults, $10 for students and $45 for reserved seats. They may be obtained online at Eventbrite.com (Manhattan Piano Trio), or by calling 510-595-4015.

Now retired, Gillard has stayed in touch with Lee, now 27, since the violinist left Piedmont for the Juilliard School and a career in New York: "Whenever he comes to town we go to lunch or play duets or something," she said.

“He was very skilled in the fourth grade, and I had beginners,” recalled Gillard, who played the oboe and French horn with the Oakland Symphony. “Even at that point, he was willing to help, like an assistant teacher — to be a model and a mentor. “

Piedmont is supportive of music and the arts, Gillard notes, citing the efforts of CHIME, Citizens Highly Interested in Music Education, a benefactor of a portion of the proceeds from Monday’s concert in Piedmont. However, Gillard added, in a career teaching for almost a half-century, she can only remember one year when music was not “on the chopping block.”

“This year looks scary; we might lose our fourth- and fifth-grade instrumental music program as we know it,” she said. “This is the grimmest I've ever seen it.”

The Manhattan Piano Trio was planning a concert in Gualala on the Mendocino coast. Lee said, “I’d love to play in my hometown.”

 So retired vocal instructor Mary Ann Benson and Gillard met with CHIME, and now the trio is coming to town. Monday