By Mary-Justine Lanyon
The gift of music bestowed on five strings students was evident in their playing at the Arrowhead Arts Association gala, held on Oct. 11 at the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge.
The teachers who gave that gift to the students – Mui-Yee Barry, Linda Wilson and Diane Grady – were honored at the gala.
The five young musicians – James Phillips, Adam Merrall, Hallie Joy, Hollie Mayhugh and Addie Epstein – played during the dinner. Their repertoire ranged from classical pieces to pop.
Sharon McCormick, president of the AAA board, introduced Erin Zhou, who played a piece by Bach in honor of Barry and Wilson. “Thank you for all of your support and fostering my joy in music,” Erin said to her teaches.
Erin Zhou played a piece by Bach in honor of two of her teachers – Mui-Yee Barry and Linda Wilson.
McCormick then called each of the honorees up and presented them with flowers.
“I love all the arts,” Grady said. “It’s very important for students to study them.” McCormick read several letters from students who wrote “you’re the best” to Grady.
“It’s serendipity that we found Mui-Yee Barry,” Ken Camarella, the AAA vice president, said. He recalled her played a few years ago at the AAA Fall Festival. He was delighted to learn that she had moved to Lake Arrowhead.
Barry said she started playing the violin at the age of 5. “It was my favorite toy,” she said.
Wilson noted that she loves teaching. “I love seeing their eyes light up when they do something good and they know it’s good. I have loved working with the kids and will miss their faces. Some don’t play so well but they’re trying.”
“You teach them more than just music,” McCormick said to the three teachers. “They have skills to be successful in life. You give them a direction even if it’s not music.”
The students then talked about how they came to play their stringed instruments.
James Phillips said he started playing violin 4-1/2 years ago. “I remember my first violin lesson,” he said. “I really love playing. Miss Mui has taught me so many life skills. It’s like learning from a friend.”
Sharon McCormick (far left) with the three teachers who were honored at the AAA gala: Diane Grady, Mui-Yee Barry and Linda Wilson.
Hallie Joy has played since she was 6. She expressed her gratitude for finding AAA, which enabled her to take private lessons with Miss Mui.
Adam Merrall thanked Linda Wilson for being his private teacher. “I’m grateful for her patience,” he said.
Erin Zhou remembered going to an AAA concert. “I fell in love with how it sounded,” she said. “Both Linda and Miss Mui have helped me grow.”
The quintet included two alumni as well as the three current students.
Hollie Mayhugh started playing in 2014. “I studied violin and viola with Linda. She sparked my interest in teaching others. I use it every day in my classroom.”
Cellist Addie Epstein started her music studies in fifth grade. “It’s crucial,” she said, “to have a great teacher when you’re first learning. I love the cello so much. I wouldn’t be where I am without Arrowhead Arts. I love chamber music.”
McCormick then conducted a Raise the Paddle through which they raised several thousand dollars. As she called out each bid amount, she explained what those funds would cover, such as a private lesson.
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