On Sunday, November 19, a large group of Steinway Society members, benefit sponsors and guests enjoyed a “Two Piano – Four Hands” concert in the recital hall at Steinway Piano Galleries. Host Gail Paschall-Brown from WESH-TV, Channel 2 News welcomed guests and introduced the first of two musical programs.
In “Classical Moods” Drucilla Engel, adjunct Professor of Piano at Valencia Community College and Dr. Michael Rickman, Professor of Piano at Stetson University enthralled the attendees with their musicianship. They received a standing ovation at the conclusion of their performance. Local jazz celebrities Carol Stein and Billy Hall presented their program, “Piano Jazz Improv”. Carol’s classy jazz singing style coupled with the piano artistry of Billy and Carol brought the audience to their feet. These exciting performances were a perfect beginning to a truly memorable day.
Steinway Society of Central Florida founders Kathy and Gary Grimes presented the vision of the Society – to provide economically challenged Central Florida children, with musical ability, a piano along with tuition assistance. They announced plans to fund a pilot piano lesson program in Orlando’s Callahan Neighborhood Center. Gary commented that Mayor Dyer’s City Kidz program had inspired he and wife, Kathy, to get involved the Parramore area of downtown Orlando.

Gary then introduced Mayor Dyer to present the PianoBank awards. Dyer prefaced the presentation by saying, “Studies have shown that playing a musical instrument, especially piano, raises test scores, makes the brain more efficient, and decreases the likelihood that kids will become involved in undesirable activities.” He continued, “The Parramore Kidz Zone is a program designed to help the children of Parramore and link them to positive opportunities including education, mentoring, tutoring, constructive activities, and health care.”
Mayor Dyer then introduced Leamon Stubbs, who received the first PianoBank piano. Leamon thrilled the crowd with his upbeat piano style. Stubbs will be assisting in the teaching program in Parramore, mentored by Billy Hall. Mayor Dyer then presented PianoBank pianos to the following children: Veronica Kelly, Bria Pierce, Aurius Everett, Toshmari Christmas, and sisters Brianna and Kierra Wiggins.
After the concert, Mayor Dyer posed for pictures with the children while guests enjoyed refreshments courtesy of Bubbalou’s Bar-B-Que and District Five Restaurant.
D. C. Moore & Son, Orlando’s leading piano delivery company, will deliver the PianoBank pianos, accompanied by Santa Claus, before Christmas.