Special to HCN
The Pinnacle Women’s Club was treated to a performance by the Pinnacle Musical Society on March 14, at the Pinnacle Club. The Pinnacle Musical Society, or as they refer to themselves, “The PMS”, is composed of three members: John Magee, violin; Debbie Ellsworth, piano; and Leslie Mullins, flute. These musicians often perform at various Philadelphia theater events and are acclaimed in the region.
John Magee opened the program by explaining “nobody orchestrates music for violin, flute and piano; consequently all the arrangements have been written by ourselves.” He added, “We have been playing together for about two and a half years, because, for us, it is fun to play with other musicians. Our objective is to foster live music here at the Pinnacle.” The PMS has provided several musical evenings for neighbors and friends, but this was their public debut.
The music chosen for the program featured a variety of musical styles. Included were: Annie’s Song written by John Denver; The Swan written by the French composer Camille Saint Saens; Unchained Melody written by Alex North; Consolation #3 by Franz Liszt; Lara’s Theme by Maurice Jarre; Can Can by Jacques Offenbach; and The Allegro by Wolfgang Mozart.
John Magee began violin lessons when he was 6 and studied for 12 years. He played in the Blackpool Symphony Orchestra in his hometown of Blackpool, UK. After moving to the US, John played with an Irish group, and with a pick up country band in California for about three years. For many years before moving to the Pinnacle Club, he played only casually. When he met two musical neighbors, Debbie Ellsworth and Leslie Mullins, he asked them to join him in playing for fun.
Leslie Mullins began studying the flute when she was 12, and played through high school and college. While living in New York, she was a member of The Rockville Centre Concert Band, The Kismet Temple Shrine Band and The Rockaway Five Towns Orchestra. Leslie said “my passion is classical music, but I enjoy playing all types of music”. She is currently a member of The Tyler Community Band.
Debbie Ellsworth took piano lessons in Kansas until her mid-teens. She played at her church, (when her arm was twisted) and accompanied both vocalists and instrumentalists for recitals and UIL competitions. Debbie stopped playing for many years, until John encouraged her to join his small group. She is glad she did, “I am really enjoying it”.
Janet Noblitt, PWC Program Chair, was the inspiration behind this delightful musical program. The three musicians received a standing ovation and Janet said “we are delighted with their performance. We will need to do this again.”