Lee Bingham is Recipient of First GPAC Arts Award by Jan Linehan
Were they thinking about Lee Bingham and all that she has contributed to the musical scene at the Glenridge? Or reflecting on the appropriateness of establishing a GPAC arts award? Which came first? Or did the thoughts just naturally merge in one of those “of course!” moments of inspiration? Whatever the genesis of the idea, Leola Hoke Bingham – “Lee” to Glenridge folk – is being honored tonight, June 1, as the first recipient of the GPAC Arts Award, organized on behalf of the Glenridge by Kat Mathews, Director of Member Services, and Ben Turoff, Theater Manager. A dinner and a presentation attended by Glenridge Singers and Lee’s friends will mark the occasion.
After Bing’s death, Lee became one of the early residents at the Glenridge – and so a new tale of musical service began. Her first foray was with a men’s choral group in a March 2006 presentation, but Glenridge women felt they too had talents to contribute, and soon the Singers as a community chorus came into being. Not only has the group, under Lee’s direction, given the participants an opportunity to revive longdormant musical skills, it has also fostered a great sense of camaraderie. Beyond simply directing the Singers, however, and planning, leading and accompanying their several-times-yearly GPAC concerts, Lee has spearheaded men’s only musical programs on Veterans Days, Christmas A Musical Education caroling on the grand staircase Lee’s musical skills were esand in the health center, monthly tablished early: At age four she birthday sing-along celebrations started playing the piano under Lee Bingham in the Thistle Stop, and particiher mother’s tutelage and soon pation in memorial services for went on to try other instruments. By high school she former Singers. And she can often be found playing was active in orchestra, played the organ at church, the piano in the Thistle Stop just because she loves to and was in a jazz band. As the years went on, she play. Music, music, music – and extending its pleaobtained an undergraduate degree in education and sures to others – are the hallmarks of her life. a master’s degree in music education, and found her Kat Mathews and Ben Turoff, on behalf of the Glenworking niche teaching in high schools, serving as ridge, anticipate that the awards presentation will be pianist, organist and choir director in churches, and an annual June event. Its objective will be “to recogleading community choral groups. nize people who make a major contribution to the arts A Career of Many Kudos scene at The Glenridge.” Lee’s husband’s naval career in World War II took them to various parts of the country, but she was always able to find an eager employer for her special IN MEMORIAM talents. After his retirement from the Navy and transition to the private sector, opportunities for her to use Ilene Baruch her musical skills, both professionally and as a volunKalo Parmelee teer, continued, until “Bing’s” failing health brought them to Sarasota. Even then she found ways to offer “What a beautiful difference her artistry to her community. Testimonials from the schools and churches that one single life can make.” have benefited from her expertise are evidence of the high regard in which she has always been held. JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2011
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