David Horine of Horine’s Pianos Plus in Bloomington is one of the most knowledgeable piano technicians in the area, and he has the resumé to prove it. Active in the profession for over 30 years, his resumé boasts a list of impressive association memberships — like the Piano Technician’s Guild and Master Piano Technician’s Guild of America. He also consults with dozens of universities in Central Illinois and provides concert piano preparation for many concert venues.
During his tenure, David has provided service to hundreds of clients in the Bloomington-Normal area. Many of his clients are doctors, who also have an ear for music. David shares that it may come as a surprise to learn that many doctors are also accomplished musicians. “Some of these doctors are the area’s best kept secret,” shares Horine.
One More Item for the Resumé
Having already formed a relationship with the doctors, David rallied a group together to begin a fundraising event that is known today as Doctors in Concert . “I ran my idea by two friends, Deb Grieco and John Wohlwend, and with their help and hard work, our ‘Doctors in Concert’ event was born!” states Horine. This year marks the eighth annual event. “There is no other concert in the area that displays the musical talents of so many physicians in our community.”
“We’ve found that patients, family members, and acquaintances are curious to see a side of their physician they don’t see in the office,” states Horine. Musicians perform music from a broad spectrum of genres including romantic, classical, jazz, Russian dances, impressionistic, and original compositions. “We really shake the foundation!”
The Doctors Behind the Music
Craig Carmichael, MD, a pain management physician at McLean County Orthopedics, is among the list of performers. Dr. Carmichael will perform romantic compositions from the 1830s on the cello. Although he first began playing the violin at age 5, his parents switched him to the cello when he was eight. “My parents were tired of me running away when it was time to practice, it was easier to catch me when I was sitting down with a cello.” When asked, Dr. Carmichael shares that he most enjoys playing an instrument because, “it clears everything else from my mind.” Aside from the Doctors in Concert event, Dr. Carmichael also plays at Eastview Church.
As David Horine emcees the event, he will introduce the performers by adding a tidbit or two about each of the nine performers. Among the performers is one of David’s longtime clients — David Skillrud, MD, a pulmonologist in Central Illinois.
Dr. Skillrud has performed in all but one of the Doctors in Concert events. “Horine sold me my 9-ft Steinway 24 years ago. We’ve been in steady contact ever since,” says Dr. Skillrud. When asked if he believes in the research that suggests children who play an instrument are better students and learn skills they may apply for a lifetime, Dr. Skillrud comments: “Absolutely!” Dr. Skillrud began playing the piano in the second grade, and he’s played ever since. “I’ve met many people through the years who wish they never would have given up playing piano. I’ve never met someone who regretted beginning.”
The best part of playing the piano? Dr. Skillrud says, “It’s the emotional release.” Dr. Skillrud’s parents, both in their eighties, play the piano daily. “It’s relaxing for both of them, and keeps them mentally sharp.”
Mark your calendars to attend the eighth annual event, and witness Doctors in Concert! All proceeds benefit the Children’s Discovery Museum’s “Math and Music” exhibit. Charter Sponsors are: John Wohlwend, Jack Lewis Fine Jewelry; David Horine, Horine’s Pianos Plus; Jerry Sidek, Pip Printing; and Deb Grieco.