Hillcrest Healthcare has awarded Farragut High School graduate Elizabeth “Ella” Ann Pinchok with The Gifted Guitarist Legacy Award in honor of Richard L. David, who played for residents and staff and passed away last year.
“Richard was a cherished resident who lived in the Beverly Park Place community,” said Barry Davis, CEO of Hillcrest Healthcare. “He spent a lifetime around guitars and entertained the team and his fellow residents by playing his Harmony guitar. He lifted everyone’s spirits through his music and we’re so glad to keep his memory and love of music alive through this award. Ella is such an outstanding and well-rounded student, musician and person, and we congratulate her as she continues to share her music.”
Pinchok, who will study music education in the fall as a University of Tennessee freshman and will march with the Pride of the Southland Band, received David’s acoustic Harmony guitar as the honoree at special ceremony on May 24.
A brief biography of Richard accompanied the award entry and described him as strong, spunky and someone who enjoyed helping others though his musical abilities. He was born and raised in Syracuse, New York, and started taking guitar lessons at 10 years old. He went on to serve in the United States Coast Guard, complete his degree, then went to work for his father-in-law in the family guitar shop business and eventually opening his own shop.
He arrived at Beverly Park Place with his guitar and played in the lobby, outdoors, for special events, during sing-alongs and in religious services. During the afternoon hours he would often play his guitar for residents experiencing a difficult time – such as those agitated due to dementia.
He told the staff, “God gave me this ability to help and minister to others. To Him I give all of the glory.”
Before David passed away last year, he had gifted the Beverly Park Place community his Harmony guitar. To honor him, the community decided to gift his guitar to a Knox County Schools performing arts student who exemplifies David’s passion for music and the desire to impact others.
Pinchok, who graduated from Farragut High School, was chosen based on an extensive list of credentials, which includes regional performances, high school band, theatre, original songwriting, multiple music accolades and advanced music classes.
She served as drum major for the Farragut High School Marching Band her senior year and as a student government representative for all four years. Pinchok also performed with the theatre and the band in various school productions.
Pinchok teaches private flute classes and has her own art business. She is a member of National Honors Society and National Art Honors Society and currently performs with the Concord United Methodist youth/student band and worship team.
If you are an outstanding musician of any age and would like to share your talents with patients and residents at any of our three communities, please fill out the form on our volunteer page at www.hillcresthc.com/volunteer/#form.