Accomplished Pianist Provides Whimsical Tunes to Community Center

Published on April 05, 2022

If you came through the doors of the Maricopa Community Center this winter, you may have noticed the melody that greets you is just a little above average. The man seated quietly at the piano is to blame. His presence in Maricopa is as inconspicuous as his music is in some of the biggest films in box office history. Composer Ron Harrison lets the music do the talking… the music and a very proud sister-in-law.

“How long have you been playing music?”

“How many keys are there on a piano?” Harrison’s sister-in-law quickly replies.

“I believe it’s 88.”

“He’s been playing nearly that long.”

The two share that quirky sense of humble humor, which delights nearly as much as Harrison’s talent. Over the course of his prestigious career, the Canadian-born musician has authored hundreds of compositions for TV shows and major motion pictures. Disney even came calling and Harrison’s work landed in some of the most beloved films of all-time including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Cars, Up and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which earned Harrison a Grammy nomination.

Harrison says the notes come to him almost as easily as they leave once they are sold. He draws inspiration from his idols, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and of course his own father. Yet, Harrison discovered a style all his own which allowed him to carve his own path.

In that regard, Harrison and the city of Maricopa have a lot in common. Both are hidden gems in their own right, both building on a proud history while creating their own prosperous future. The willingness of those like Harrison to share their gifts is what sets this community apart as a premier city in Arizona. From City leaders who battle every day to realize a vision of the future to the staff who plan Maricopa’s magnificent events, there is an army of people behind the scenes who work to make it all come together.

Meet the man bringing a touch of Disney magic to Maricopa by watching here: