Seth McCall has played violin with the Butler Musical Theater Guild, at weddings and at Cranberry Township municipal events.

Gerra Gembarosky often plays the piano at formal dinners and outdoor weddings.

But a week ago today, they both played at their biggest event ever.

The pair performed for about 300 guests at the home of Claude and Laura Kronk in Sewickley Heights, Allegheny County, for a $1,000-per-plate Republican fundraiser. Laura Kronk is involved in Pittsburgh-area charities and hosts numerous events at her home.

But it was hardly a routine fundraising event because the guest of honor was President Bush.

"I play a lot in the community, but that's absolutely the biggest event I've ever played," said McCall, 27, of Center Township.

Gembarosky, 51, of Cranberry Township was invited to play piano at the event, and McCall asked if they wanted a violinist.

"They said 'sure.' Then I got really nervous. That hadn't happened in a long time," McCall said.

Other guests at the afternoon party included Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and U.S. Rep Phil English, R-3rd.

"I don't have the words to describe it. No matter your political leanings, you respect the president and the office," Gembarosky said.

McCall and Gembarosky had to submit their names, addresses and Social Security numbers to the Secret Service. Caterers and musicians met at another site and were searched before being bused to the Kronks' house.

"There were Secret Service all around even at the neutral location. I didn't even realize they were Secret Service until the bus was loaded and they all got on. It was pretty neat," McCall said.

McCall, Gembarosky and her husband were able to meet the president and have a photograph with him taken by a White House photographer without paying the $10,000 that the guests had to pay.

"It was phenomenal. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," McCall said.

Gembarosky said of Bush, "He was kind, very sweet and funny. It was just like talking to your uncle.

"It's the part of the president you don't see on TV."

During their two hours of performing, McCall and Gembarosky played pieces which were upbeat or jazzy, including the "Tennessee Waltz," "Fly Me to the Moon" and a rendition of The Beatles' "In My Life."

Gembarosky said guests, attired in conservative dresses and suits, nibbled at hors d'oeuvres and gourmet breads and cheeses but were reluctant to leave their seats near the stage for fear of losing them.

"They gave typical political speeches. I was pretty busy so I couldn't listen much," Gembarosky said.

She said the president talked about his daughter Jenna's engagement — she doesn't want a White House wedding — and plans to write a book after he leaves office.

Gembarosky said, "This is actually my second 15 minutes of fame."

During a stint performing at the Hyatt House in Pittsburgh, she met singer James Taylor and the two sang his well-known song "You've Got a Friend."

Gembarosky is a New Kensington native and teaches Japanese at Shaler Area Intermediate School. She has been a professional musician since age 14.

McCall, who is a 1999 Butler High School graduate, earned his bachelor's degree in education from Slippery Rock University in May 2004, followed by his master's degree in December 2004.

He is a math teacher for the Sewickley Area School District and teaches violin lessons at May's Music Shoppe on East Jefferson Street.