Yosemite's piano man is also the postmaster

YOSEMITE -- The notes resonate, ascending to the 34-foot-high beamed ceilings of the Ahwahnee dining room, one of the most impressive restaurants in the United States, host to presidents, royalty, celebrities and commoners.

Bill Carroll's hands caress, glide and trill the ivories of the vintage Steinway, its deep bass and ethereal treble speaking the amazing, powerful sounds of an eclectic repertoire beginning with Johann Pachelbel's elegant, delicate "Canon in D." Carroll segues to Grace Slick's "White Rabbit." The thumping barely fades before the eerie "Theme from Harry Potter," swirls, sheer as mist, from his fingers. The piano man morphs into "Sam." You can almost see Bogie and Bacall huddled in tableau vivant, "As Time Goes By."

Carroll landed the year-round gig at the prestigious hotel in 1997 and entertains audiences several nights each week. The job does have its perils, however. One night a squirrel entered the room, headed for the sheet music and began gnawing. Aside from squirrels, Carroll has entertained United States Postal Service former Postmasters General Henderson and Frank, as well as Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe. Carroll accompanied singer Joan Baez one Sunday for her mother's 85th birthday celebration. "One of my best memories was sitting in the Ahwahnee's great lounge with (CIA Director) Leon Panetta, listening to a Christmas concert.

"Sometimes waiters mention my 'other' job to guests. Then they visit the Post Office and appear surprised that I really am the postmaster," Carroll laughed. "I've seen about 20 people here who remember me from grade school or from college." Given the millions of Yosemite National Park visitors each year, the chances of recognition are excellent.

His musical training began with Sister Patricia at St. Mary's grade school in Whittier. One kindergartener, Mary, was astounded when young William visited her classroom. "I couldn't believe a five-year-old could play the piano," she said, still amazed. First the music, then the man, moved Mary. The Carrolls have been married for 40 years and have five children. As the warm late afternoon turns to twilight, Carroll's elegant fingers fashion a Gershwin moment suspended in time: "Love is Here to Stay."