Patricia (Pat) Lee, principal second violinist in the Symphony of the Hills, might aptly be described as a poster child for perseverance as she has often refused to be discouraged by obstacles and has continued toward goals with patience and courage.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, the youngest of four children and the only girl, Lee's mother was widowed before she was born. Her mother moved the young family back to Brooklyn, New York, where her mother's family lived. Pat's maternal grandfather, an apartment builder in Brooklyn, was a Russian refugee who spoke no English, and her great-grandfather was apparently a musician and violinist in the old country. She grew up and went to schools in Brooklyn, New York.

Lee desired to join the choir during elementary school; however, according to Lee, she was “not allowed to sing in the choir because the teacher said I couldn’t carry a tune.” Another opportunity presented itself in sixth grade when she was given the choice to play an instrument. Lee’s first and second choices were the oboe and the flute; instead she was handed a violin and instantly fell in love with the instrument. In seventh grade she auditioned for the Brooklyn Borough Youth Orchestra, and was accepted.