If you were one of the 18.2 million people watching the Grammys on Sunday night, you probably caught a glimpse of Coatesville’s messy-haired Brian Fitzgerald and his violin in the front row of the Foo Fighters’s orchestra — conducted by none other than Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones — during their performance of “The Pretender.” The 23-year-old Fitzgerald won the honor (along with 14 other musicians, though he lost out on first chair to a lovely young Asian violinist) thanks to a video he submitted to YouTube’s “My Grammy Moment” contest. I reached him this afternoon at his home.

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Couldn’t be happier for Coatesville’s Brian Fitzgerald, the 23-year-old violinist who will perform on stage with the Foo Fighters at Sunday’s Grammy Awards. Fitzgerald won the privilege by submitting a YouTube video of his bowing skills to an online contest. He’s one of 15 winners who will share the spotlight, and he’s currently competing for the 1st chair position. (He’s made it into the top three, and you can vote for him at YouTube).

So, Brian, now that you’re about to get all this national exposure, you have to keep in mind that you’re representing Philly, a city known for its proud musical heritage. Which brings me to your MySpace page, which I visited after hearing your interview on the Preston & Steve Show a couple of days ago. I was surprised to find much more rapping than violin-playing, which is cool and all. You’re clearly a multitalented guy.

My only suggestion is that you write some new tunes. Case in point: “The Dub C Anthem,” from your Turn It Up CD. Lyrics like “West Chester’s the place to be,” “There’s diversity, looks at niggas on the track,” and “If the keg is kicked, man that don’t bother me” just don’t compare to “Expressway to Your Heart” — or even “Parents Just Don’t Understand.”