The Family that Bursts into Song

A few months ago, I mentioned that my father would frequently burst into song, often singing the bass line of some of his favorite choir pieces at wonderfully inappropriate times. After spending a week with my two brothers and their families, I can honestly say that we all do it! I’m so proud that my brothers and their wives have made music a priority for their kids! They all know how to read music (or are learning), have beautiful, pure voices, and aren’t afraid to try something new. Here is our latest (and only) recording, where we out-do the famed Von Trapp Family Singers (in my opinion).

When my older younger brother and I were children, it was our Grandma Ellen who inspired us to learn piano. She gave us her piano and paid for our lessons. In return, she asked that we perform occasionally for her church or her Rebekah’s Lodge. From piano, we both graduated to playing in band and singing in chorus, and I ended up majoring in music. We have both sung in choirs our whole life. My brother and his wife have sung in many types of mixed voice ensembles, including barbershop and Sweet Adelines. One of the wonderful things about my brother marrying his wife was that the family finally had an alto!

Folk music is really their forte, and our nieces are both dulcimer players. A lot of talent and patience is required, because it is difficult to keep them tuned, and lug them from place to place. We went to a folk music festival with them, and my brother brought his harmonica along in case he got inspired to "jam."

Recent research has shown that participating in musical endeavors helps those with dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Huntington’s Disease. In our family, it keeps us happy and upbeat, and I think it is helping our minds stay pure and our spirits strong.