For the Brackney brothers, senior Caleb and junior Stephen, music has always run in the family. Like their father before them, Caleb and Stephen Brackney have started their own band, known as The Brackney Brothers. The two have performed in nearby states, as well as at various functions and local events.<\/b><\/p>\n
Their love for music began when they were both young.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWe grew up in a very musical family,\u201d Stephen Brackney said. \u201cMy dad and his brothers all played instruments and they actually also had a band in college. They played bluegrass music, country and things like that with some of their friends. We kind of grew up with that band playing at different events and weddings, so we were around it a lot and were very encouraged by our parents to take lessons.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
Both brothers play the piano, guitar and bass. Stephen additionally plays the mandolin, and Caleb plays the banjo and dulcimer. However, they both began with five to seven years of piano lessons.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI started piano when I was 8,\u201d Caleb Brackney said. \u201cStephen started when he was 7. We started on banjo and guitar when we were 13.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
\u00a0All seven of the Brackney children play a different musical instrument, including drums, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, piano and guitar. According to Stephen Brackney, their parents had all of them learn how to play an instrument to help them bond as siblings.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s seven of us, but with instruments, anyone who learns for two or three years can contribute evenly,\u201d Caleb Brackney said. \u201cI\u2019m sitting there with Luke who is 8 and he\u2019s banging on a drum.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
When they were younger, the brothers recalled their family going to nursing homes, fundraisers and other events to perform as part of their community outreach.<\/b><\/p>\n
The brothers play predominately bluegrass music. Senior Katelyn Perrett, a member of Belles and Beaux alongside Caleb Brackney, believes his bluegrass style has added a new flair to the group\u2019s sound.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cIn Belles and Beaux, we try to play a wide range of music: from classics to rock, to pop,\u201d Perrett said. \u201cSo the fact that Caleb is able to add that (style) to some Belles and Beaux songs and give them a country, bluegrass feel is always exciting and makes us a more versatile group.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
Caleb Brackney said he loves bluegrass because of the way the instruments blend together.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cI love how each instrument contributes equally in each song,\u201d Caleb Brackney said. \u201cSure, I could play by myself, but it sounds better if (Stephen\u2019s) there. \u2026 (In bluegrass) everyone gets to show off their licks. When they are at home, the two brothers play with their siblings, but when they are at school, they welcome anyone who wants to play. Caleb Brackney said the community created by music is his favorite part of playing<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cMusic brings everyone together,\u201d Caleb Brackney said. \u201cOf course, people have different tastes in music, people have different tastes in styles, but the thing about music, especially banjo and guitar \u2014 bluegrass kind of music \u2014 everyone has some sort or appreciation deep down.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
According to Stephen Brackney, playing music together in their band has brought the two brothers closer together.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cFor us, (playing together) has given us a good outlet to connect more,\u201d Stephen Brackney said. \u201cYou can connect more than just through talking and being around each other, you\u2019re bringing something together to sound good and have fun.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
Although the band has booked shows for up to 1,500 people, Caleb Brackney said his favorite place to perform is still in nursing homes.<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cThe people there appreciate us so much,\u201d Caleb said. \u201cNothing feels as meaningful as having elderly men and women smiling and clapping in their wheelchairs and genuinely supporting us.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Written by Caitlin Denton and Raianne Mason<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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