Tell us a little about each of the Browns starting from the Mom down to the youngest.
We will begin with dad. Although he is not present on stage, his presence is always known. Keith runs the sound, drives and maintains the bus and performs a myriad of behind the scenes necessary jobs. Keith fulfills the spiritual meaning of his name. He is our rock.
Shelly is the mom, manager and motivator.
Jessica who is 21, is the office manager. She is pursuing a degree in music business from Berklee Music online.
Michaela is 19, and is in charge of the product table and radio promotion. She is working on a degree in music theory from Berklee Music online. She has been nominated in the top 10 for Horizon Individual of the year. She delights crowds when she yodels.
Adam is 16, has his license and loves to drive! Just not the bus yet! He is in charge of the equipment for the family.
Andrew is 10, and a joy to everyone who comes in contact with him! His name means "fisher of men".
It must be a vast array of emotions that go through the bus while traveling as a family. Tell us about some of the joys.
Our biggest joy is that we know without a shadow of a doubt that we are called to share about the love of God through song as a family. Every part of the country has a beauty all of it's own. We enjoy seeing new places and especially enjoy meeting so many wonderful people. Our biggest joy is seeing peoples lives touched, changed and saved by the message through song.
What about those times of frustration?
When we can't get Adam to wake up on Sunday morning! When we have water fights on the BUS! When Adam wants to lift weights at 1:00 in the morning. Like every other family in the world, we have our share of ups and downs.
Who usually brings those on? Who is the comic relief on the bus?
It depends on the day!
With the kids being two boys and two girls, how hard is it getting everybody on different parts?
Because our vocal ranges are similar the girls often change parts, and change the lead vocal. Adam's voice has settled into a nice baritone, but he will sometimes surprise us with a bass note. As for Andrew, he sings any part he wants!
What kind of training have the kids had to enhance their talents?
From a very early age music has been a part of our every day lives. The children began with Suzuki classical violin lessons. They gave special performances for their grandparents, and did the usual singing ministry in church. They participated in the Siouxland Youth Honor Choir, where they learned to read music.
The thing that has impacted our music ministry the most has been attending the Steve Hurst School of Music every summer for the past 6 years. There we have been influenced by great teachers and artists in southern gospel music.
Since junior high age Jessica, Michaela and Adam had the opportunity to study classical voice. The girls have completed a course from the Nancy Bounds School of modeling, which has enhanced our onstage performance. During 30 shows at the Americana Theater in Branson Missouri, every day was a learning experience with show producer Gary McSpadden. Gary is a teacher at heart and taught from years of experience in Southern Gospel music. We continue to study and intend to be life- long learners of music.
I know that most of you play instruments. Tell us a little about that. Why did they all pick stringed instruments?
Jessica plays the fiddle and guitar, Michaela plays the fiddle, mandolin and piano, Adam plays the fiddle, electric and acoustic guitar, harmonica, and bass. Andrew plays the fiddle, and is working on the bass guitar. From the time they were little, the kids took Suzuki classical violin, and that sparked an interest to add the violins to our concerts. The entire group enjoys song writing and co-writing some of our own music.
Learning to sing and learning to play instruments, how much practice time is needed each week?
The Hours of practice time vary according to our travel schedule, for instance this week the group has been busy learning two new songs with instruments to perform at the National Day of Prayer.
Since you're on a bus for much of the time, where does everyone practice without driving everybody else crazy?
We are home during the week so we practice while we are home, but lately Adam plays us to sleep and wakes us up trying to see how loud he can play his guitar!
Shelly, as a mother, how difficult is it making sure that all of those kids eat healthy while traveling so much?
We try to make healthy choices. For our vocal health we keep water and juice on the bus. Both girls enjoy cooking and occasionally make food to take along on the road. Michaela, Jessica and Shelly will be taking a two week vacation from singing to attend the famous Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris, France. After the trip they will be anxious to try out new recipes for the road in our new bus.
There is always something special about singing with your family. Tell us what makes that special to you.
God has put a song in each one of our hearts and it's a joy to love people and share that song with them together as a family.
With so many young people in your group, how do you keep them interested in singing Southern Gospel Music?
The very first time we visited Nashville, six years ago, we were invited to a musician's home for a time of singing and fellowship. One of the guests asked the kid's who their favorite groups were. The kid's replied by listing off all Southern Gospel Groups. This person said, That can't be the entire list. Who are your favorite rock or country? The kid's replied, "That's the whole list, we only like southern gospel. Because they grew up listening to only good music, they developed a taste for Southern Gospel which is still their passion today.
Who does the arranging in the group?
Our producer is Roger Talley, however, we all give our input.
If the Browns could only sing one more song, forever, what would that song be?
When we see Christ.
Why?
This song has not only ministered to the thousands and thousands of people that we have sung to, but night after night, it ministers to us a we sing it. The song reminds us that it truly will be worth it all when we see Christ.
The Browns have been nominated for Horizon Group of the Year and Michaela Brown has been nominated for Horizon Individual in the 2006 Singing News Fan Awards.
Visit the Browns at http://www.thebrownsmusic.com and make plans to see them at the 7th Annual Gospel Music Fan Festival July 29, 2006 in Smyrna, TN.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 05/01/2006
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 6
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We love this family and the work they are doing! I love their teachable spirit and how they are always looking for ways to grow - to present the Gospel to the best of their ability, as well as helping others. Keith, Shelly, and kids - keep going on!
Hey there Brown family. You have worked HARD and I know God smiles when He sees you in front of people. LS loves you and we are proud to call you our friends. Love and many continued blessings as you lead others to Jesus.
Hey Brown Family
Very impressed with the article. Would love to hear you sometime. Do you ever come to Texas?
We are so blessed with you. Keep up the great work for GOD!
You bring such love ,harmony , and hope into our lives . We , Skylar and I want to thank you !
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