The Noecker brothers do many things: attend cyber school, raise chickens and ducks, do house chores, swim, spend time in the woods, hunt, fish, and play music. Their family embraced music long before they were born. Their great uncle played guitar in the house band of the Grand Ol’ Opry with many famous artists. Their dad plays guitar and banjo. Their mom plays handbells and piano. Brothers Cole, Riley, Jeff, and Chase are 13, 11, 9, and 4. The boys are just beginning their musical journeys.
The boys’ adventures began about two years ago when Riley went with his parents to find a banjo and banjo teacher. Riley found both at Meadowood Music in Blandon, quickly learned to play several tunes, and inspired two of his brothers to play also.
Jeff began fiddle lessons in January 2020 and also learned quickly. Cole, who’d been learning guitar on his own, decided to start formal lessons a few months later, and also excelled. Chase is considering the mandolin.
According to Wikipedia, Bluegrass music is a genre of American roots music that developed in the 1940’s in the United States Appalachian region. The genre derives its name from the band Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys. Unlike mainstream country music, bluegrass is traditionally played on acoustic stringed instruments.
These brothers are like poster children for playing music. The Bluegrass music they prefer is perfect for their relaxed, rural lifestyle. The benefits they get from playing music are independent of the genre. Their capacities for language, concentration, mechanical coordination, discipline, responsibility, and self-esteem are consistent with those of other children who play music of any style. They also demonstrate social skills and courtesy consistent with children who play music. It is a joy to watch them grow.
Mike and Paula
Meadowood Music
610-916-1285
