The Five Browns

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Emily_Cary]Emily Cary
The 5 Browns, the astonishing family of pianists who play together, grew up in Salt Lake City where music plays a major role in family, school and church traditions. After gaining poise and experience participating in piano competitions, siblings Desirae, Deondra, Gregory, Melody and Ryan traveled to New York City to audition at the Juilliard School of Music. All five were admitted at the same time.
Each was intent on a solo career until their senior year when the two older girls, Desirae and Deondra, formed a duo partnership. Fate intervened shortly after graduation when Sony suggested that they cut a recording featuring all five.
Wanting to entertain by showing who they are, they decided that the two older sisters would play works for four hands and the three younger would play separately as soloists. But in the end, it was agreed that all five should play together. This required finding repertoire that could be arranged for five pianists. They then turned to pianist/arranger Greg Anderson, a friend and fellow Juilliard graduate who continues to arrange for them and fills in on rare occasions in when one of the five is unable to be there.
Their self-titled debut album of popular classics rocketed to number 1 on Billboard's Classical Album Chart. In the wake of its success, they appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes and other major shows. The viewing audience was enchanted by their fresh faces and astounding talent times five.
Since reawakening adults and children alike to the delight of playing the piano, they have toured throughout the world and completed four more albums: "Browns in Blue," "5 Stars," "No Boundaries" and "The 5 Browns in Hollywood." These are far more adventurous than might be expected from serious musicians.
As youngsters, they played only the classics, never jazz or ragtime, but that changed when they were contemplating a second album. The goal was to reach a larger demographic by incorporating less serious numbers.
Their fourth album, "No Boundaries," ranges even wider, from the folk favorite "Simple Gifts" to Argentine tangos. Their most recent album is an emotional romp from joy to terror. A pleasing potpourri of memorable film scores and themes, it incorporates a Disney movie medley, the "Star Wars" Suite, the "Psycho" prelude and the chase scene from "North By Northwest."
As Steinway Artists, the 5 Browns perform on pianos transported by Wheaton World Wide Movers. After an initial few years of constant travel, they have adjusted their schedule to suit their families (all five are married). Now they limit road trips to two weeks per month.
Their number one goal when playing before audiences of all ages is to shake things up, break down barriers and help young people be introduced to and enriched by classical music.
Emily Cary is a prize-winning teacher and novelist whose articles about entertainers appear regularly in the DC Examiner. She is a genealogist, an avid traveler, and a researcher who incorporates landscapes, cultures and the power of music in her books and articles.
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