Members of Hopkinsville’s Kiwanis Club were treated to quite the surprise Thursday afternoon, when three young members of the Burley family — and their piano teacher, Beth Brockman — regaled them with Christmas carols, strokes from the 88 keys bringing holiday cheer.
Annebelle, 11, Olive, 9, and Raleigh, 8, took solo turns on the bench, before a trio of duets — two with Brockman, and one between the oldest and the youngest — dazzled.
With a pair of teensie toddlers waiting in the wings — Tucker and Sylvie — the Burleys have been with Brockman for three years, learning the intricacies of the ivory.
Brockman remembers the day it all came to be in a chance meeting with their mom, Adelle.
For Brockman, the teaching of piano comes as a comfort. Years ago, she’d done so in Louisville, before a move to Murray brought with it a house full of silly boys and sports in husband Tab, and sons Tyler and Casey.
When the Brockman’s moved to Christian County and the house grew quiet, the time for music returned. Filling lessons was no chore.
And in this swoon came the Burleys — themselves needing some comfort.
A military family, the septet was reassigned and moved from Fort Riley, Kansas, to Fort Campbell. Father, Rollin, is a pilot for the U.S. Army.
It’s in Fort Riley where Annebelle took up piano, Adelle said, because another soldier working with her husband had a college degree in piano. The kids, along with mom and dad, just fell in love with it.
Despite the change and inevitable upheaval with military life, Adelle said music remains that true constant for her family.
Annebelle, meanwhile, already has plans to get a college degree in piano — making up her mind nearly a decade in advance.
Looking for a classical flare to their children’s education, Adelle also noted that Rollin has helped stoke the children’s love of music.
After being invited by the Kiwanis Club, Brockman said the Burley trio “couldn’t wait” to practice — visiting her last Wednesday in order to accordingly prepare.
Annebelle’s favorite piece: a “First Noel” duet with Mrs. Brockman.
Other Pieces:
