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Carole Mikita ReportingThe 5 Browns' first CD has been number one on the Classical Billboard Charts for nine weeks and now they're home in Utah for a concert. The brothers and sisters from Alpine have all studied at Juilliard and are on a nationwide concert tour.
The Browns each began playing the piano at age three, and despite all of the national media attention, they are determined to remain down-to-earth and make their music audience-friendly.
When The 5 Browns perform it's classical with a twist. They are all serious students of Brahms, Bach and Beethoven, with a little Broadway thrown in.
Deandra Brown: “We’re going out trying to change the attitude people feel towards classical music. We try to make it more accessible.”
Gregory Brown: "We just want to treat it a little bit more like a pop concert, you know, have it a little more relaxed and more comfortable, so people can just have a good time."
They clearly are having a good time. That enthusiasm is what they hope to pass on to the younger set.
Desirae Brown: “There’s a piece where Gregory plays with his feet, almost a Jerry Lee Lewis, and the little boys are like, ‘Oh man, if I’d known I could play piano like that I would never have quit.’”
During their concerts they talk to the audience, they answer questions.
Melody Brown: "Did you ever hate practicing? Of course there were days when you hated practicing, you know, it's gonna happen and so, it's great to give them advice and tell them to keep going."
Which is basically what they do--perform, teach and go to school. Two have graduate degrees, two are pursuing master's degrees, and Ryan is right behind them.
Ryan Brown: "My schedule's a little more hectic than Gregory and Melody's because I'm an undergrad. So, I fly in the night before and fly out the next day, really."
They see themselves as regular; what they are is phenomenal. 'The 5 Browns' are on a 26-city nationwide tour. Their concert tomorrow night is at Kingsbury Hall. There are a few seats left, it's nearly a sell-out. Coming up they have an international tour and a second CD this fall.
