Early in the day, you might catch Autumn and Canyon Moore tending to their horses on their parents' 35 acre farmette in Newport, Perry County. But, as soon as the chores are done, and school work is caught up, you are likely to find the musical siblings playing their fiddles. It's what they love to do.
"I enjoy playing in front of people," said 10-year-old Autumn, "because I'm in front of everyone."
And, in spite of their young age, they could already be considered veteran players, logging more than 30 playing events in just the last six months. Their tight playing style and mature stage presence turn heads wherever they go. It's a performance polished by hard work
"We practice almost every day," said Autumn. "(but) we usually take a couple days off a year."
Between appearances, private lessons help make their winning product better. And with this musical duo, stage fright is not a problem.
"I like to be on stage and entertaining people," said 8-year-old Canyon, "because it makes me feel good that people like listening to my music."
For two years running, at both the Perry County fair and the State Farm Show talent contest, the brother-sister act took top prize in their age bracket. So, this year, they were invited to play during the farm show's opening ceremonies. Parents Chris and Debbie Moore say their children's busy schedule requires a family commitment, but call it well worth the effort.
"I can't say enough about the good things music has done for us and for others," said Debbie Moore. " It's connected us with people we wouldn't have known otherwise. And we have a much bigger sense of community because of it."
And if early success is any indication, that community is bound to grow.
