A Musi cal Legacy
By Jennifer Pyron - 8/1/2007
Little Rock Family Staff

Brian and his wife, Terri, play across Greater Little Rock, with a regular gig at the Main Library on the third Saturday of every month. Recently, they’ve been on a regional tour, with stops in Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. On Sept. 9, they’ll open for family-favorite Trout Fishing in America at the Museum of Discovery’s 80th Birthday Celebration. You can visit Kindersongs.com for a list of upcoming appearances.

On Musical Memories - One of my favorite memories is of my father, Floyd Kinder, playing “Alexander’s Rag Time Band” on an old upright piano we had growing up. If I close my eyes and remember back, I still hear his tenor voice ringing out as it did every Sunday in the church choir.

On Early Influences - In 1964 the arrival of the Beatles had a big influence on my life. I was about 12 years old then and I began mowing lawns and saving my money to buy a set of drums so I could be just like Ringo Starr. I still have a photograph of myself along with some other junior high friends that formed my first garage band. We only knew a few songs, one of which I had written, a silly little tune much on the order of the Beach Boys.

On the Importance of Music - Music provides an outlet for the expression of so many emotions. Being involved in the arts, whether it is music, dance or visual arts, is a way for kids to explore their inner self as well as providing them an outlet for expression. Anyone who has belonged to a high school band can tell you, it’s like being a part of a large family all working together to create a wonderful music experience. Kids today will look back on their time in school and hold certain memories close, and for many, it will be the memories of the school band, choir or orchestra that will rise to the top.

On Making Music - We write and perform music with the whole family in mind. We try to create music that appeals to youngsters, and at the same time entertains the parents. What we love to see happening in our concerts is families interacting together and making memories together. Terri loves it when she sees dads out there dancing and singing with their kids. You can bet he is making great memories for his kids.

On Family - Like all good parents we try to steer our kids in good directions. We sing and play music with our grandchildren because we feel music is important, and we know as they grow older they will be more likely to appreciate the arts. Of course we also read to our grandkids hoping they will develop a love for reading. We’re also teaching them golf hoping to create future playing partners on the links!