Official Kids Mag

Special to Official Kids Mag The Duttons are a family who sure knows how to have fun playing….playing music that is! They represent three generations of musical performers committed to quality family entertainment and excellence in their musicianship. They perform at the Dutton Family Theater, located in the live music capital of Branson, Missouri. The Dutton's family of musicians includes, in the third generation, 13 talented musicians between the ages of 9 and 23. So what is it like to be a professional musician in a very successful musical act while still in school? "I often finish homework during performances every week," said Timothy J. Dutton, age 17, who sings and plays violin, guitar, mandolin, bass, piano and drums. "It's a tight schedule and 8 hours of sleep is unheard of for a senior in high school like me." "Sometimes it's really hard," added Grace Wright, age 17, who sings, dances and plays both the saxophone and piano. "But at the end of the day we get rewarded with experience and getting paid for a job we enjoy." Selena Dutton, also 17, sings, dances and plays the violin, guitar and piano for the family and said it's a real balancing act between school and music. "I always have to prioritize school," she said. "But I make sure that I practice at least every day. Even when you're super busy you need to make it a point to take 5 minutes to practice." The Dutton family children started their musical journeys early. Their first on-stage appearance is usually when the family brings them out on stage and introduces them to the audience as babies. Most of the kids even have a chance to play Baby Jesus at Christmas! The older kids—like Jessica Dutton, age 23, and Timothy J.—are actually treated more as adults than kids and have big parts in the performances. Selena does a lot of her own choreography and puts together duets for her and Tim as well as group numbers. All of the kids at one time or another get a chance to sing or play solos and several have reached a point where they are writing their own music. "There are so many reasons to have children involved with music at an early age," said Jessica, who sings and plays violin, guitar, viola, piano and bass. "Kids who get vocal training, or who take up wind/brass instruments are less likely to develop respiratory issues (like asthma). Music, similar to math and science, stretches developing brains, assisting with problem-solving skills, it also helps kids learn to cooperate with each other for a common goal." "Learning an instrument is such a good skill to have and is super fun and rewarding. The sooner you start, the better," Selena added. All of the Dutton family third-generation musicians have the same advice to younger children considering taking up an instrument. In a word: practice! "Don't stop practicing and learning," Timothy said. "The unique thing about music is that it comes in unlimited forms, and the best part is playing those different varieties with different people." Jessica's advice is "Look up your favorite songs. Figure out what genres you like. Pick up an instrument and watch Youtube tutorials. More music resources are available now than have even been. Make a band with your friends and mess around with writing songs. Try new things and don't be afraid of mistakes. You can always have another show tomorrow." Nathanael Dutton, age 15, who plays guitar, bass, banjo piano and bicycle horns (yes, bicycle horns!) tells young musicians "Work hard, practice a lot, and never give up. Also be creative." Leila Dutton, age 14, who dances and sings as well as plays the guitar said, "It might be hard but never give up, because if you do you'll regret it later." You can see these amazing musicians in action at the Dutton Family Theater in Branson. Ask your adult to visit www.theduttons.com to learn more. The Duttons: This family really knows how to play together 6 • December 2020 • OfficialKidsmag.com Name: Kids Mag 4 x 2" Customer Name: SHILOH MUSEUM Ad Number: 112920NWR2191 http://www.shilohmuseum.org/ 479-750-8165

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