I was 16 years old and the “Elkington Fiddlers” were born.

I was sitting in church and was 16 years old as a  little girl played the violin while her mom accompanied her on the piano. She was  6 year old and she sounded amazing. I had never seen anything like that before. As I sat there I felt as though there were children around me and they were whispering in my ear and singing to my heart, ” We are going to do that mom!” I knew that was my mission in my life for my children. I didn’t know there were going to be 5 of them, but I knew that was what we were going to do.

I really didn’t know  what it was going to take at the time. But that feeling in church that day kept me going. At times our piano, violin, viola, cello, voice and fiddle lessons were more than our grocery bill!  I would practice with the children 2 to 4 hours a day. I would pick up odd jobs, budget and eventually started teaching violin and piano in my home to pay for lessons. One year we had  21 gigs between Thanksgiving and New Years. We went to all kind of parties from different religions and churches. These 5 children acted like any other kids until the curtain opened and they started playing. Some of my happiest moments was when I was playing the key board with the sound of music surrounding me.

Clay is the youngest Elkington fiddler and when he was 3 years old and he was a man of few words. We were at a performance and we had 3 mic’s. Clay was up there to be seen, not heard. He was very squeaky and  frankly didn’t sound very well. All of a sudden he had it with it all and started  yelling over and over, “Give me the mic! Give me the mic!” The other 4 children were shocked and came running over to me at the piano and saying,” He talked! Clay talked!” From that day on he had a voice.

As you can see music was a big part of the children growing up. I dressed them alike for quite some time, well… until they refused. click here to see the cute matching outfits and the video dedicated to Tex Elkington 1994-2012.

They are all pretty much grown up. All married and are professional musicians, with the exception of Clay who just graduated from high school last week. Here is a peak of what they are up to at this point.

click here to see Chace Elkington band 2015 at Mountain River Ranch.

click here to see Kera Elkington Butt play a solo 2015 Melaleuca convention.

click here to see Jud playing the fiddle at Bar-T-5

click here to see Tex Elkington playing the fiddle and Chace Elkington playing the bass at the Bar-T-5

The tradition continues with the grandchildren.

Click here to see Chace and his young son.

Click her to see Kera and her sweet little Christmas Cherub in her 1st recital.

This makes a mom’s heart so happy!

This is at my 50th birthday party.  These kids no longer need me to line them up, tuck their shirts in, wipe their faces and  tune their violins. These kids can put on a show all by themselves, it is  a happy sound, and a little heart breaking because there is an Elkington fiddler missing.

This mom is sure the Heavens are enjoying the new fiddler in town.