Jesse Frank got started playing the violin when he was 7 after watching Capt. Jack Aubrey play the instrument in “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.”
“We thought this would last about two weeks,” said Susan Frank, the boys’ mother.
Come to find out, actor Russell Crowe, who played Aubrey in the film, was just faking, but there’s nothing fake about the dedication for music the film inspired in Jesse, which his younger brother Jack also later picked up.
The two brothers, now 11 and 8, put their talents to work on Monday entertaining travelers at the Dothan Regional Airport. Angela McNeal, an airport spokesperson, said she thought having the boys come play would be a welcome holiday treat for travelers waiting on their flights.
“It’s crazy... incredible,” said 19-year-old Zyrone Lugo of Puerto Rico.
Becky Kuringer, of New Brockton, said, “They are amazing, what talent.”
Steve Frank, the boys’ father, said their family has encouraged the boys’ interest because many studies show that music helps students develop the thinking skills needed for achievement in math.
“Music is important and I don’t know if school systems stress it strongly enough,” said Frank, who homeschools his boys.
Jesse plays the violin while Jack plays the cello. Both boys practice their instruments for hours each week.
“I think it’s just fun,” Jesse said.
Jack said he enjoys playing the cello because of its sound and because, unlike his older brother, he gets to sit down while playing the instrument.
The Franks are putting their musically talented progeny to work -- the boys have played at weddings, restaurants and recently in Florida with an Elvis impersonator.
“I like it when we go to restaurants because we get money and we get to eat,” Jack said.
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