Bass, Banjo, Electric Violin (Viper)
I distinctly remember knowing, at the age of 3, that I was a musician as I carried around my plastic guitar and played to the music my parents had on the radio. It wasn’t so much a desire for a job as such, but knowledge of that was who I am as a person. Years later, when I was in grade 3, my Grandmother passed her violin on to me. At that point, I had never seen a real instrument and was struck by its beauty and instantly developed a desire to learn how to play it. Despite a meager farm income, my parents found a way to provide lessons. I progressed from the beginning, where people rush into the room wondering who is abusing the cat, to the point where people could identify the song I was playing. I played at an event during Canada’s Centennial year with the Premier of Ontario present. He actually came up and complimented me on my playing and kept a straight face. My teachers must have heard about me since it wasn’t uncommon for them to write “Brad fiddles a lot” on my report cards. I would take any opportunity to play when people were present and they would often shout out requests, but I just ignored them and kept on playing anyway. One time I told my Grandfather “When I grow up I want to be a musician” to which he replied, “you can’t do both son”.
My birthday in 1964 was a life changer. That night on Ed Sullivan, I was introduced to the Beatles and immediately knew that I wanted to do that too. It was shortly after that event I was introduced to the guitar and realized I could actually play a song on it. Now it was time to add an electric guitar to my arsenal of instruments. Throughout high school I worked on both the violin and guitar. Music was a part of my university years too but more time was spent on learning my courses than on learning music.
Fast forward to a time when I was invited to join some guys at church to play at a function. Somewhat like another, more popular band, I was relegated to the bass, because nobody else wanted to play it, and I actually had one. I love playing it, my electric violin and a few other instruments as needed.
I have been part of Menno Valley Sound since it’s inception and couldn’t imagine being with a more talented and wonderful group of fun loving people. I have achieved my goal of playing in a band and am, and always will be, a musician. Music is not only the universal language, but it is the oldest social network. Thanks for listening to us!
