I have been told that when a choir sings their heartbeats actually may line up. It could be true. I’ve just met two musicians who have truly combined pulses since before birth. They’ve been progressing, in tune, as flourishing pianists. Heather and Brittany Pincus are identical twins, juniors at Capital High School, who began piano lessons at age ten. They promptly surprised and delighted their parents, Shellie and Simon, and their teacher Jennifer Bowman. Their skills, audience and award collection have been growing ever since.
Both sisters played simple songs by ear immediately, so Bowman swiftly moved them onto classical pieces. Only six months after beginning lessons, they performed some of Bach’s “Inventions” at a recital. Bowman has been supporting the girls’ development as soloists as well as a dynamic duo. Her tutelage has emphasized live performance, including numerous recitals and competitions. They also serve society with presentations at retirement communities such as Panorama, Bonaventure and Olympics West, as well as Arts Walk.
The multiple hours of practice and numerous appearances they have invested are already garnering Brittany and Heather formal recognition.
Each year, the Olympia Chamber Orchestra (OCO) graciously offers first place winners of the Olympia Music Teachers Association’s (OMTA) annual concerto competition an opportunity to perform with them. In November 2015, Heather and Brittany each won in their advanced divisions, baroque/classical and romantic/contemporary respectively. This earned them both performance spots in the upcoming OCO concert. In addition, just one week before the OMTA event, the girls presented a 20 minute duet repertoire for the Music Teachers National Association’s piano duet competition at University of Puget Sound, earning 2nd place statewide.
All of this recognition does not seem to have gone to their heads. Brittany and Heather are poised, humble young ladies whose dedication does not stop at the ivories. They are International Baccalaureate students at CHS and work hard for their excellent grades. They are also budding artists, both showing talent on canvas.
Although they certainly seem identical as twins might come, Heather and Brittany of course have their own preferences and personalities. Brittany likes colored pencils while Heather prefers water colors. They do both lean toward classical composers, “the old romantics” as they call them, but Brittany mentioned Bach and Chopin while Heather named Schubert and Debussy. They practice and perform solo, but agree that playing with a “built-in partner” is more fun. They get along extremely well, but sibling rivalry spares no one. Most homes don’t hear kids fight via classical piano, though. When the girls were younger they would play each others’ piano assignments if they were annoyed.
There was certainly no discord when I met these talented, lovely musicians. The Pincus family welcomed me into their serene, sunlit home and after their sweet Maltese dog Chloe greeted me, the first thing I noticed was the glossy grand piano in the center of their space. Next to it is a black upright piano, and beyond that an electric keyboard. Medals hang from a vase in the stairwell and eye-catching awards adorn the upright. Photos of the girls, singular and together as in their music, grace several walls. Upstairs, colorful endeavors evidence their artistic ability. When we sat down, the girls were modest yet delightful in sharing about their musical pursuits.
While the Pincus daughters are themselves composed, gentle beings, their mother Shellie quips that they are “steely-eyed monsters” when it comes to performance. Nervousness is normal, but Heather envisions practicing at home and Shellie says she can see Brittany in a sort of zone, and they become ready. Such preparation wasn’t necessary to play for me, so I was indulged with a relaxed, in-home show with Chloe next to me on the couch.
They settled into Debussy’s “Cortège” as easily as most teens sink into a bowl of ice cream. Four hands wove so many notes into an exquisite offering. Their comfort and synchronicity bound them, for that time, as one astoundingly beautiful thing. I marveled at how teenagers could cooperate in discipline and sisterhood to deliver complex, century-old music. Then I discovered their passion and knack for pop music on the side, and was enchanted all over again by their interpretations of Bruno Mars and Maroon 5. Shellie and Simon sometimes get treated to “mash-ups” as the girls have pop fun on two pianos.
They are, after all, teenagers. Taylor Swift and cell phones are a part of life, and college applications will be soon, too. They express interest in attending the same one, and to at least minor in music, but acknowledge that they’ll have new and differing experiences.
For now, though, we can enjoy their gift here. Heather and Brittany Pincus were both featured soloists with the Olympia Chamber Orchestra at SPSCC’s Minnaert Center on March 5. Watch Heather and Brittany play by following the links.
