At the King household, playing a stringed instrument is something you do, along with eating, sleeping and breathing. The group is headed by John and Cindy (aka Mom and Dad) and their 7 children. They are joined by Andrew (17) on the violin, Jesse (16) on the cello, Mariana (14) on the violin, Shoun (12) and Isaac (12) both on the viola, Eden (8), on violin, and HopeAnne (6) on the viola. Mom and Dad round it out with violin, guitar, and piano. Always learning new instruments, the house is also filled with the music of the hammered dulcimer, mandolin, ukelele, drums, and anything else that can make sound or keep rhythm.
The King's Strings have been called "The von Trapp family with instruments" and that seems to be the best way to describe them. Every program is different as they tailor it to fit the needs and wishes of the event organizers. They play a variety of music from classical to folk, worship to Broadway, fiddle and beyond. Fiddling is by far their favorite and their specialty.
The King family's desire is to be an encouragement and a blessing wherever they are and with whomever they come in contact, from event organizers to audience members. This philosophy drives them whether they are playing a spontaneous concert for friends in the backyard or they are playing at a more public venue in places like New York or Florida. They wish to see Jesus' glory shine through them and to be a light for Christ.
You're here to be light, bringing out the god-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven. Matthew 5: 14 - 16 (The Message)
