SEASON OF THE ARTS
MUSIC
The two older generations of Enyart family string players share the bond of music. In the back
row from left are Benjamin Enyart, Thomas Enyart and John Enyart II. In the front row from left
are Jana Enyart Adams, Dr. John Enyart and Janie Enyart McCoy.
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Jana: “Our dad was always involved in our
practicing, even if he was in a different room
of the house. He could hear a sour note a mile
away! It was never quiet in our home! There
was always an instrument playing somewhere
in the house. Even my dad would be practicing
late into the night. It was a comforting sound
to me. We would at times have other musicians
come over and sing (barbershop quartet style) or
play their instruments with us just for fun. We
did not need a television to be entertained. We
enjoyed just being together and making music.”
Thomas: “Growing up in a music family was
exciting. We were constantly performing on a
last-minute notice. It has given me a tremendous
appreciation for the arts.”
Janie: “Traveling was always entertaining.
Five of us kids would cram into the ‘65 Chevy
that my Daddy still owns with Mom and Dad
and we would sing together to help pass the
miles and enjoyed harmonizing with each
other. Dad always found a way to fit all of our
instruments into the trunk...we’d call him the
‘master packer.’ ”
Ben: “When we get a chance we like to get
together. My father will get out a violin and
start to play or have one of the grandchildren
come over to the piano and sing. Sometimes he
will want me to try out a violin that he recently
acquired and I end up playing until our children
are ready to go home for a nap.”
THE ENYART CHILDREN:
• John, viola - all four of his children play strings.
• Jana, violin, piano and vocals - has two children who play strings.
• Thomas, violin - has an infant son who will, no doubt, play strings.
• Janie, violin - has a son studying cello.
• Benjamin, violin - teaches strings at Morningside Academy, has
started two daughters on violin. Expects his infant daughter to follow
in their footsteps.