Katie and Natalie are sisters who have a love for historic and traditional Irish music. It all began 9 years ago, when their family became involved in living history. The girls bought a CD by a rock star-turned-traditional singer, David Kincaid. His albums "The Irish Volunteer: Songs of the Union Soldier" and "The Irish-American's Song" were the first inspirations in their music. Since then, their family has become involved in 1820's living history, and the girls have blossomed in their music! In all things, Katie and Natalie praise the Lord for His goodness to them, and the way He always provides opportunities to use their gifts to bring glory to Him.
Katie is 21, and plays the mountain dulcimer, which she picked up a few years ago at their home fort for living history, Fort Atkinson in Nebraska. She also plays the piano, having started at age 6, and has played in many weddings, two worship bands, 7 years at Kansas Bible Camp, and 6 years as her church's pianist. Katie can sight read music, but loves to play by ear, and plays both her instruments chiefly in this manner. She also loves to sing harmony.
Natalie is 18, and an incredible tin whistle player. After buying a cheap tin whistle at a fort gift shop at age 10, she began teaching herself to play. A few years, 3 months of lessons, and two new whistles later, she can have you hum a song and pretty much play it right away. She plays almost entirely by ear, but can read notes (if she has to...). Natalie also plays the piano, and has been gaining even better experience since Katie got married 9/1/07 and moved out...the piano is a lot more accessible, now. Natalie has a beautiful voice and is always singing!
During the summer of 2007, at the request of many fans, the girls recorded a professional CD of 21 of their favorite Irish and traditional melodies. The girls grew up in Manhattan, KS, where Natalie still lives with her parents, Rob and Holly Friesen, and the girls' youngest sister, Carolyn, who is 16 and excelling in her vocal music. Katie lives with her husband Levi Boyenger, two hours away in Potwin, KS.
CD Description:
"Dulcet Sounds" captures the passion of American and Irish history with the talents of Katie Boyenger on the mountain dulcimer and piano, and Natalie Friesen on the tin whistle. Their blend of tin whistle, piano, dulcimer and vocals create a powerful and heartfelt depiction of music of the period. Many traditional Irish melodies go far back in history, such as "Fisher's Hornpipe" and the Irish reel, "Drowsy Maggie", while piano pieces "Black Stallion" and "The Ludlows" are taken from 20th century films. Not all instrumental, the soulful voice of Natalie adds a tender rendition of the ballad of Captain Taggart in "Free and Green", by Carl Funk and David Kincaid, while Katie's rich alto lends to James Cowan's worshipful song "When It's All Said and Done". They have been in high demand wherever they play at history or community events. Featuring many favorites, their own written music, "Shades of Fall", "A Hint of Spring" and "Days of Summer", along with the traditional song, "First Snow", seem to be frequent requests. "Dulcet Sounds" delivers unique and inspired songs that are destined to revive your heart for our history, as you celebrate the joy of good music.
