BREAKTHROUGHmagazine

The Spotlight...Shining on today's Shakers and Movers

BREAKTHROUGHmagazine set its sight on interviewing a young lady from a dynamic Family "The Barnettes" What a discovery. As staff writer I have had the opportunity to deposit great words in the lives of others, be encouraged by my staff team, and walk away enjoying the fruits of the spirit shared with you all.

However, as an interviewer, I've had the most pleasurable and invaluable experience. Must I say, while listening to songs and excerpts from the albums of "The Barnettes", I think of the best southern dish I've ever had, have craved, and desired to make on my own.

What is that dish you ask?

Chicken and dumplings served w/ a Vanilla Apple Butter Crisp Pie Desert and complete w/Vanilla Ice Cream Topping. Um Um aggghh Rich in flavor so Rich.

Readers,
I introduce to you Ms. Adrienne Barnette

Also known as A.D...I like to think that stands for "Absolute Deliverer"

Wheewww give it up, give it up.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

In your own words tell us who "The Barnettes" are, and more specifically who is Adrienne Barnette?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

The Barnettes are a family band, comprised of 3 sisters (Elesha Renee', Adrienne, and Kristen) and 1 brother (Rufus Barnette). We are native of the Carolinas; born and raised in South Carolina and reborn as the Barnette Band in North Carolina. We currently live in Los Angeles, California.

People are always asking us, how long we have been playing music? Our response, is "all our lives," but the music, we tote now is a long cry from the Mozart and Beethovan we grew up on. Growing up we performed the classical classics around the Carolinas and up and down the East Coast. Throughout elementary and middle school we called our quartet, naturally "the Barnettes," Elesha Renee' on cello, Kristen on viola, Rufus on the snare drum, and myself on violin.

In 2005, we were reborn as, the Barnettes, same name different vibe which incorporates much of our classical influences to assent our Pop, Rock, and Soul sound.

As I researched who "The Barnettes" are and the content of their music, like other publications suggest, I saw an unmatched delivery of life truths, character lessons, and spiritual messages you all convey.

It is my understanding that your older sister Elesha took the group into a new direction of Pop/Rock/Soul. (With that new direction came stage performance and equipment upgrades.)

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea
As a two part question:

What did the tougher part(s) of that transition phase consist of for you?

Ms. Adrienne Response: (pt.1)

I think the most challenging part of transition in the band, was not so much the musical transition of classical to Pop, Rock, and Soul as one would think, but it was more so the management of time, responsibility, and the growing demand of the band's success. Fitting the band's growing success into our personal dedication and responsibility to our educational pursuits is incredibly challenging . Going to school, working part & full-time jobs, fitting in practice schedules, and shows are very challenging.

I remember one specific show where my brother had a class that got out at 4pm, my younger sister had a class that got out at 5pm, I had an earlier class that day and work, my older sister was out of town, and we all had a show to be at that very night that started at 8pm. By 7pm we were expected to be dressed, have all equipment set up and be ready for a sound check. The drive my younger siblings had to take was at least 1hour 30 minutes away.

I just remember thinking, how did we pull that off, as we looked at each other on stage all shaking our heads in disbelief as we started the show with our flavorful cover of "Let's Get It Started", by the Black Eyed Peas.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

What part(s)came easier? (Q pt. 2)

Ms. Adrienne Response: (pt. 2)

I think the shows and the actual performance parts came the easiest. We would struggle with balancing schedules, work, and school, but when the actual show came, being on stage and performing came natural; This indeed is one of the reasons why I love being in the band.

Truly, this is the moment we all live for! The crowd brings us enjoyment. We have many opportunities to give to others, but overall the crowds reactions and our interactions with our fans are moments in life that will forever be priceless.

Interviewer : Ms. Andrea

As a God fearing Individual, what challenges have you experienced with record labels and individual persons who don't understand the classification of your music?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

Excellent question, I am glad you asked. I have longed for this very question to be asked, but never had it asked nor had the opportunity to answer it. I am a God fearing Individual, as you stated, but even more I think the phrase that explains me more, would be that I am a "God loving" individual.

I rarely talk about my personal relationships, however, for BREAKTHROUGHmagazine, I'll make an exception and tell you about a relationship that I have that reaches beyond any intimate relation that I could possibly ever have with another individual. Although if you are wondering, I am single!

Allow me to tell you about the love of my life.

The love of my life is God and it’s not because I fear Him, but because I love Him. I love Him because He has shown me the importance, joy and meaningfulness of loving others. I love Him, because he has been a dependable friend to me, taught me heart life-learned lessons and blessed me immensely. I formerly thought I could never live long enough to achieve all of my dreams and goals.

Well, I guess you can say I still think that, but knowing that I have support from God, my family, friends, and fans makes me feel any and all is possible. Aside from that, I have not really experienced many challenges with record labels and individual persons concerning the classification of our music.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea
What do you think of those who believe it's impossible to change the lives of others through music from Groups or Persons like The Barnettes?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

I am not a judgmental person and tend to be very optimistic and think the best of every person and aim to be supportive of people's individual endeavors. I personally believe that music can have an impact on people's lives. I feel that "music is a powerful and intimate medium" through which artist, songwriters, and musicians have the unique opportunity to share parts of their life and experiences with the world.

My band and I recently wrote a song, "Gotta Live (for Music)," to send the message to the world to live for your dreams, don't let people discourage you, take chances, live with no regrets, believe in yourself and go after what you want. Life is short, don't waste time doubting yourself, just believe and go for it.

I think there are many people who have dreams to be and do things, which may seem out of the norm to others, and they either get discouraged from not receiving support or not believing in themselves. I feel blessed that we are able to use our music to send a message of support to people to believe and go after what they want, regardless of what people think.

Okay readers, although I enjoyed shamelessly plugging "The Barnettes" Let's take a look at what’s Happening in the Life and Time of A.D,

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

So Ms. Adrienne, Just how Vibrant and Seasoned are you (age)?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

Hum, we'll have to save that for another interview. : )

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

As a child, who were you musically influenced by?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

There are so many great musicians I've been influenced by, but I'd have to say my top four would be Janice Marie Johnson the bassist of Taste of Honey, Santana the guitarist, Geddy Lee the bassist of Rush, and Sharon Corr the violinist of the Corrs. I remember, watching Janice Marie Johnson on a PBS Classics special play "Boogie Oogie Oogie," and I'd jump up, join her and start air slapping my pretend bass. She was grooving to the music and it looked like she was having the time of her life.

I heard Santana on the radio before I ever saw him perform and from the first moment he played and I heard his first note, I fell in love. Santana is simply amazing, I love his music and his guitar riffed melodies. Geddy Lee, is also one of my favorite bassist! His bass playing is astonishing plus encouraging, and his lightening fast finger-style is awe-inspiring. Sharon Corr has an incredible vibrant sense and mastery of the violin, and a wonderful voice which accompanies her playing.

Unfortunately, I've never met nor had the opportunity to see any of my favorite musicians play live. I'm just hoping and praying for that opportunity!

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

In relation to your musical Influence(s), is their a certain plateau they reached, that you're either aiming for or have already achieved in your career?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

I tend to think of the band and my musical endeavors as if it were high jumping. In the high jump, when you clear one height, the bar goes up and then you prepare to clear a higher height and so forth. Similarly, I think of the band in those terms. I set goals to reach, then work hard to accomplish them, and once they are accomplished, set a higher and more challenging goals and work towards accomplishing them and so forth. One could very well call it an endless and laborious torturing, but I enjoy it.

Like my musical influences, I would love to tour the world and perform in front of thousands of people. From the very start of "the Barnettes", our main goal has been to help other people. I am most proud of the programing, concerts, and services that we have organized in line with that goal.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

Outside of music, can you name anyone else whose had an influence in your life?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

My grandmother has had a tremendous influence in my life. She started her first business at the wise age of 76 and she always tells us to never give up, and to keep working hard. Even more than working hard to achieve our own dreams, she has been most influential in teaching us the importance of helping other people and of giving something when you have nothing, even if its just your time.

I read that you began taking Violin lessons in 3rd Grade. That is absolutely wonderful. Everyone has not started out that young.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea (Another 2 Part Question)

(Pt. 1) To whom do you owe the nurturing of your gifts and talents?

Ms. Adrienne Response: (pt.1)

I owe all of my gifts and talents to Jesus Christ. I can read music and play by hear (essentially hear a piece of music and then play it). I can not take credit for any of the accomplishments I have had in life. None of what I have accomplished belong to me, for I have truly been blessed by the love of God and the love and support of my family, friends, and fans.
For the longest, I could never understand, what it meant when people would say, " God will give you the desires of your heart." However, I understand it now.

I never asked God to allow me to play the bass or be in a band but deep down inside my very desires has always been to play in a band, and I have always been intrigued by musical instruments and I desired a way to have the things that I enjoy be used to help other people.

I have told Jesus thank you in my prayers, but I want to use this opportunity to say in the presence of the world, thank you Lord.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

(Pt.2) Are they musically gifted as well?

Ms. Adrienne Response: (pt.2)

All my siblings are musically gifted. Elesha Renee' sings lead vocals, plays the cello, acoustic rhythm guitar, electric guitar and bass guitar, Kristen sings background vocals, plays the viola, piano, electric guitar, and bass guitar and Rufus sings lead/background vocals and plays the drums and percussion. In fact at our concerts, you will see everyone switching instruments on stage as we go from song to song. I may start one song on bass, then moving to the next song on piano, or Elesha may be on electric guitar moving to drums, Kristen on electric guitar moving to bass, and Rufus on drums moving to lead vocals. People that come to our shows, tell us they love how we switch up instruments on stage.

Although, people always think our parents are musicians as well, truth be told they aren't. Now my mom can sing really good, and my dad as well, but musicians that play instruments, nope! In fact, my dad secretly desires to play the guitar, so we let him "play" with us during Christmas at grandmas in front of family. I guess you could say he was really getting down and groovy, except that no sound was coming from his guitar amp, because we never plugged it in.
We still love you dad! :) I think he got tired of us not plugging in his guitar amp, so he recently purchased a harmonica and now there is no way we can ever prevent him from playing and being heard. : )

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

Now you play Bass, Lead, and Double Neck Guitar, as well as Violin, correct?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

Yes, that is correct and I also play the piano. I took classical violin lessons in the 3rd grade at the University of South Carolina (USC) through a educational string project that reached out to public schools to offer music lessons. I picked up the alto saxophone in middle school and started playing the bass guitar, electric guitar, and double-neck with the band. I love playing the violin, but I have to be honest and tell you that playing the bass guitar just feels right! We're like the perfect match, me and my bass!

I know that sounds a bit crazy, but I am definitely as many fans and individuals who come to our concerts will say, a "wild musician." When I grab the bass guitar I loose myself in the music and the vibe of the instrument. I also play double-neck bass/guitar, which I call my 'Chi-town Special.' It is a bass guitar and electric guitar combo. I love this instrument as it allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

Are their any instruments you would like to pick up outside of those instruments?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

I don't know if there is another instrument that I would like to pick up right now, but I would like to spend more time playing my saxophone.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

What do your passions outside of music consist of?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

I enjoy working out, running, reading books, and writing. I am very much of an adventurer seeker as well. I love riding bikes, camping, swimming, and off-roading in my jeep. My mom is always telling me to wash the jeep and get her a step to climb up in it with! : ) And I’m always telling her, "mom, its a jeep, the mud and dirt on the tires add character!"

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I really enjoy studying and learning new things. I love finding ways to help others. My grandmother has always told me, "You just didn't get to where you are without the help of another." So, I try to always be mindful and proactive in helping other people.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea

You are known as a "Champion" in a certain events that involve jumping, tell our readers a little bit about that.

Ms. Adrienne Response:

A "Champion", I don't know, I just enjoy high jumping and the Track and Field sport. I barely missed the Olympic Trials, by .5 inches. I still watch the video today and every time I watch it I cringe. Sometimes my mind replays the moment as if I was watching it in instant replay. As I was attempting to clear 6 ft. I could see and hear the crowd cheering as I was approaching the bar, and then as I jumped up in my attempt at clearing the bar I'm thinking 'YES' I've got it, but as I land on the pit, all of a sudden I hear the crowd's cheer turning into an 'ah', and I look up and see that I barely clipped the bar with my heels.

Most people ask, "weren't you disappointed" and my response is, "of course!!" However, more than being disappointed in that moment I felt more like a Champion than ever, because 6 months before I had knee surgery that left me out of competition. I couldn't walk for 3 months and with the intense rehabilitation that followed, I began to think high jumping was over. In my opinion, barely missing the Olympic Trials by .5 inches isn't as disappointing, considering months prior to that day it looked like I'd never run track again.

I am no Champion of my own, because God healed me and allowed me to high jump again. He allowed me to become the Indoor & Outdoor high jump record holder at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Historical Penn Relays high jump champion, six time All-Conference USA, two time All-Conference USA Champion, NCAA Outdoor East Regional High Jump (ranking 5th best on the East Coast) Qualifier & Finalist, NCAA National High Jump Qualifier (ranking 17th in the Nation), NCAA Regional Qualifier, and Junior Nationals Outdoor Qualifier. He has also blessed me to become a Three-time Athletic Director's Academic list, two-time Conference USA Track & Field Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, United States Achievement Academy, and Collegiate All-American Scholar.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea
Ok, so that's how you've managed to stay in such great shape!

Ms. Adrienne Response:

Running track will definitely 'whip' anyone into shape, but great shape, humm ... actually, I think the best method to staying in great shape is doing what makes you happy and then finding ways to help others do the same.

I'm definitely a believer in doing what makes you happy. Life is too short, but life without finding personal happiness, seems like an imitation of life. I tend to think that, you never know how exciting life can be nor how meaningful it can be until one is able to integrate personal happiness and find a way to help others find their happiness through the things that have made you happy.

Interviewer... Interrupts: So very well stated!!!

Running track and high jumping has brought happiness into my life. It pays for my education, allows me to travel the world, compete against Olympians, and it gives me an unexplainable feeling of freedom and victory when sailing through the air. Although, none of my high jumping has brought me as much happiness, than when I started coaching a middle school track team. I was able to teach them the skill of high jumping and share with them about the life changing opportunities that the sport can bring in their educational and life pursuits.

This is also true with my band and how we organized a Benefit Concert for under-privileged children and collected school supplies. The concert was wonderful and I enjoyed every moment of the performance. This highest form of that Enjoyment came when we gave away two guitars, a school scholarship, and school supplies, that’s where I felt "Pure" enjoyment. Those were priceless moments, having the 8 year old that won the guitar, afterwards he came to us and said, "I never win anything, and I really wanted to win that guitar, thank you", and a college student that won the book scholarship who explained how he really needed to enroll back in school, but did not know where the money would come from.

Using what makes me happy to bring happiness into the lives of others is what I ultimately call being in great shape, but great shape doesn't come easy. A lot of dedication, commitment, and sacrifice go into achieving great shape, but I feel its well worth the hard work.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea
Along with this accomplishment, what are some other accomplishments that you are most proud of?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

I am most proud of my sisters and brother's commitment and dedication to education and living the dream of our band.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea
What would you like to accomplish as a whole in your music and other areas of your life?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

I am very much a day dreamer who works to make my dreams my reality. When I think about getting old and looking back on my life, I want to look back and see no regrets with music and in other areas of my life. I want to see that I've taken chances, that I've pushed aside my fears and challenged the impossible. I want to see a mindfulness and love for others that along my life's journey what I have accomplished, who I have become, and how I have interacted with other people has not been in vain.

Interviewer: Ms. Andrea
Ms. Adrienne what other information would you like to give our readers about yourself?

Ms. Adrienne Response:

Well, most simply stated, I am Adrienne Barnette and I'm in a Pop, Rock, and Soul family band, the Barnettes. I am a very easy-going, laid-back, yet driven person. I love God and love life. Although life is hard and most times I will never understand the struggles that we all go through, one thing I do understand is that we all live in this world together and the only thing I am sure that will ever make life enjoyable despite the hardships is loving and supporting one another.

Interviewer:Ms. AndreaHow can any of "The Barnettes" be contacted?

The Barnettes can be contacted through:

Email : thebarnettes@gmail.com

Official website: www.thebarnettes.com

We are also on MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/thebarnettes and FACEBOOK.

We at BREAKTHROUGH magazine appreciate the time you have given us and our readers. We also extend continuous Blessings to you in all that you do.

Andrea Newsome, Staff Writer

BREAKTHROUGHmagazine