Newton twins show off piano skills at State Fair

DES MOINES— Charlie and Ian Bennett may have only started formally playing the piano six years ago, but the 18-year-old twins come from a musical family.

Their cousin and instructor, Virginia, holds a doctorate in music and has been teaching piano professionally and privately for a number of years.

On Thursday, the pair showcased what six years of instruction can do by performing a duet on the big stage at the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair. They even dressed alike for the occasion.

Both said they have been to the state fair previously for different events, however, they had never performed together on stage there before. They selected “March to Militarie” by Franz Schubert, which is fitting as he is considered one of the greatest composers of the Romantic-era and Romantic music is their favorite type of genre to play.

Before they began, Charlie said he wasn’t too nervous about playing with his brother but that he was more worried about his solo act later on.

Once they hit the stage, the duo showed no nerves even as their father, Bill, recorded them on his iPad from his seat near the front row.

After they walked off the stage, both brothers seemed satisfied with how it went.

“(I think) it was really good,” Charlie said.

“It went well,” Ian added.

Charlie said the success of their performance helped ease his mind for his solo act later on in the 4-H building, although he admitted playing on stage “is exhausting.”

Ian and Charlie are members of the World Changers 4-H Club in Newton and both are preparing to start at Grand View University in the fall. Charlie is majoring in graphic journalism and Ian will major in political science.

Contact Senior Staff Writer Ty Rushing at (641) 792-3121 ext. 6532 or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.