life in the moment | musician profile
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he voices of Chandra and Alena Baeuchle blend together in perfect harmony. The sisters love singing and aspire to a career in the arts but right now they are excited to perform as the duo they’ve called Arrow. Both honour students, Chandra, 19, is in her second year at the university of Calgary working toward a degree in music, while Alena, 16, is in Grade 12 at Bert Church High School where she sings in the choir. Chandra is also an accomplished pianist and Alena loves dance, writing and is learning to play the guitar. The sisters began taking singing lessons nine years ago and first performed at a Bert Church talent show, then in a local production of Hansel and Gretel. “our teachers wanted to put us together because they thought our voices sounded good together,” says Alena. over the years, mom Roxanne Baeuchle says, Chandra and Alena have had some amazing local teachers, including Theresa Wasden, Annalise Smith, Tara Kearney and piano teacher Jill Kotchon. Singing lessons have helped both girls overcome shyness. “I almost felt like I wasn’t doing as good as I could because I was so nervous,” Alena says. Her sister agrees. “I don’t think the nerves will ever go away but it’s definitely better than when I was younger. you learn how to handle it, and a bit of nerves is good. It keeps you in the moment,” Chandra says. A single session with Brian Farrell, vocal coach and mentor, taught them a lot about performance. “We walked out of that house so inspired and excited about our music,” says Chandra. “It was a breakthrough moment.”
The Baeuchles’ musical focus is pop with influences from jazz and other genres. “We do covers of others’ songs and individualize them,” says Chandra, who likes jazz and Kimbra. “I like Kimbra because she’s not trying to go with the mainstream music scene. She’s created her own alleyway.” Alena leans toward indie alternative rock (Gotye, Colbie Caillat) because, she says, “I like artists that are unique and have their own sound. I really admire originality.” For now, the sisters are figuring out how to incorporate both their musical styles into one. Many artists who have a particular style have been influenced by other genres and have discovered their own unique sound, something the sisters strive to accomplish. “It’s still a journey because of their age,” says Roxanne. “There is time to experiment and see where it goes.” The name Arrow emerged after the girls decided that a single name would have more appeal than both names together. “I thought, what are our goals?” says Chandra. “We’re looking to go forward with music and Arrow represented that because our ‘arrows’ are pointed in the direction of music and in furthering ourselves in music.” This summer, the girls produced a media packet with a CD demo to help with marketing. They have perfomed at Cheers for Volunteers and the Relay for Life, which they plan to do again
in 2013. “There is support in the community and with the development of SLAM (Supporting Local Area Musicians) there have been a lot more opportunities,” says Chandra. As success comes, fundraising will be a priority for the pair. They have favourite charities and through their music strive to make the world a better place. “Putting your music out there connects with people, with emotion,” says Alena. Adds Chandra: “[My music] is rewarding and uplifiting. It’s a way of connecting and making friends.” Both girls say they like Airdrie because it’s friendly and supportive. “In a bigger place, it’s harder to be accepted,” says Chandra. “It’s a city full of wonderful, selfless, giving residents,” adds their mother. “There are a lot of good people, good standards, good values, and that’s what creates Airdrie and the feeling you get in this city.” life
Sister Act Chandra and Alena Baeuchle combine their unique styles into one harmonious sound sTorY BY ELLEn KELLY | phoTo BY KrIsTY rEIMEr Chandra (left) and alena Baeuchle
18 airdrielife.com | fall 2012
