All in the family: Busking Jasper siblings have talent to share

There's something different about the Jasper kids. Yes all four play instruments, most multiples, and three regularly busk, the fourth tagging along for support and the occasional soft shoe. But it's why they busk that makes them stand out, not to mention their individual aspirations.

According to mom, Beatrice (Bea) Weathersbee, Portsmouth, she and the kids' dad, Matthew Jasper, supported the idea of music because it has a positive effect on brain development "and it's fun and gives them something to feel confident about."

It seems to have panned out. While there's the occasional grumble regarding practice, each takes to their instrument, and busks of their own accord.

Albion Jasper, 9, attends fourth grade at Little Harbour School in Portsmouth. Bean, as he's known, chose the violin.

"My brother was playing and I was like 'looks like he's having fun," so I decided to play," he explains.

Bean, who studies with Louise Kandle of Durham, is candid about his relationship with the instrument. Seems Albion, one of the buskers, isn't partial to being "forced" to practice. "(Playing) is pretty fun. But I would like it more if I didn't feel like I had to do it," says Bean, who often busks solo.

Like his siblings, Bean is raising money for a cause, well "causes" in his case.

First, he plans to pitch in for a Christmas trip to mom's dad in Virginia. He also donates to stop whaling charities. "And I've saved up to buy this little hovercraft that can sit in the palm of your hand," he adds. "I haven't bought it yet."

As for music as a career, "not as a living," he says. "I want to make things, invent things to help people. I came up with a facemask that lets you breathe under water as long as you want. I just design things. And if I don't do that I'd like to be a pet keeper or something like that."

Eudora (Dora) Jasper, 12, attends Portsmouth Middle School. The sole sister, Dora, plays piano, (since age 4), cello, accordion, bass and viola. Cello is the focus, "because of the diversity you can play," and viola for busking. "My musical preference is 'fiddle style' on cello and viola ...; Celtic probably," says Dora. "But I just find music I like and I play it."

At one point in the conversation Dora remembers she also plays with the school band. "Oh, that's right," she says off-handedly. "I study sax at school." Weathersbee later adds banjo and clarinet to the mix, noting Dora has picked up and taught herself numerous instruments.

For Sale – Pretty Wedgwood Blue Jasper Christmas Tree Decoration ...

&Nbsp;

PAYMENT IN THE UK: PAYPAL; CHEQUE SUBJECT TO CLEARANCE (5 DAYS); OR POSTAL ORDERS

OVERSEAS PAYMENT: PAYPAL.

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING AT COST WORLDWIDE.....

BUYER MUST MAKE CONTACT WITHIN 3 DAYS AND PAYMENT WITH IN 10 DAYS OF AUCTION END.....

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO VIEW ONE OF MY ITEMS.....

HAPPY BIDDING

ALL MERCHANDISE IS SOLD AS STATED.

That means we want you to ask questions first. Your winning bid is a binding contract. If we've made a mistake we will work with you. We do not accept returns for any other reason(s). Returns must be requested within 3 days of receipt of your purchase.

Just take a look at our Member Page and our feedback... Our main goal is to have a satisfied and happy buyer.... and that is the reason we have so many repeat buyers...

SquareTrade © AP6.

Jasper Celebrates Christmas, Jasper Sinclaire

The murder of Edwin Drood recounted by John Jasper, being an attempted solution of the mystery based on Dickens' manuscript and memoranda

Free to a Good Home

I Shudder, And Other Reactions to Life, Death, and New Jersey

Puzzle of Dickens's Last Plot