Milwaukee natives and musical duo SistaStrings performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful” at the Super Bowl alongside Brandi Carlile. Nearly a decade after visiting Shorewood elementary schools to share their music with the next generation, violinist Chauntee Ross and cellist Monique Ross are now performing for millions worldwide on one of America’s biggest stages.
After days filled with numerous run throughs, the performers were prepared to share their music on this platform.
“Playing the Super Bowl was like any other gig—times ten!” Chauntee Ross said. “[There was] a lot of rehearsing and rushing around a few days before the big day. Outfits have to be approved and [there are] so many small details. Thankfully we have an awesome team with Brandi, and the NFL and ROC Nation had people assigned to us to help us with whatever we needed.”
Multiple performances at the Super Bowl emphasized the importance of inclusion and representation in the media. Carlile’s feature with SistaStrings was no different.
“There were so many string players at the Super Bowl, and so many women and people of color in the ensembles,” Chauntee Ross said. “[The Super Bowl] felt like a big reunion and truly diverse, which speaks to the power of music. It brought together so many people from different walks of life. It felt important that we were there representing our community alongside so many other folks doing the same.”
This collaboration with Carlile goes far deeper than this single performance. Over the past five years they’ve been members of Carlile’s band and featured in The Human Tour, Carlile’s first arena tour. Throughout this time, the musicians have formed deep connections.
“She’s producing our first album and is a dear friend […] she’s such a beautiful songwriter and vocalist and this band adores each other,” Chauntee Ross said. “We wish the tour was longer.”
Although recently active in Nashville, Tennessee, the duo’s music was greatly shaped by their upbringing in the Milwaukee area.
“The Milwaukee arts community gave us resilience,” Chauntee Ross said. “There are so many talented people in this city and such a vibrant arts community we were so blessed to come up in. Also, we had amazing music educators in this city that we are forever grateful for.”
As the city left a mark on the musicians, the sisters also made contributions back to their community. Their impact isn’t just in the memories they’ve created for community members, but lies within Shorewood’s own musicians. Some Shorewood students had the opportunity to learn from these artists while they were located in Milwaukee. Junior Milan Robinson, who began her musical journey being mentored by Chauntee Ross while she was in elementary and intermediate school, has looked up to Sister Strings since her childhood.
“I just feel really happy that I did have that time with Chauntee before she got busy, because that is a pretty big opportunity for me to have now, especially seeing as famous and known as they’ve gotten in the world,” Robinson said.
Robinson even had the chance to perform a song with SistaStrings at their last concert in Milwaukee.
“[Chauntee Ross] gave me a lot of confidence,” Robinson said. “She made that experience a lot calmer.”
Reminiscing on the first time she was introduced to the duo’s music, Robinson remembers how their soul and experimentation stuck out to her.
“They were really passionate, really deep into their music, and they weren’t afraid to take any risks,” Robinson said. “They stuck to who they were, but they were also willing to try something different […] I feel like they kind of mix genres, [and] make it their own.”
Chauntee Ross and Robinson parted ways four years ago when the sisters moved to Nashville, Tennessee. However, the duo’s musical impact on their students continues into the present.
“I definitely think it has influenced my take on how I listen to music and play it now,” said Robinson. “[During performances] I try to channel SistaStrings.”
Before contributing to newer generations, the sisters were once students themselves. Studying with Scott Cook, in the Cello Institute of Milwaukee, Monique Ross began forming what would become lifelong goals regarding music under his guidance.
This mentorship continued after their lessons concluded.
“After high school Monique often stopped by to work pieces out with me while she was studying at UW-Madison,” Cook said. “Lessons were always easy and fun, and the gorgeous sound she had made it all the better. Later she was my pedagogy student at UWM.”
Cook’s teaching style allows for students to lead their learning. He adapts to each of his students’ needs by taking multiple approaches in his explanation, giving the duo a new perspective.
“I told them our goal as musicians was to work toward artistry and sometimes we may achieve it,” Cook said. “It’s never an honor you can bestow upon yourself.”
This passion for the industry translated into their current projects. As their tour approaches the end, the duo prepares for their next steps while staying true to their original philosophy.
“Music is for everyone and we make sure that is clear anywhere we play,” Chauntee Ross said. “We love how it connects people and gives us a voice. […] Our intent with our music making is to spread love through song.”