Three voices began to rise in perfect three-part harmony, modulating in a crowded church, uplifting and encouraging all who will listen. Two sisters and one brother make it their business to share a rare gift to the community in hopes of a positive and spiritual outcome.
MCC- Longview students Meagan McIntyre, 21, and Mamie McIntyre, 19, along with Raytown South High School student Chester McIntyre, 16, spend their weekends unlike many people of their age. Instead of going to parties or sitting home bored, the McIntyre siblings, also known as the Mac Family, live up their weekends in front of an audience singing praises to God.
The oldest, Meagan McIntyre, says she has been singing since the tender age of 2.
“Our parents are musicians, so music is something that has been instilled in us,” Meagan said. “We sing together almost every weekend.”
Agreeing, Mamie McIntyre says that being raised in church and having her dad as her music teacher in elementary school is what influenced her.
“Just having my dad as my teacher made me more open to music,” Mamie said. “But of course, if I got in trouble I had to go straight to daddy,” she said.
With music being so prevalent in the McIntyre household, the siblings say singing for an audience is not bad at all.
“[Singing in front of a crowd] is a really nice feeling,” Chester McIntyre said. “I can just go up there and sing my heart out, and hopefully the audience will give me that energy.”
Mamie McIntyre says there was a process to her comfort.
“I’m not going to lie, I used to be kind of scared… especially with those smaller crowds,” Mamie McIntyre said. “But when I’m on stage doing my thing, it’s like nobody is there.”
Dealing with stage presence, although important, is not the reason these siblings sing. Meagan McIntyre says she has two messages she would like to communicate to the listening ear through her singing.
“First, I want to inspire people, directly the young people, to realize you don’t have to result to negativity or wrong influences, or hang with the wrong crowd to be happy and love yourself,” Meagan aid. “And secondly, I want people to know that what can make you happy is making God your first priority.”
Mamie says her desire is as simple as wanting people to see a positive example through her lifestyle.
“I want to do what the word says and let my light so shine. I want people to see me and think that maybe there could be a God,” Mamie said. “That’s my goal. I want people to know there is happiness in God.
There have been times when their music and songs have affected someone, Meagan said.
“I remember a time when we were invited to sing in Colorado. We were in a hotel and there was this man there drinking and crying, telling us how his cousin got shot and how he had to wait four days to get home,” she said. “Well, Mamie thought that we could sing a song so we did. The man crying thanked us. We are now connected with him on Facebook and he’ll write us and thank us for that night and the encouragement.”
With a positive mindset, the three family members go to school with their minds on their future.
“I’m always going to be singing. It’s a part of life, whether it’s full-time ministry or locally, but I want to be a teacher,” Meagan said. “I’m interested in special education and early childhood.
Mamie McIntyre has different plans.
“I want to sing positive and inspirational music, but I’m going to get my liberal arts degree,” Mamie said. “I’m still trying to figure out why I’m in school, but I feel that I’m here (in school), I’m young and not in a rush, and I’m singing, so I’m good.”
Whether it is singing, Special Education, or a Liberal Arts degree, Chester McIntyre gives a piece of advice.
“If you have a talent, don’t hide it. Let it show,” he said.
So as the song comes to an end and the echo of the notes ring in the ears of the old, and even the youngest of children, the Mac Family say they will continue to sing to spread their message of positivity and encouragement.
October 16, 2012
Campus, Entertainment