Growing up in a musically inclined family, Albert Lea High School juniors Tim and Emily Stoneking naturally took on a love for music.

When they were younger, they started out taking piano lessons from their mother, Julie, who taught them out of their home.

Now, their passion for music has expanded.

The twins are involved in multiple musical groups at the high school, while also participating in sports and regular academics, too.

Tim is in the chorale, caroliers, concert choir, show choir, band, concert band, jazz band and drumline. And if that’s not enough, he also participates in Tigers Roar, the school’s talent show, and plays tennis in the spring.

He plays percussion, guitar, ukulele, piano and drums and typically practices an hour before school, two hours during school, and one or two hours after school.

Emily plays tenor saxophone, piano, a little guitar and clarinet.

She’s involved with show choir, concert choir, band, jazz band and drumline, on top of three sports: volleyball, basketball and softball.

“It’s part of a family thing,” Tim said, of how he and his sister got involved with music.

“It’s been with us our whole lives,” Emily added.

The twins have also been involved with the school’s musicals, including “Seussical The Musical,” “Cinderella” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

“The arts are probably the best thing this school offers,” Tim said. “That’s why I enjoy coming to school.”

Emily said she appreciates her teachers who are passionate about what they do, which in turn rubs off onto their students.

With their music classes being in the morning, she said they help set the pace for the rest of the day. She can be having an off-day, but go into her music classes and come out feeling renewed.

Tim and Emily said they have thought about going into music teaching after high school but will probably just be in a few music groups.

For now, the two will enjoy doing what they’re good at and what makes them happy.