The Herrlinger Family Singers

We are the Dad & Mom of this bunch (Bill & Cathy). We met at Bible college and were married in 1983. Since then we have joyfully accepted 7 children as gifts from God and are now enjoying sharing the gift of music together as a family.

I (Bill) was born in a small town in western Minnesota to my parents who operated a dairy farm. I am the second born of four children who all grew up attending a small Lutheran church. I was schooled in a two room schoolhouse for 6 years and then moved to the "big city school" with 90 in my graduating class. My focus after graduating was to make a lot of money and have fun in life. After years of living in and loving sin, God showed me the emptiness of a life lived for self and sin. Thoughts of ending my own life seemed to be the only answer. God met me that night as I listened to a gospel music program on the radio. Life has radically changed from that moment as I have given God the "drivers seat" of my life.

I (Cathy) was raised in Int'l Falls, MN; the caboose of the family. My brother is 16 years older than me, and my sister is 18 years older. I was very blessed to be raised by Christian parents who loved the Lord and taught me to love Him. We were also very involved in the Baptist church that I grew up in. I was saved at a young age, realizing I was a sinner and needful of God's salvation. Through the years I've been learning what it means to walk with Him. I had no desire to homeschool and only wanted 4 children. But God has slowly and patiently worked on my heart. He's done a work in me and continues that work of teaching me to submit and focus on Him. Through His mercy, He's given the grace to give up my visions so He could fulfill the more meaningful and rewarding vision of music that God has given Bill.

The past 25 years has had many joys along with struggles. God has been faithful in leading us into the green pastures as well as through the deep valleys. Because of struggles as a child, Bill entered our marriage with much "baggage" that he didn't even realize. God has truly been gracious and merciful as He's led us to answers in dealing with this "baggage". Our desire in our ministry would be to see family relationships restored as ours has been, for God's glory.

Hello! From a young age, music has been a love of mine, starting with piano lessons at the age of five. Playing in a youth orchestra for three years during my early teenage years furthered my love for, and experience in group playing. This has proved invaluable in arranging many of our family's songs, and in teaching piano to each of my younger siblings. I also am rather passionate about music theory and composing, and enjoy surprising my family with new songs to learn.

The foundation of solid piano instruction greatly helped in picking up a second instrument, and I have greatly enjoyed learning guitar. In the Spring of 2005, I received my first guitar as an inheritance after my Grandpa passed away. Though that guitar and it's subsequent upgrade is no longer in use, our most recent purchase of a Martin has well filled the gap.

Other interests of mine include sewing, writing in various forms, be it journaling, blogging, or correspondence, photography, long walks, and foreign mission work. Much travel in recent years has prevented me from being extensively involved in the family music, but I still enjoy joining in whenever I am around.

I was born at the United Children's Hospital in St. Paul, MN after my mom had been there 6 weeks in pre-term labor. Despite the doctor's best efforts, I was born about 6 weeks premature. After birth I had to stay in an incubator at the hospital for about a week and had to stay in the hospital for another 3 weeks.

I was saved in 1998 when mom sent me to my room for something I had done. While in my room I realized that I had not only disobeyed mom, but God also. Right then I asked God to cleanse me from my sins. Since then, God has been teaching me to be content with how he made me even though I may be smaller than other people my age and to be joyful in how he has made me.

It has been a dream of mine to play the banjo ever since I heard it on an old smoky mountain gospel cassette tape several years ago. This dream almost came true several years ago when we saw an ad in the paper for a banjo. After going to look at it, we realized it was not the right timing, so I learned patience as it became apparent I would have to wait some more. In the Lord's perfect timing, He brought that dream true in 2006 with the purchase of all of our family's instruments. Since then, I have also learned to play guitar, and enjoy the flexibility that gives our family music.

My music started with piano lessons at four years old taught by a teacher in our area. Later on my big sister, Andrea started teaching me, and I continued for several years more. When my grandpa couldn't play guitar anymore, we inherited his guitar which I soon started to learn with Andrea's help. After playing that and the bass guitar for a while, I heard the dobro and immediately fell in love with the sound. After working all that summer at a wildflower farm hoeing, weeding, and planting, I was able to purchase my dobro. After working with it awhile myself, I realized I needed help and was able to find a teacher who has been able to assist me a lot.

I was born again in 2004 when I realized I was a sinner, and with my mom's help, prayed and asked the Lord to save me. Since then, God has been teaching me obedience, and by His grace I continue to learn and grow in Him. Outside of school and music, I fill my time with mechanic work with my dad, building things, trapping pocket gophers using the mini-bike I built, and making wood.

Hi! My name is Laurissa, and here's a little peek at my life. I started to play piano when I was about 5 years old but lost interest in it when I was 12. I wanted to play mandolin, and was able to buy my first one in September of 2006. I started out with a Johnson A-style mandolin, but soon needed to upgrade to a Michael Kelly F-style. I also play violin and guitar, and especially enjoy participating in fiddle contests.

I do a lot of the cooking along with my younger sister, but I most enjoy being outside working in the garden, trapping pocket gophers with my brothers, and riding bike. I also really enjoy babysitting our neighbor's children 1 to 3 days a week.

I was born again on July 18, 05 and baptized July 24, 05 along with 2 of my sisters and 1 of my brothers. Since then God has been teaching me to trust Him and be more loving and kind. One of my favorite verses that I have memorized and has encouraged me is Isaiah 41:10. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Ever since my oldest sister Andrea bought a violin several years ago, I really wanted to play one too. The Lord answered my prayer in 2006, and I was able to buy a half-size violin and started taking lessons shortly afterwards. I have enjoyed it very, very much! I also play piano, and enjoy learning from my sister Andrea.

I was saved when I was 7 years old. God is teaching me to love one another and to be obedient and patient.

I keep busy with practicing, school, and chores. Some of my chores are helping with cooking, cleaning, and gardening. In my spare time I like reading, computer, playing games, playing house, and going outside.

Hi! My name in Miranda. I have been playing piano since I was about 5, and just recently have enjoyed taking violin lessons. I enjoy learning typing on the computer, looking at books, coloring, doing school with mom, & playing outside with my sisters and brothers (biking, rollerblading, taking walks, etc.). I do chores around the house like cleaning the yard, cleaning our bedroom, drying dishes, folding laundry, & helping with the garden work.

Like all my older brothers and sisters, I have also been playing piano since I was 5 and really enjoy it. When I get older I want to play Mandolin, and maybe Guitar. For now, I am also learning to play accordion, and am even starting to do a few songs with the family. I like schoolwork and help with chores around the house like dishes, feeding the cat, folding laundry, and sometimes help with the garden work. In my free time I play outside, color, make cards, and play with my sisters.