Meet East Meadow's musical twins

Sabrina and Thomas Brody, born two minutes apart on Jan. 17, 1997, have shared a long musical history together.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

Sabrina Brody, a violist, said East Meadow’s music program has had a profound impact on her life.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

"I wanted to either both make [All-National] together, or both not make it,” said Thomas, who inherited a love for the bass from his father.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

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The high school résumés of siblings Sabrina and Thomas Brody are nearly identical. The musically gifted seniors are members of the East Meadow High School orchestra, are All-County and All-State musicians, and have performed together at Carnegie Hall as part of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra.

Another similarity? They’re twins, born two minutes apart on Jan. 17, 1997.

The pair have been playing music nearly their entire lives, and have risen through East Meadow’s esteemed music program. Sabrina — who’s moments older — plays the viola, and Thomas plays the bass.

The two have always been close, and they said their love of music has only tightened their bond. Consequently, they’re often lumped together as one, which has its advantages and disadvantages. “Sometimes you don’t feel as unique,” said Thomas, sitting next to his sister in his school’s orchestra room. “Here your sister does everything exactly the same as you. But I think it makes us special. Maybe not like a shadow, but it’s another version of yourself that you can look at, and kind of see a part of you in.”

But if you ask them, they’ll tell you they’re actually quite different. “People assume we’re exactly the same just because we both play in orchestra,” said Sabrina, “and we both are talented in our instruments. It’s always been ‘musical twins, musical twins.’”

The main differences lie in their personalities. Sabrina is more outgoing and social, and Thomas more laid-back and reserved. In school, Sabrina is a self-proclaimed math and science geek, while Thomas prefers English and social studies.

But besides their work ethic, another trait they share, according to their longtime orchestra teachers, Michael Cascardi and Kati Behr, is a willingness to help others. “They’re very dedicated to what they do,” said Cascardi, the Brodys’ teacher for seven years. “They help weaker students get better. Any time you need a violist or a bass player, they never say no.”