It's funny how life's biggest stages can sometimes be found by taking a chance on something you're not even sure you're good at. For Brooke Latka, that leap of faith happened in a high school choir room in Casper, Wyoming.
Brooke's love for music was a lifelong affair, a melody inherited from her parents. "My dad always had his classic rock and roll records playing in the house when I was little," she shared. "I loved dancing around to music and my sister and I always loved singing songs. Music has been huge in my family, and such a big part of my life." This passion eventually led her to pick up a violin at the tender age of seven, embarking on a journey of classical training with the esteemed Becky Mothersbaugh, concert mistress of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra.
But even with a natural talent and dedicated practice, the spotlight wasn't always a comfortable place for young Brooke. "I really struggled, and still do struggle with shyness," she admitted. "It was really hard for me as a child to do recitals because I would be so nervous that it would make me sick." The thought of performing for a living seemed distant, almost impossible, when shyness felt like such a formidable barrier.
Her path through junior high and high school orchestras was steady, but it was a nudge from a best friend in 9th grade that truly altered her trajectory. "My best friend told me I needed to try out for Marcia Patton's choir," Brooke recalled. Hesitant due to her shyness and self-doubt about her voice, she finally gathered the courage. "I finally got the guts to do it and it was one of the best decisions I ever made." This decision not only led to lifelong friendships but also to an unforgettable performance at Carnegie Hall.
Mrs. Patton's choir became a crucible for confidence. "Mrs. Patton believed in me and gave me a chance to sing in her choir. If it weren't for her, I don't think I would be singing. I never even knew that I could sing until she helped bring it out of me." It was a powerful lesson in taking chances, a philosophy that would continue to guide her.
After graduating from Casper College, Brooke's musical interests began to shift. While she had a strong foundation in classical music, she found herself increasingly drawn to the vibrant world of "fiddling" – the energetic, folk-infused style of playing the violin. This led her to join an all-girls band, playing local gigs and even entering fiddle competitions. It was during this period of exploration and fun that she met Chancey Williams at The Beacon Club during the College National Finals Rodeo.
"I met Chancey at The Beacon Club during the College National Finals Rodeo," Latka shared. "I told him that I played fiddle and had a show at the Casper Events Center before the rodeo." Chancey, fresh from Nashville and re-establishing his band, 'The Younger Brothers Band,' was looking for a fiddle player. He attended Brooke's performance, and as she described it, "It was kind of like an audition." He was captivated by her playing, and a few weeks later, Brooke joined the band. From there, their shared journey began, moving from local stages to national recognition, a testament to talent, perseverance, and the courage to embrace new musical horizons.
