Music is more than a pastime for sisters Braedyn Northrup and Aubri Enders—it’s an inheritance. If you live in or around Bath, you’ve likely heard their father, Brad Ordway, or tapped your foot to one of his performances. Growing up, Braedyn and Aubri spent countless evenings and weekends singing alongside him, his guitar in hand, soaking in his love for folk and classic tunes. Brad has always had a gift for bringing people together through music, a gift that reminds us how deeply community and song are woven together.
In 2021, Braedyn, Nathan, Aubri, and Jeff decided to carry that gift forward by forming their own acoustic band. When it came time to choose a name, Braedyn explains, “Not only are we related, we’re also neighbors. So, calling ourselves The Neighbors just felt right.” Nate was actually the one who really pushed them to start playing out for gigs, bringing the idea to life. Since then, the group has been sharing their heartfelt harmonies and acoustic sound with the community, continuing the family’s tradition of music rooted in connection.
When it comes to lead vocals, Braedyn says, “Nate, Aubri, and I all take turns on lead vocals. This allows us to cover a variety of artists. Aubri and I add harmonies when others are on lead, which keeps our sound full and dynamic.” She also highlights Nate’s extreme talent on guitar: “He can hear a melody and whip it out on guitar in just a few minutes. Recently, he even added some lead electric guitar to our sound, which gives our music an exciting new edge.”
Life offstage is every bit as busy. Teaching runs in the family—just like music—with Braedyn and Aubri both serving as teachers at Bath Central School, where their father, Brad, also taught until his retirement. Braedyn adds coaching to her plate as the high school soccer and track coach, while Nathan and Jeff balance their own full-time careers. And at the center of it all is family: Braedyn and Nathan are raising two children, while Aubri and Jeff are parents to five.
The Neighbors perform at venues across the Finger Lakes, often playing for three hours straight without taking a break. Braedyn typically takes the lead on vocals, with Aubri and Nathan providing harmonies. The sisters’ harmonizing is effortless and rich, a clear reflection of their family connection. When asked whether Nathan finds harmonizing just as easy, Braedyn laughed and admitted, “I’m not sure he would agree it’s effortless for him.”
While Nathan handles the guitar, Jeff adds the percussion, and together the four of them create a unique sound that resonates throughout the Finger Lakes. And it’s not uncommon to spot their dad in the audience, beaming with pride. Once it was Brad calling his daughters on stage to join him for a song or two—now, the tables have turned, and it’s Braedyn and Aubri calling him up to share the spotlight.
For The Neighbors, music is more than just notes and melodies—it’s family, community, and a tradition that continues to bring people together, one song at a time.
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