Born on August 28, 1932, in Opp, Alabama, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Rainer, Alice and Clarice Rainer became Opp’s first professional pianists. Since their New York City debut in 1961, the two have delighted audiences all over the country with their unique “one piano, four hands” style.
Opp High School honor graduates, the two were active in high school life. especially in the music and drama departments. They remember fondly such fine teachers as Velma Ellis, “Tubby” Hall, J.L. Nolen, Virginia Purvis, Bill Scofield and Virginia St. John. Members of the First United Methodist Church, the Twins sang in the choir and played piano and organ for church services. Alice and Clarice consider all these early experiences very influential in their development as concert artists.
Their first piano teachers were Mrs. Marie Morgan, Miss Helen Hixson, and Mrs. Mark McGowin. The Rainers earned their music degrees at The University of Montevallo School of Music, where they studied with M. Ziolkowski, himself a pupil of Paderewski. The Rainers honed their skills at the Aspen Music School and later studied privately with renowned duo-pianists Vronsky and Babin.
From Mobile to Minneapolis to New York City, the Rainers with their impressive talents have pleased diverse audiences. They have presented hundreds of children’s concerts in public and private schools. Appearing before the prestigious Haarlem Philharmonic Society at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, Alice and Clarice received highest praise for their artistry. The Rainers have performed for many colleges and local arts festivals and have always left their audiences smiling.
Not content just to perform onstage, the Rainers have also been active in teaching, studying and researching the fine art of piano and its large repertoire of music originally composed for one piano, four hands. Countless young people have benefitted from their vast knowledge and experience. Their writing has appeared in National Music Journal and The Piano Technicians Journal. In addition to teaching, studying and researching, Alice and Clarice also arrange much of their concert music.
The International Who’s Who in Music, American Keyboard Artists, Personalities of the South, The National Register of Prominent Americans and International Notables, and Outstanding Young Women of America all list the Rainer Twins as members.
In 1993 the Rainer Twins return to their home, Opp, Alabama, where they continue to teach, study, write and perform in this area. They are especially popular with The Dorothy R. Sellars Dance School audiences as they play sparkling overtures for each annual “Evening of Dance.”
Two of Opp’s favorite daughters, Alice and Clarice Rainer, continue to add a special grace and dignity to their community. Opp’s music is sweeter for their being here. They were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
