CHESAPEAKE — It all started with a Christmas gift of guitars for Abbey Kimball, 11, and her sister, Anna Claire Kimball, 8.

Add to that mix a drum set for Anna Claire, and a cousin, Casey Underwood, 14, and you have the recipe for a local musical success story.

The trio started trying out their musical skills little by little and liking what they heard. That led to some

more practice and when they learned there was going to be a local talent contest on the style of American Idol, they focused their efforts even harder.

What they came up with is a country group they like to call 4 Mile.

“I started playing my guitar and I like to sing along,” Abbey said. “We got together and we thought we sounded pretty good. We just kind of practiced and thought this would be a good chance to see what we could do.”

Music comes naturally to these households. Abbey and Anna’s mother, Robin, sings at their church, Union Missionary Baptist.

The video that the girls made in the basement of their church was rewarded for they were chosen to play during a July 4 event at Pullman Square.

The girls, all of whom are students in the Chesapeake School System, would like to continue to use their talent to play at other venues.

“We were laughing about playing at Camden Park next summer … maybe at a birthday party,” Abbey said. “It makes me feel good and it’s fun to do.”