Fraternal twins Jim and Jack Chiprean could be compared to an eighth note, inextricably connected and always standing side by side for as long as the song lasts.

On Thursday, July 20, the brothers celebrated nine decades of togetherness, whether selling footwear at their family business, Miller’s Shoes, or playing thousands of performances together in various bands over the years.

The Chiprean family gathered to celebrate the dual milestone birthday at Jim’s house in Butler Township on the 90th anniversary of their birth.

The twins were born in Butler on July 20, 1933, to John and Anna Chiprean, both musicians, who filled their childhood home with music.

Anna played the piano and John played saxophone and violin.

So it was only natural when the boys picked up an instrument, and they haven’t put them down since.

Jim plays the saxophone and clarinet, and Jack favors the trumpet and trombone. Their late brother, Bob, was an extremely talented pianist who played in all the musicals at Butler High School in his day, Jim said.

The twins, along with their father and Jim’s sons, played for decades in the Anthony James Band, Musicians Concert Band and other combos.

“Dad and Mother were great influences on my brothers and me,” Jim said of the family’s musical bent. “In his younger years, Dad took the trolley to Pittsburgh to take violin lessons.”

The elder Chiprean switched to saxophone during the Great Depression because he could make more money to buy milk for his young sons, Jim said.

John Chiprean played at dances at Alameda Park during the ’30s and ’40s.

“We were raised with music and our parents were a great influence on that part of our lives,” Jim said.

Jack, who lives in Prospect with his wife, Jackie, said the brothers played together for more than 40 years, traveling up and down the western side of Pennsylvania as co-leaders of the Anthony James Band.

“We played everywhere,” Jack said. “You name it and we played it, except the West Coast.”

Jack agreed that the band was a family affair, with his father playing lead alto sax.

Jack’s oldest son, Robert, also played trumpet and was a music teacher in Kittanning before retiring.

His two granddaughters played trumpet in their high school bands, and one was just admitted into the University of Pittsburgh marching band.

A grandson is an instructor with a drum and bugle corps.

“It kind of followed along in the generations,” Jack said.

Likewise, Jim’s son, Jimmy, has played alongside his father all his life.

“The family that plays together, stays together,” Jimmy said.

The twins graduated from John Carroll University in 1956, and their sons, cousins Jimmy and Bobby, were both born on July 5, 1958, at Butler County Memorial Hospital.

Those who don’t know Jim and Jack Chiprean from their musical careers might have purchased shoes from the brothers at their family shop, Miller’s Shoes.

Campbell E. Miller established the shoe business at 215 S. Main St. and John Chiprean began working there at age 10, in 1907.

After climbing the ladder to salesman and buyer, Chiprean took over ownership when Miller died in 1934.

Jim Chiprean eventually took over the store with the unfailing help and support of his wife, Madeline Spagnola Chiprean, and Jack worked there as well before retiring in 1995.

Jim and Madeline expanded the business, opening stores in Erie, Altoona, Meadville and Pittsburgh. The Butler store is the lone remaining Miller’s Shoes, and is now run by Jim’s sons, Jimmy, Tony and John.

Jim served on the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, as president of Butler Downtown, and as a board member with Moraine Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

He founded the Butler Spirit of Christmas Parade alongside the late Rep. Guy Travaglio.

Reflecting on his birthday, Jim said he has enjoyed every minute of companionship with his twin brother.

“We were together all the time and even in later years, my brother lived next door to me, so we got to talk to each other every day,” he said. “It was a very nice closeness in all phases of our lives, especially music.”

In addition to music, Jack pursued an interest in aviation in his younger years and even after his retirement.

Jack spent 31 years rebuilding a World War II-era Stinson 10A Voyager, which took to the skies once again in 2016 with him as pilot.

The twins are both veterans as well, with Jim having served in the Army and Jack in the Air Force.

“It’s all been a pleasure,” said Jack. “I’m surprised I got this far.”

Asked if he thought he’d make it to 90, Jim replied “Never, never, never.”

“We’ve lost so many of our high school classmates and college classmates,” Jim said. “To be here to celebrate 90 years is quite a wonderful feeling.”