The Mighty Chiplings began as a solo venture on the streets of Sebastopol. Sitting on the bench in front of Peoples Music, twins Marshall and David Thiessen played their banjo and mandolin for passersby. Before long, close friends Jesse Fichman and Adrian Shader joined the brothers with guitar and violin, making the group complete. A local legend, Chip Dunbar, coached these 11 year olds into the makings of a band. When Chip died unexpectedly, the name he dubbed them stuck in his honor and the Mighty Chiplings were born.