Susan Aylard is well known in the Shuswap and Okanagan Valley as a professional violinist who performs with the Okanagan and Kamloops Symphony Orchestras and teaches violin at the Shuswap Community Music Academy. Fiddling with a band has always been one of her goals After years of searching for the right mix, she formed The Cats and the Fiddle. Two of her favourite fiddle stars are Natalie McMaster and Leahy. Mad Pudding was also an inspiration because they showed how classically trained musicians can create awesome folk bands. Further inspiration is the eclectic combination of cellist YoYo Ma, fiddler Mark O’Conner and bassist Edger Mayer. What a great mix! Susan’s playing is a mix of all these great artists combined with over 30 years of classical training. Because she doesn’t want to sound too old we should clarify that she began her studies at the age of 2-1/2.
Sonja Heide recently moved to the Shuswap Valley from Vancouver to take over The Maples Waterfront Resort. During the summer months guests at the resort were, on occasion, known to join her and her Sister Susan jammin’ by the campfire. Sonja studied violin at the coast and performed with the Senior Vancouver Youth Orchestra for many years. Her favourite instrument, other than voice, is the classical guitar.
Anita Liebich also is a professional musician who this year returned to the Shuswap and began teaching at the Shuswap Community Music Academy. Anita also comes from a very classical music family. This is the first time she has tried improvising with jazz and fiddle. This new style is a little out of character but matches the streak of blue hair that she was sporting when she moved back to Salmon Arm.
Heather Harris likes PLAID and is guaranteed to be wearing it every day in some form or another. Unfortunately, she hasn’t found a plaid guitar strap yet. Besides plaid, she likes the outdoors, gardening and singing to her goats. If farming doesn't keep her busy enough, her growing family and teaching science at King's Christian School does.
Adrienna MacKnee works at Purple Springs Nursery during the summer and Silver Star Ski Hill in the winter. This active lady, the band’s youngest member, has since grade 6 played the oboe, drums, trumpet and piano. She has performed in numerous jazz trios, college orchestras and choir.