Profiles 

Ani Eby

Ani is the second of 10 children born to immigrant parents. After his day job as a carpenter/construction worker, her father worked for the nuns in the convent so that Ani and her older sister could take piano lessons there. Some of her best memories include singing rounds with her siblings while pitting cherries, dancing to her father’s accordion playing and eating her mother’s delicious cherry strudel. She still loves to play, dance and eat!

Eleven years ago, at the young age of 40, Ani started studying cello with Matthew Jones. “If you don’t count marrying a wonderful man, and raising 3 good kids, learning to play the cello is the most satisfying and enjoyable thing I’ve done as an adult”. She has been playing in the symphony for 3 seasons now and considers this a great privilege. Ani’s daughter, Emily, played violin with the GBS while she was in high school.

Last summer Ani did her grade 7 Conservatory exam. Some day she will try for grade 8. She is presently studying with Ben Bolt-Martin. She loves playing chamber music and has attended summer music camps in Kincardine and Lake MacDonald, Quebec. Ani also enjoys coaching and supporting young (and adult) cello students.


Keira McArthur, cello

Keira McArthur is a veteran musician/visual artist and writer living in Kemble, and working in Owen Sound. A seasoned performer and recording artist, her musical career began in the mid-1980's in Ontario and New York State, and continues to flourish in the thriving arts community of Grey Bruce. Keira performs regularly with her string trio and quartette, the Georgian Bay Symphony, David Sereda, and has been an essential musical 'flavour' for professional musical theatre projects, performance art pieces, a silent film ensemble, and acclaimed performance poets from her home region. From folk to jazz to classical to experimental music, she has recorded and performed with most of the acoustic-based musicians in the area.
An award-winning visual artist, Keira has exhibited in over 50 joint and solo exhibitions through out Southern Ontario. In 2001 she published the first catalogue of poems and art called “The Music Project: Sea Hear”, which toured through seven regional galleries. The second phase of the project, “What Makes Us” was launched June 14, 2003 in an exhibition parceled with a Jensen McArthur Concert, and later toured through Owen Sound and Harriston, ON. Her latest work-in-progress is a series of paintings, poems and songs based around the concept of power tools (or tools that are powerful).

www.CrowsInk.


Sibylle Ruppert, cello

Having immigrated from southern Germany to the Owen Sound area in 1987 , the first year seemed to fly by like an exotic holyday: All the spacious landscapes ,the expanse of the lakes and the light of northern Italy .Only after moving to Paisley the '88 did both my Torontonian husband Greg Walke and I experience a bout of culture shock: Underpopulation!
Luckily we did gradually get to know the talent and dedication of so many area people ,who go the extra mile to make good things happen .Some of our earliest visitors can be found in the GBS.
I count myself extremely lucky to be able to play alongside very acomplished principals and enjoy remarkable soloists from inside the music
Since 1983 I have been making my living as a luthier. www.acellorondo.ca.


Joan Skelton, cello

Joan's parents helped open the musical door,
Lessons, five orchestras, Dad's instruments and more.

In '71 the GBCO (GBS) was begun;
Many administrative jobs this founding member has done.

For thirteen GBS years the violin she did play;
Then on to viola, a new clef in a day.

Thirteen years later a third instrument appeared.
To the cello, she became deeply endeared.

Meanwhile, three sons were raised, with schoolwork and sports,
Out-of-town music studies - she was a chauffeur of sorts.

Years of math and music, many students were taught,
Then to retirement, new challenges were sought.

Telescopes and travels - books and star charts,
New languages, cultures, tai chi's healthful arts.

So many new things are yet to be knowing
But the music in her cosmos will always be going.


Debbie Bell

A U.W.O. Music Education grad', Debbie lives in Southampton where she and her husband, Charles, have raised 4 children. Now teaching Spec. Ed. at Saugeen District Secondary School, Debbie welcomes the chance to play her 'cello and also enjoys accompanying on piano in the Saugeen Shores area. With private teachers Mary Evans and Tszumi, Debbie was the principal cellist in the London Youth Symphony as a teen, and has played , besides in secondary and at Western, in the Fanshawe Community Orchestra before moving to Walkerton and playing with the GBS and Aeolian Strings. She enjoys being part of such a well organized group that exudes such talent and supports local young people.