Smith Sisters

Biography

Billie-Jo and Micki-Lee have been playing violin and performing for over ten years at various venues and events across Alberta. They play a variety of repertoire, including classical, bluegrass, inspirational, country, folk, fiddle, and more. The girls have performed for many fundraisers, organizations, and events, and enjoy using their music to make a difference in the world around them. Recently Billie and Micki have been busy composing and recording new songs for there most recent CD ‘Look Inside’.

Billie-Jo is 16 years old and has received numerous awards and scholarships, including the Royal Conservatory Silver Medal for grade 9 violin. She completed her Grade 10 violin with the Royal Conservatory of Music in January 2011, receiving first class honours with distinction. Currently she is working on completing her performance degree in violin. Piano is another interest of hers, and is working on her grade 10 RCM piano exam. She has participated in various competitions and music festivals, and in 2011 competed at the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship in Ottawa, accompanied by Marlee Gates. In September, 2011 Billie won first place in the Open category of the Harvest Gold Fiddlers’ weekend in Athabasca. Billie enjoyed being a part of the Edmonton Youth Orchestra for 4 years, and was concertmaster for two of them. She enjoys composing many different types of music, and some of her tunes are featured on their new CD. Billie currently studies violin with Joan Jewitt in Sherwood Park, and plays with the Concordia Symphony Orchestra.

Micki-Lee is 14 years old and has been playing the violin and performing since the age of four. She is currently working towards completing her Grade 10 violin, and also studies with Joan Jewitt. Micki has competed in many fiddle competitions and festivals, and won first place in the intermediate category at the Grand North American Fiddle Championships in 2010. She is currently concertmaster of the Edmonton Youth Orchestra and has been a part of the organization for a total of four years. Micki-Lee is studying guitar with Clinton Pelletier and loves to sing and yodel. She also plays piano and is learning to play the mandolin and electric guitar. Micki-Lee has been developing her music writing skills and one of her original songs has become a real favourite on the girls new CD.

Together they won first place in ‘Twin Fiddling’ at the 2011 Grand North American fiddle contest. In 2009, Billie-Jo and Micki-Lee had the honour of receiving the Pride of Strathcona award for their contributions to arts and culture in their community.They look forward to having many more musical experiences, making new friends and thank all those who have helped and encouraged them along the way.