Meet SCC Kitchener's Jazz Idol: Cathy Menard

By Denise de la Cruz

Cathy Menard is one of the many creative members of the Service Canada team who leads a double life, whirling through the hectic bustle at the Kitchener office by day and crooning smooth jazz tunes by night.

Although she grew up in a family of musicians, becoming a jazz singer never crossed Cathy's mind. She always thought she'd be a teacher. She wasn't even aware that the music she listened to as a child and sang along to was "jazz"; they were just songs her mother knew and Cathy loved.

The role of jazz vocalist came as a surprise to Cathy. A self-proclaimed "very bad pianist", she auditioned to play keyboard for a band and was asked to stay as the lead vocalist instead. She sang songs popular at the time. A resurgence of interest in jazz in the mid-80s was what inspired Cathy to add some jazz standards to her band's pop sets. They were well-received by the audiences and the rest is history.

Cathy has had a successful run in the jazz scene through the years. In addition to recording two highly praised jazz albums ("In Old Fashioned" in 1999 and "We'll Find a Way" in 2001) and a Christmas CD that is "an absolutely wonderful holiday piece" according to colleague Ross Tayler, Cathy has also been involved in a number of club engagements and jazz festival appearances. As well, she has done television spots on CKCO-TV, Rogers Community TV, and City TV.

"I never dreamed at that time that someday I'd have the opportunity to record two jazz CDs, as well as being able to meet and perform with some of my jazz heroes. In my mind, jazz players, even today, are still somewhat intimidating to me and it's always a thrill when I think ‘Gee! I get to sing with these guys!' You know, it sort of puts me on an even plateau with them even though I think I'm not quite there yet."

These days, Cathy is busy tackling everyday challenges at the SCC Kitchener office as executive assistant to the director. Ross Tayler commends Cathy's expertise in providing administrative support to the management team, juggling schedules, travel plans, media communications, staff meetings, research functions, WebCIMS, and other ministerial and national headquarters correspondence. She is also an active participant in United Way, a regular contributor to sector activities, and a key player in inter-departmental functions. Although Cathy is anticipating many changes and challenges in the department within the next few years, she is more excited than alarmed.

"I very much enjoy working with everyone here in the Kitchener office. I find the same things enjoyable as I do challenging. In this role, you need to be somewhat knowledgeable in every aspect of the department. The diversity offers great flexibility and opportunities to learn, but at the same time, it can be daunting. People has a tendency to assume that you have all the answers even when you don't. Lifelong learning for sure!"

Brimming with ideas but currently lacking the time and resources, she is hoping to do another recording after she retires. (She has a few more years to go!) Although she still performs from time to time, most of the music Cathy enjoys is now performed by members of her family, especially her children, her greatest source of pride and inspiration.

"My husband Don is a professional drummer who also teaches. My son David is finishing his broadcast television course at Fanshawe College this spring. He is also a drummer and performs with my daughter Laura Rose. They have been performing (and continue to perform) in a country band for the last six years.

"Laura released her first CD three years ago and was nominated for a CCMA in the Best Independent Female Vocalist Category. She also sings with a group called "The Daughters" who have been recording and touring Canada for many years. If you haven't noticed, I'm very proud of them!"

Visit Cathy's website at cathymenard.com for more music-related news.

 

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