Bios
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Sarah Sokol
Sarah, 16, is Camaraderie's fiddle player extraordinaire. But she doesn't stop there: Her passion for classical violin finds its way into many of the band's tunes. This blending of styles is one of her favorite things about Camaraderie. She says “I love the versatility of Camaraderie’s music. We all respect each other’s preferences and strengths, and allow a bit of every style to come out in our music.” Sarah also sings lead on many of Camaraderie's vocals.
Sarah's influences include Nickel Creek, Itzak Perlman, Mark O'Conner, Béla Fleck, Sting, and Joni Mitchell.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, writing and playing tennis. She also plays viola in the local youth symphony orchestra. In spring of 2008 Sarah graduated from high school, and in the fall she will continue to work toward her AA degree at Yakima Valley Community College.
Nick
Sokol
Nick is the band's energetic mandolin, saxophone, and—occasionally—guitar player. His love for both bluegrass and jazz shines through his music regardless of which instrument he's on. He also enjoys listening to many musical styles. “That way,” he says, “when it comes time to play, I have a greater arsenal of sounds to choose from.” Nick enjoys composing and singing as well.
Nick's musical influences include Chris Thile, Mike Marshall, Béla Fleck, John Coltrane and Michael Brecker.
Nick, 18, keeps a busy schedule. In addition to playing with Camaraderie, he is a member of several jazz groups, plays tennis, and has a part-time job. Nick graduated from high school in spring of 2008 and will be attending Central Washington University in the fall.
Emily Ankney 
Emily, 16, plays guitar and hammered dulcimer for the group. Although guitar is her favorite, the listener would never know: Her mental focus and dedication are apparent on both. "Each instrument has its own strengths," she says. "The acoustic guitar has so much versatility and such pure tone, and the hammered dulcimer has a very unique sound." Emily sings lead and alto and likes to create harmonies for Camaraderie's vocals.
Emily's influences include Nickel Creek, Russ Barenburg, Bryan Sutton, Sean Watkins, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Jake Dewhirst, Misty River, and Bobby Horton.
Emily's favorite spare-time activities include reading, crocheting, camping, hiking, Frisbee, ping pong, writing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She is a high school senior and a full time Running Start student at Yakima Valley Community College.
Jamin AnkneyAt 19, Jamin is the oldest of the Camaraderie teens. He plays bouzouki, banjo, guitar and mandola for the band. Folks often wonder which instrument he enjoys most, but he has a hard time picking one: "I like them all," he says. He plays each with a clean precision that is typical of his approach to life.
Focusing on four instruments at a time can be challenging. It also means that Jamin's list of influences is long: Nickel Creek, Béla Fleck, Ron Block, Bryan Sutton, Sean Watkins, Russ Barenburg, Matt Flinner, Chris Thile, the Greencards, Mike Marshall, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Rascal Flatts, Rodney Atkins, Bobby Horton, and Jerry Douglas.
Jamin graduated from Yakima Valley Community College with an AA degree in spring of 2008. He is Camaraderie's "science guy" and in fall of 2008 he's starting at the University of Idaho, where he's working toward his degree in civil engineering.
When not practicing music or doing schoolwork, Jamin enjoys camping, hiking, Frisbee, ping pong, and listening to Mariners' baseball games on the radio.
Kindra Ankney
Kindra Ankney, Jamin and Emily’s mom, accompanies the band on the upright bass. Throughout her life Kindra has used her musical talent to play numerous instruments and arrange and compose music. As an accompanist with Camaraderie, she plays a crucial part in the band’s music with her skillful bass style.
