Welcome to Upbeat Performing Arts!
At Upbeat Performing Arts, we believe that music is a powerful tool for growth and learning. Our music group classes for kids are designed to be fun, engaging, and inspiring for young musicians of all levels with engaging rehearsal techniques.
Meet Our Instructors
Our team of instructors is made up of talented musicians who are passionate about teaching and inspiring young musicians. Get to know them below!
Jenny Gibbons
Founder, Musical Theater/Choir Director, Intermediate Orchestra Director
Jenny Gibbons has professional training in musical theater, violin, voice, and dance! She is also currently a studio musician and has sung on records such as, Nathan Pacheco (Higher), Kenneth Cope (Son of Man), Jackman Music (Come Unto Him), Guy Richey Gibbons (In This Moment), and more! Most importantly, she is the mother of 6 beautiful children and the wife of one amazing man, who is the biggest support behind everything that goes on at Upbeat! Along with directing other music groups in the community, this is her 8th year directing Upbeat Performing Arts - it has been so wonderful to meet so many new friends! Our group has performed at Festival of Trees, Abravanel Hall, the Utah State Capitol, and have put on two of the best musicals ever written, "Beauty & the Beast" and "Anastasia," along with "The Magical Movie Revue!" It is such a joy to see the confidence grow in each child as they learn and grow through music! She loves seeing budding musicians reach their full potential through music in a positive, uplifting atmosphere!
Liz Graden
Band Director
Gabrielle Gibbons
Orchestra Director
Liz Graden is a musician who loves performing and has a passion for teaching. She graduated from BYU in 2008 with a degree in Music Education and has remained active as a musician and teacher in her communities ever since. With extensive training in choir and band, including a specialty in French horn, Liz has been a part-time teacher, music substitute, and French horn clinician in the public schools. After singing in the St. Louis Children’s Choirs for 10 years, she sang with choirs at BYU and has directed many church choirs, large and small, over the years. Liz has played horn with the Nebo Philharmonic, the Art City Brass Quintet, and the Bountiful Philharmonia. In her private studio, she taught horn and trumpet lessons for over 10 years and held small ensemble camps in the summer. One of her favorite musical experiences was co-leading a klezmer band (Jewish dance music) at BYU! Currently, her primary vocation is raising and homeschooling her 5 kids ages 3-17. Liz is excited to join the team at Upbeat Performing Arts!
Gabrielle Gibbons has a lifelong passion for music, beginning with piano at age two and violin at age eight. She earned a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Weber State University and taught as a full-time orchestra director in the Davis School District, while serving as the Master Teacher for WSU's String Project program.
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Now, as a stay-at-home wife and mother of three, Gabrielle enjoys teaching private lessons, performing with various orchestras, and recording in studios. She is passionate about sharing the joy of music with others, whether through teaching, performing, or conducting, and finds great fulfillment in elevating young musicians.
Michael Gibbons
Guitar Instructor
Michael Gibbons is first and foremost a husband and father. He is full-time music producer/sound engineer and guitarist. As a teenager, he had his first professional recording gig as a guitarist, was in Utah's All-State Jazz Band, and went on to be a scholarship recipient as a guitar-performance major at Weber State University. He is a part-owner of the longest running commercial recording studio in the state of Utah and absolutely loves all things guitar-related. It's probably fair to say that he's fairly obsessed with guitar tones. He has recorded and produced for several Grammy nominated/winning artists, including Patti Austin, Clarice Assad, Alfie Boe, Tower of Power, and Marie Osmond. He's also recorded on Billboard topping albums including two Billboard #1’s. Additionally, he's been considered in the first round of the Grammy awards for best produced and recorded album. He’s won “Best American Song” at the American Track Music Awards, “Best Rock Song” at the Utah Music Awards, and three Pearl Awards with his brothers on their album “More Than Air.” He’s also recorded guitar on countless projects spanning nearly every genre of music, including rock and roll, blues, big band jazz, folk, country, pop, and even MTI Broadway shows such as “In the Heights” and “Shrek the Musical.” His passions are God, family, and music and he loves helping developing musicians.
Courtnery Fanello
Kidz In Tune Instructor
Founded in 2014, Kidz in Tune was founded by Courtney Fanello, board-certified music therapist. The goal of kidz in tune has always been to help children, and those who love them, connect through music. Early childhood music classes, intergenerational music time at rest homes, broadway choir camps, and now a children's choir have all been ways to accomplish this mission. We believe that music can change lives, and that love of music is where it all begins, from the youngest, to the oldest. Some come bang a drum, shake a maraca, and play along, because music is the rhythm of life, and its time to play!