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Music Notes

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.

Our Music Group Classes

We offer a variety of music group classes for students, including choir, band, orchestra, guitar, and musical theater. Our classes are taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about music and dedicated to helping kids learn and grow through the performing arts. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore their musical talents and express themselves through music.

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!

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Jenny Gibbons

Director

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Liz Graden

Band Director

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Gabrielle Gibbons

Orchestra Director

Jenny Gibbons has professional training in musical theater, violin, voice, and dance! She is 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! Along with directing other music groups in the community, this is her 3rd year directing Upbeat Performing Arts - it has been so wonderful to meet with so many new friends! Our groups have  performed at Festival of Trees, Abravanel Hall, and have put two of the best musicals ever written, "Beauty & the Beast" and "Anastasia!" 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 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.

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Michael Gibbons

Guitar Instructor

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Kelsey Gibbons

Accompanist

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.

Kelsey Gibbons is an accomplished pianist with a degree in Piano Pedagogy from Weber State University. She is passionate about bringing out the emotion in music and making the musical experience memorable and fun, while expecting the very best from her students.

What Parents Say

"Thank you, Jenny, for creating such a positive musical experience for my kids! They’ve loved orchestra and look forward to doing it again if you plan to continue. "

— Holly

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