Meet Our Upbeat Team
Our faculty brings years of performance and teaching experience to every rehearsal and class.
Gabrielle Gibbons
Orchestra Director
Gabrielle Gibbons holds a degree in Instrumental Music Education from Weber State University and previously served as a full-time orchestra director in the Davis School District. She also served as Master Teacher for Weber State University’s String Project program.
Gabrielle currently maintains a private teaching studio, performs with local orchestras, and records in professional studio settings. She is dedicated to fostering musical excellence, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music in young musicians.
Jenny Gibbons
CHOIR/MUSICAL THEATER & ORCHESTRA
Jenny Gibbons has professional training in musical theater, violin, voice, and dance, and currently works as a studio musician with credits including projects for Nathan Pacheco, Kenneth Cope, Jackman Music, and more. As the director of Upbeat Performing Arts Academy for the past nine years, she has helped students perform at Festival of Trees, Abravanel Hall, and the Utah State Capitol, as well as in productions such as Beauty & the Beast, Anastasia, The Magical Movie Revue, and A Christmas Carol. Jenny is passionate about helping young musicians grow in confidence and reach their potential in an excellent, positive, and uplifting environment.
Liz Graden
Band Program
Liz Graden is a passionate musician and educator who graduated from BYU with a degree in Music Education. With extensive training in choir and band, including a specialty in French horn, she has taught private horn and trumpet lessons for over 10 years, served as a music substitute and clinician in public schools, and directed choirs in her community.
Liz has performed with the Nebo Philharmonic, Art City Brass Quintet, and Bountiful Philharmonia, and is excited to share her love of music with students at Upbeat Performing Arts.
Instructor TBA
Guitar Program
Students will learn foundational guitar skills including proper technique, chords, rhythm, note reading, ensemble playing, and performance skills. Whether a student is picking up a guitar for the first time or continuing to grow as a musician, our instructor is committed to helping each child feel successful and excited about their progress.
Marci Bowen
Intro to the Arts Program
Marci Bowen will be teaching our Beginning Music and Movement class, where she brings a natural gift for connecting with young children. She creates a warm, encouraging environment that helps students feel confident, engaged, and excited to discover the joy of music.