Mu ic and learning in her heart

Longtime teacher, accompanist awarded for support of choral music

By Alison Stucke

Musician

Michelle Gribbon spends a lot of her time onstage off to the side, in the background, letting others shine. Nevertheless, she commands attention.

The longtime music teacher and accompanist at Duluth East High School was awarded the Advocate for Choral Excellence (ACE) award from the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota this summer. She was nominated by Jerome Upton, choral director at East and Northeast District Chair for the association.

“She’s a consummate educator, above and beyond a performer, and there is that desire to assist students, to help them grow in music education,” Upton said.

Being an accompanist for the school includes more than concerts. Gribbon also plays with students for solo and ensemble contests, college auditions and All-State auditions, for both singers and orchestral musicians.

“She will take on the role of a mentor, as well as a coach, if you will, while she’s helping students get prepared for contest,” Upton said. “It’s not part of the job description. It’s something she gives of herself and her expertise.”

Upton said Gribbon influences students’ performances for the better.

“She communicates really well,” Upton said. “The kids pick up on that, too, how expressive she is with what’s she’s doing, and it actually reflects back into the choral program. They know that she’s invested, and that helps them invest, too.”

Making her mark

Gribbon moved to the Northland from Texas in 2001, violin in tow, to raise her daughter, Alia, and create a musical life here. Since then, she has made a distinctive mark with her music, outstanding teaching and vibrant personality. She’s an accomplished accompanist, teacher, musician, music arranger, composer and director.

Gribbon teaches private string instrument and piano lessons to students of all ages. She is

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