Our story
Bainbridge Youth Choir is under the auspices of the Bainbridge Chorale, which has been the largest community choral organization in Kitsap since 1971. Created in 2007, our youth choir offers quality choral education and performance opportunities for young singers ages 5 through high school. An inclusive program requiring no audition or prior choir experience, Youth Choir teaches young singers healthy vocal technique and the fine art of ensemble singing, while they share the JOY of singing together, gain self-esteem and forge deep connections with their fellow singers.
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Learn more about the many academic, emotional and social benefits of choir for youth from a study published by Chorus America. See: https://chorusamerica.org/sites/default/files/ImpactStudy09_Report.pdf
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Bainbridge Youth
Choir Artistic Director
Katie Gibbs
Katie Gibbs is thrilled to step into the role of Artistic Director for Bainbridge Youth Choir—a position that feels like a true homecoming. A proud Bainbridge Island native, Katie sang with Bainbridge Chorale as a high school student and is deeply honored to return under its umbrella to lead the next generation of young singers.
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Katie brings over a decade of experience as a choral conductor and music educator, having taught and directed choirs from kindergarten through high school in Portland, Chicago, and Bainbridge Island. She currently teaches General Music and leads the middle school choral programs in the Bainbridge Island School District—where she was once part of Sakai’s first 6th grade class in 1999.
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Katie holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Education from Portland State University. As a performer, she has sung with acclaimed ensembles and artists including Josh Groban, Ara Lee, Amadee, Morten Lauridsen, Eriks Esenvalds, the Portland State Chamber Choir, the Oregon Repertory Singers, and the brass-funk band River City Riot. As a conductor, she has led ensembles such as the ORSYC: Expanding Voices Choir, Reynolds High School Chamber Choir, Portland State University Singers, the Kairos UCC Choir, and the Mirabella Community Chorus.
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With a deep belief in the transformative power of choral music, Katie is passionate about fostering joy, belonging, and artistic excellence in young singers. She is excited to build musical community and inspire lifelong musicianship through BYC.
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Outside of music, Katie enjoys hiking, fly-fishing, gardening, cooking, reading fantasy novels, and making music with friends and family.