Kathleen Gibson
An award winning family entertainer, song writer, author, producer, and recording artist, my work has consistently received the highest critical acclaim internationally from the American Library Association, Children's Book Watch, The National Association of Parenting Publications, The Parents' Choice Foundation, The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, The Children's Music Web, The Parent Council, Ltd., National Public Radio, the BBC, CNN, and others.
Whether sharing a deliciously silly theater or concert performance, or teaching a workshop, underlying all of my presentations is the uplifting message that "each of you has a special gift that no one else in the world ever had. YOU can find your gift, and use it to make a difference in the world."
I have been acting and singing since early childhood, winning my first awards for writing poetry and prose in the 6th grade. I earned my Master's degree with honors in Applied Probability and Statistics at Northern Illinois University and also hold an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity.
Before finding my joy in the arts and motherhood, I taught preschool and undergraduate college math classes (talk about a range!). Later, I worked as a Systems Engineer for AT&T. I also made and sold quilts and am still a jewelry artist/ designer. (Now I've gone back to teaching mathematics at a local Community College! Then, in my spare time...hahahahahahahaha!)
I have been a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Room Mom (for 10 years) , PTA Executive Board Member, volunteer at the local food pantry, and active in my church, community and Rainbow Girls, a service organization.
I am profoundly blessed and grateful beyond words to share life with my two children, Evan and Natasha. They are and always will be a major source of my inspiration and joy! For more about my family you can visit www.adoptionmidwife.com.
Concerts and Residencies - Created For YOU!
Grant Funding for ALL of my programs is available to any Illinois not-for-profit presenter through the Illinois Arts Council Arts Tour Program. http://www.state.il.us/agency/iac/artstour/includes/grant.htm
* Music Integration Artist In Residencies*
Working in harmony with classroom teachers, we create residencies that embrace curricular areas with music, incorporating Illinois State Education Goals, using music, song writing, and singing activities to enhance the learning experience in a powerfully effective, fun, creative, and expressive way. Past residencies have focussed on "Character Traits", "The Cycles of Life (Science), Caribbean Adventure (Social Studies and History), "Many Children, One World (exploring different languages and cultures), "The Drums Of Noto Hanto" (literature immersion and social studies, conflict resolution), "Community Heroes" (learning about the community and social studies). Thematic content and education goals are chosen by the school, and I bring the arts integration component. Activities include related instrument making, cultural awareness and exploration, song writing, poetry composition, rhythm games, singing, making music, confidence building, and team building activities. We can also incorporate a culminating event in which the students present what they have learned in a multi media performance for the school, families and community members. (Pre-K through 5th grade, and a minimum of 5 weekly visits, 15 visits suggested).
*Rap Shop, The Residency*
Dynamic assembly and workshops use the hottest sounds, coolest raps and hip hops to introduce the basics of song and poetry writing. In high intensity one hour sessions, each class USES the strategies and writes a full length rap song (poetry that kids will love writing). In a second session, kids rehearse and record their rap to professional tracks, and keep their raps and tapes to share and enjoy. (Pre-K through 8th grade, modified for age appropriateness)
*Whoever You Are, Be A Star!!*
A whole new collection of my award winning, original songs, woven into a very silly, participatory concert especially planned to jump-start positive self-esteem and the “I CAN!” attitude.
(Pre-K, elementary school, family)
*Being Different’s OK With Me*
Light-hearted yet deeply meaningful educational concert celebrating the joys of diversity and positive self esteem. Program includes teacher preparation packet of student activities. (Pre-K, elementary school)
*Teddy Bear Jamma Party*
The most rollicking concert of lively “bedtime” songs ever. Wear your Jammies, bring your bedtime buddies and dance the night (or day) away!
(Pre-K and elementary school, family)
Wee Little Songs*
A special, active program for wee little ones up to age 4. A perfect intro to making music, exploring rhythm, music, fine and gross motor skills, designed to enhance parent child bond and tickle funny bones, while warming the heart.
(Tots to age 4, with adult caregiver)
Songs Are Stories, Too!!*
A delicious participatory concert of original funny, touching, and whimsical story/songs. Guaranteed to delight the child in everyone! (Pre-K, elementary school, family)
*Songs are Stories, TWO!!*
Even more fun, especially for those
“Back By Popular Demand” occasions.
(Pre-K and
elementary school, family)
*Have Guitar--Will Travel*
Enjoy old favorites, “new” folk songs, perennial sing-alongs, traditionals, and more. Absolutely ideal for campfires, family evenings, church gatherings. (Intergenerational)
*For Our Children
--Living Lives of Service*
A beautiful and deeply moving presentation honoring those who live their lives in the care and service of children. An excellent keynote or in-service program to overcome burn-out and re-inspire the hearts and hands. (Adult)
*“Perfect” Discipline*
Seven step discipline plan, Protect, Explore, Relax, Focus, Embrace, Connect and Teach, explores the differences between punishment and discipline, defines successful discipline, and teaches adults how to use behavioral challenges
Jitterbug - Band Leader
Jitterbug has been Kathleen's invisible friend for as long as she is tall. He is an incredibly talented and versatile musician, adapting his band's renowned sound to whatever whimsical lyrics and feelings Kathleen comes up with. Some children claim they can see this incredibly handsome fellow, leading the band with vigor and gusto, playing his instruments with artistic flourish, although he is (most often) invisible to all but Kathleen. Naturally, these claims are recieved with great joy, as only children with purely pure imaginations and hearts are able to see him.
Jitterbug also has been known as a bit of a wordsmith, and loves to help Kathleen craft her songs, much to their shared delight.
Jitterbug tips his hat to Harvey, the 6'2" White Rabbit, about whom a wonderful movie was made, starring Jimmy Stewart.
His hobbies are playing music with Kathleen, flying invisible aircraft, skiing, and hiding things for three days within the Gibson household, before returning them in clearly obvious places. He is a bit mischievious, but entirely beloved by the whole family.