Kayson Brown
Kayson Brown is a conductor, composer, and educator whose passionate purpose is to inspire audiences and the musicians he directs. With a deep love of music that permeates every aspect of his work, Kayson has built one of the largest and most comprehensive youth orchestra programs in the country. As the founder of the Lyceum Music Festival and the director of the Lyceum Orchestras Program at American Heritage School, Kayson’s efforts are driven by his belief in the transformative power of music and his dedication to helping musicians reach their divine potential.
Kayson consistently connects talented youth with their professional counterparts, creating opportunities for them to perform at the highest levels and inspiring them to pursue a lifelong love of music. His leadership has resulted in a program known for producing exceptional musical talent and attracting large, engaged audiences to life-changing events and meaningful media. Kayson has produced, conducted, orchestrated, and arranged numerous albums that have topped the Classical Billboard Charts, garnering millions of views and streams annually.
Kayson holds a Master’s Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Brigham Young University, where he also served as conducting and cello faculty. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Utah and is the creator of Learn2PlayCello.com, one of the leading online resources for cello instruction. Kayson’s decades of experience conducting dozens of symphony orchestras including professional, university, community, and educational ensembles, has made him a recognized leader in the field of music education. He has received multiple awards from Best of State Utah and the American String Teachers Association.
Through all his work, Kayson remains dedicated to cultivating a love for music, faith, and patriotism that extends far beyond the concert hall.
Scott Tanner
Scott Tanner is a violinist, conductor, and educator passionate about helping young musicians grow through orchestral experiences. He taught in public schools for many years, served as muisc faculty at Dixie State College, and currently teaches violin at Salt Lake Community College. Scott holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Weber State University and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance with an emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy from Western Illinois University. In addition to his collegiate teaching, he maintains a thriving private studio of more than 40 violin students. His faith is evident in his music videos and professional pursuits including Zion Youth Choirs and Orchestras as well as his musical service in Church. As conductor of the Lyceum Intermezzo Strings, Mr. Tanner is thrilled to join the Lyceum family of ensembles. He values the chance to work with talented youth in a collaborative environment and looks forward to contributing to their growth both as musicians and as individuals. Beyond the classroom and podium, Mr. Tanner enjoys performing in chamber ensembles, sharing music through his YouTube channel, and spending time outdoors with his family. He is grateful for every opportunity to make and share music that enriches lives.
Ellen VanDam
Ellen VanDam has been involved with music for 40 years. She plays violin, viola, and piano. Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree violin performance and pedagogy and a masters of music degree in violin performance both from Brigham Young University where she studied under Igor and Vesna Gruppman. She has loved being a member of Orchestras for the past 35 years and learning from wonderful conductors including Dr. Clynn Barrus, Igor Gruppman, Mack Wilberg, and Ryan Murphy. She currently teaches private violin students and plays as a member of the Orchestra at Temple Square. She has played with several chamber groups and has participated as a studio musician. She has focused her time and energy over the past 20 years to teaching music to her 9 children, all of whom play musical instruments including piano, cello, violin, and viola. Ellen attended American Heritage School in elementary school. She feels a deep connection to the school and what she learned about the purpose of music from her experiences participating in the orchestra and choir. Ellen currently conducts the choir in her home Ward and is a founding member of the Holladay 1st Ward Instrumental Ensemble, which she directs. She believes strongly that the greatest purpose of music is to glorify God and to lift the lives of those who participate and those who listen.