MULTIPLE MUSICIANS. A VARIETY OF VIBES.
Just one phone call.
If you had to choose, would you prefer to:
A.) Enjoy a simple, streamlined booking and planning experience
OR
B.) Hire multiple entertainers capable of covering an entire weekend of wedding events?
Let's throw it back to middle school and play a quick game of
WOULD YOU RATHER.
How about working with an entertainment collective that offers the best of both worlds?
“If you want a group that will keep your guests in awe, choose Jade Strings”
“Jade Strings is a group you can not pass up! We had a cello and violin at our ceremony. Then a violin for cocktail hour. Everything was PERFECT. I had guests coming up to me all night commenting on how mesmerizing the performance was during cocktail hour. If you want a group that will keep your guests in awe, choose Jade Strings."
-Amanda, Bride
Any Enneagram Eights in the house? You’ve found a kindred spirit in Jade Gibson, the entrepreneur behind Jade Strings. In 2018, Jade combined her Business degree with a lifetime of instrumental expertise to launch Jade Strings. Since then, the entertainment collective bearing her name has performed at more than 400+ weddings and events in Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado, California and (far) beyond.
Jade had the pleasure of studying under Joan Stewart and Lisa Matson, was a member of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and has performed with artists including The Who, Amy Grant, Game of Thrones, Frankie Vallie, and more. A recent graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Jade is a two-time winner of the school’s competitive Runway Program Business Incubator.
In addition to her role as the Founder and Owner in charge of all things Jade Strings, Jade excels at telling stories through music and helping clients transform familiar songs into original arrangements. Jade Strings is a part of the biggest day of someone’s life every weekend,” says Jade. “That energy is hard to replicate—but every weekend, we still cry. We stay invested.”
viola & violin
Guiding clients through the soul-searching process of song selection, and playing either the violin or viola at select events throughout the year.
While Jade can accommodate any style, she’s personally drawn to powerful arrangements with an air of gothic romance. Her biggest musical influences are Edward Elgar, Machine Gun Kelly, Billie Eilish, and Beyonce.
Her favorite moment as a musician was when she performed alongside THE WHO in September 2019 just months before Covid hit. "It was a dream come true... something to hold unto through the slow months of COVID-19".
On that
NOTE:
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
Jade Gibson, Owner
Meet the Team
violin and vocals
Sarah Ball
Sapphire Gibson
harp, ukulele, violin, vocals
jade strings DJ
Tommy Giaime
ukulele, violin, guitar
Laura Del Aguila
harp, Piano, Flute, Saxophone
ukulele, violin, guitar
Laura Del Aguila
Melissa Sanchez
piano
Hannah Stater
saxophone
Yasel Barreras
vocalist
Heather Ivy
Brelynn Williams
cello
Saxophone
Trace Zacur
violin
Lydia Coyner
Saxophone
Trace Zacur
George Alexander
cello
executive assistant
Lexie Morlini
percussion
Jim Saint-Amour
Steve Chauvette
guitar + percussion
Seamlessly transitioning guests from one moment to the next—a crucial component of crafting a top-notch event experience.
Tommy excels in the science of creating the right energy. “If guests need to chill and catch up with family, I provide that. If they need to dance the night away without a care in the world, then get ready! If they need a little of both, I take them on a journey,” Tommy shares. “It’s all about creating an experience by meeting the needs of everyone attending. This makes a couple’s wedding the most talked about event of the year.”
If Tommy could spin anywhere in the world, he'd choose the Red Rocks Amphitheater, where attendees dance beneath a million stars while enjoying views of the Denver skyline. Luckily, he’s already had the opportunity to work backstage at the venue for artists including Diplo, Flume, and Deadmau5.
His specialty
His style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Tommy's bio
Seamlessly transitioning guests from one moment to the next—a crucial component of crafting a top-notch event experience.
Tommy excels in the science of creating the right energy. “If guests need to chill and catch up with family, I provide that. If they need to dance the night away without a care in the world, then get ready! If they need a little of both, I take them on a journey,” Tommy shares.
If Tommy could spin anywhere in the world, he'd choose the Red Rocks Amphitheater, where attendees dance beneath a million stars while enjoying views of the Denver skyline. Luckily, he’s already had the opportunity to work backstage at the venue for artists including Diplo, Flume, and Deadmau5.
close
From humming along as her sister played the piano to performing at Carnegie Hall, Sarah’s musical career has spanned New York, Ohio, Florida, and beyond.
Sarah’s classical training includes instruction by violinist Virginia Wensel. She also studied under Dr. Julian Ross as a violin performance major at Baldwin Wallace University, and was a member of the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. While Sarah is able to take on the tone of any event, if she could sneak just one song onto your list, it would be “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I...preferably played on the electric violin. Sarah is Jade Strings lead performer on both violin and vocals.
When she isn’t performing at a wedding or event, you’ll find Sarah privately tutoring elementary students. She has a degree in Elementary Education and works as a private educator teaching language, science, writing, reading...and of course, violin!
violin and vocals
Sarah Ball
Learn More about Sarah⟶
Marrying classical training with influences from contemporary pop, R&B, and Latin artists.
With Sarah at your ceremony, you’ll enjoy a beautiful performance infused with emotion. Afterward, expect an upbeat evening filled with high-energy instrumentals and vocal stylings.
Is “Eminence Front” on your must-play list? You’ll be happy to know that Sarah played with The Who at BB&T Center and Amalie Arena!
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Sarah's bio
close
Just call her a one-gal orchestra. Sapphire’s instrumental diversity is equaled by her depth of performance experience...and yes, she also happens to be Jade’s sister!
Sapphire won first place in both the Naples Music Club (2017) and the Bach Ensemble (2017), and has had the opportunity to play alongside the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorus, Itzhak Perlman, and the Florida All-State Orchestra. Sapphire studied under Joan Stewart (violin), Michelle Byrd (vocals), Rafael Padron (Classical Guitar), Laura Roth (Harp) and self taught on Ukulele. No matter where she’s performing, clients appreciate her ability to engage with an audience, evoke emotion, and create the ideal atmosphere for memory-making. Her favorite mix is playing harp for ceremony, ukulele with vocals for cocktail hour... and a violin or vocal cover for YOUR first dance!
Outside of Jade Strings, Sapphire is the lead makeup artists of Simply Sapphire Beauty and is working toward completing her degree. Sapphire obtained her Health Science bachelor's degree and minor in entrepreneurship at 20 years old in 2021
harp, ukulele, violin, vocals
Sapphire Gibson
Learn More about Sapphire⟶
Using body motions and facial expressions to portray how music is supposed to feel. “My harp teacher showed me that facial expressions can help tell the story of the piece, and my guitar teacher taught me that every note is important and each one deserves a chance to sing,” says Sapphire.
Relaxed indie vibes paired with a bubbly sense of fun and excitement. Think Billie Eilish on a beach with a ukulele.
In the summer of 2019, Sapphire fulfilled her dream of performing at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria. This historic building has been standing since 1137, and served as Mozart’s wedding venue!
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Sapphire's bio
close
With an accomplished classical guitarist for a father, it goes without saying that Laura's primary source of musical influence resides closer to home than most. Under her father’s guidance, Laura learned how to tailor her technique to fit the mood a piece of music is intended to evoke—a skill that continues to earn her rave reviews as a member of Jade Strings.
If Laura could perform with anyone, she’d return to Carnegie Hall to collaborate with Amy Winehouse or Mozart...or maybe both. Her training includes violin instruction at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, and she has played with Amy Grant, Game of Thrones, ELO, and more.
If you happen to look up in the sky and see a private jet, chances are, Laura may be riding along! She is a part time flight attendant while working to obtain her pilots license in SWFL. While she earned a full-ride scholarship to the Bower Music School in 2016, Laura is set to graduate with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University.
ukulele, violin, guitar
Laura Del Aguila
Learn More about Laura⟶
Mood-conscious musical performances backed by years of intensive training.
Believing that preparation is the key to perfection, Laura brings a sense of calm, readiness, and order to every event environment she graces.
Laura is a huge Michael Jackson fan. If she can find a way to play “PYT” at your reception, she’ll do it. (As an added bonus, her go-to track is guaranteed to get guests out on the dance floor!)
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Laura's bio
close
A great pianist can carry–or collapse–an ensemble, regardless of song or genre. When it comes to Melissa, we’ve aligned ourselves with one of the most reliable and talented pianists in the region. It’s just a bonus that she also has a heart of gold!
Melissa has been on the journey of a professional musician for most of her life. After years of classical training beginning at a young age, she has had the opportunity to perform on many stages. In 2019, Melissa immigrated from Cuba on a full scholarship to study at FGCU's Bower School of Music, where she performed throughout various communities in SWFL–even taking the international stage at a music festival in Hungary!
As of right now, Melissa isn't a solo act as she is expecting a sweet baby girl in December 2022! When not performing with Jade Strings, she teaches piano to students of all ages through her private studio. You can also find her recording and posting videos on Instagram.
piano
Melissa Sanchez
Learn More about Melissa⟶
You could say Melissa is a key component of any ensemble. Whether performing a stirring solo or collaborating with other artists, her piano playing provides the soundtrack for every emotional moment.
A myriad of styles with the finesse of a classically trained artist. Melissa loves classical music with all of its passion and nuance, and she uses this foundation to fuel each performance–from jazz and pop to new age and salsa!
Melissa loves fashion, anime, and video games–especially on VR or Playstation!
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Melissa's bio
close
With two opera singers for parents, it was inevitable that Hannah would eventually pick up an instrument of her own. Beginning piano lessons at the age of 5 and harp lessons at the age of 7, Hannah was already well on her way to becoming the insanely successful vocalist and instrumentalist she is today!
Hannah has performed on stage for audiences and in competitions for twenty years–starting with her years as the harpist for Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra and eventually leading to stages such as Carnegie Hall, Heinz Hall, The Benedum Center, and the Byham Theater. She received a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and Master of Music in Harp Performance from the University of Michigan–both summa cum laude.
Hannah is not only a seasoned performer and musician here at Jade Strings, but is also a private voice, ukulele, and piano instructor at Cape Coral School of Music alongside her own private studio.
harp, piano, flute, saxophone
Hannah Stater
Learn More about Hannah⟶
Moving musical performances conducted with ease and grace. Having such a wide range of performance experiences, she is equally comfortable being involved in productions behind the scenes, in the chorus, on the dance floor, or center stage!
Pop culture musical motifs with a classical twist. Whether it’s a film score or the latest pop song, Hannah can transform it into a performance that matches the moment to a tee.
Hannah’s unique arrangements have led to her covers being used in over 500,000 videos across Tik Tok! Her most popular Tik Tok audio first went viral in February of 2020 and has been used by Lizzo, Dr. Phil, and Nev Schulman (to name just a few).
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Hannah's bio
close
A true triple threat, Heather is a classical crossover soprano, headlining entertainer, and performance coach all in one.
With a vocal quality matched by her storytelling ability, Heather brings a sense of genuine warmth and entertainment to every event. Her concert appearances include Fauré’s Requiem and Vivaldi’s Gloria at Fort Myers Symphonic Orchestra, Naples Concert Band, and the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, and she has also performed in the national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Heather studied under the Metropolitan Opera’s Brian Schexnayder among others, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Music degree. Apart from Jade Strings, you’ll find Heather teaching the next generation of artists at her private voice studio, Heather Ivy Music.
vocalist
Heather Ivy
Learn More about Heather ⟶
Touching souls and bringing tears to guests’ eyes with her voice—particularly when a rendition of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman is involved.
Class, calm, kindness, and an overall sense of “I’ve got this” paired with musical influences ranging from Andrea Bocceli to Adele.
In addition to her work with Jade Strings, Heather has performed at signature shows in New York City, across the United States, and around the world on luxury cruises!
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Heather's bio
close
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida... Brelynn has been playing cello for nearly half of her life. She is currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University with plans to teach elementary school music, and eventually open her own studio to teach her instrument privately. She attended Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts, making cello performance her primary focus since 2016.
Brelynn has played alongside The Florida Orchestra, and has traveled to places such as England, France, Germany, and Switzerland to share her gift and passion for playing cello. She currently is studying under the direction of Si Cheng Liu and prior to pursuing higher education studied under Lowell Adams.
Aside from Jade Strings, she is working to graduate from FGCU with her Bachelor of Music Education.
cello
Brelynn Williams
Learn More about Brelynn ⟶
Getting to know who you are through her instrument; she believes that music is the universal language. Weddings that want a party are her favorite.
Fun and fresh! Her bright personality and transcendental playing is something that effortlessly brings a smile to every listeners face.
When she’s not playing cello, she loves fashion and makeup. She loves buying second hand clothes and will probably find her future wedding dress at a thrift store.
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Brelynn's bio
close
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Yasel is a top-tier saxophonist whose musical and cultural roots add a distinctive Latin flair to our mix! After immigrating to the USA in 2005, he has risen as a highly-acclaimed musician in Southwest Florida.
Yasel is trained on soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophone. From mellow and classical to bright and jazzy, Yasel performs in a variety of styles to suit your needs and match the mood of your event to a tee. He is most often seen performing alongside our main violinist, Sarah, resulting in a duet that is equal in talent and expression!
As SWFL’s top Saxophonist, Yasel has found a home alongside all the musicians here at Jade Strings! He is known for being the life of the party, and can often be found busting down the dance floor with his saxophone and hyping the guests up for a night they won’t soon forget! When he isn’t putting on an incredible performance, Yasel is at home living life to the fullest alongside his wife.
saxophone
Yasel Barreras
Learn More about Yasel ⟶
Getting the party started! Yasel is no wallflower musician–he enjoys dancing alongside the guests with his saxophone in hand. Don’t worry–he knows when it’s time to dial it back and play atmospheric jazz for a relaxed sit-down dinner. His flexibility only adds to his talent as an event musician!
Latin fusion with a splash of classy jazz. He is an expert at blending these styles to be the soundtrack of an unforgettable event that resonates in the heart of every single guest.
Honored to have passed his citizenship test in 2020, Yasel played the National Anthem for his class’s Citizenship Ceremony, gracing the ears of everyone in attendance. Although he will always cherish his Cuban roots, Yasel is forever grateful to be an American.
His specialty
His style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Yasel's bio
close
Trace’s early days on the saxophone consisted of following along with songs performed by his favorite players, but it wasn’t long before he kicked things up a notch and began playing professionally at the tender age of 14. Under the guidance of many teachers, he honed his style-shifting skills throughout high school by teaming up with various bands and groups around Tampa and St. Petersburg. Noting his passion for music, an older friend suggested he look up Berklee, which Trace quickly target-locked as his next ambition! From 2016-2020, he achieved his goal while training at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
In addition to his work with Jade Strings, Trace’s mission to take his playing to the next level has been realized via roles as a bandleader and sideman in Florida and beyond. When he isn’t on stage, you’ll find him with his nose in an essay, biography, or classic novel. Turns out that stuff everybody else hated in high school is actually pretty cool.
saxophone
Trace Zacur
Learn More about Trace ⟶
Love a sax solo? You’ll be happy to know that Trace doesn’t shy away from taking front-and-center stage when performing. In fact, as a bandleader and freelance recording artist, it’s his comfort zone!
“No genre, no rules” is Trace’s personal motto—meaning he’ll be a perfect fit for your event no matter what style you have in mind.
For Trace, there just might be a future on Food Network…or at least a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen where he can pursue his interest in cooking and experiment with unique flavor combinations.
His specialty
His style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Trace's bio
close
George’s aspirations to become a professional musician first manifested at the age of 8, when he began receiving free cello lessons in school. Only a few days after picking up the cello for the first time, he watched a televised concert and announced to his parents that he would be on that stage one day. Now, 24 years later, George’s talent has taken him from busking on the streets of England to playing in orchestras and ensembles around the world.
George’s studies are what brought him “across the pond,” having received degrees from the University of Chichester in the UK, Louisiana State University, and the University of South Florida.
Outside of Jade Strings, George is an experienced cello teacher with a private studio of over a dozen students, and he takes joy in watching each student grow and master new pieces and techniques. You can also find him playing locally alongside the Florida Orchestra, Venice Symphony, and Punta Gorda Symphony.
cello
Learn More about George ⟶
George Alexander
Collaborative ensemble work that allows him to intuitively connect with other musicians and improvise freely.
Classical arrangements to move the soul–from the sweet harmonies of chamber music to the woven melodies of a string quartet.
George has an identical twin brother who was a fantastic violinist, but chose a different path of study in college. Talk about the potential for an incredible duet!
His specialty
His style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to George's bio
close
After starting violin at the age of seven, Lydia went on to study privately among masters of the instrument and received degrees in Music, Entrepreneurship, and Sociology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Although her roots are orchestral, Lydia constantly seeks out opportunities to perform outside the classical realm. From playing in pit orchestras for musicals to street performing on the waterfront in Washington, D.C., she loves stretching her range and finding new ways to form connections with others through music.
When she’s not playing for Jade Strings, Lydia is giving back to her community. In 2022 alone, alongside her friend and fellow musician, Rick, Lydia has hosted fundraising events which have raised thousands of dollars for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Golisano Children’s Hospital.
violin
Learn More about Lydia ⟶
Lydia Coyner
Expressive and collaborative small ensemble performances.
Lydia’s style is inspired by the endless variations of R&B. She enjoys building upon and ornamenting a melody in ways that speak to the soul of listeners.
Lydia is a multi-instrumentalist! She is currently learning piano and guitar, but already has a solid foundation as a singer, ukulele player, and bassist. She’s also diving into the world of music production—talk about talent!
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Lydia's bio
close
There’s nothing quite like a lifelong musician–someone who, from the moment they were able to hold an instrument, has spent their days honing their skills and shaping their lives around music. Jim can be best described as a lifelong musician.
From as early on as primary school, Jim’s performance career was shaped and nurtured by his formal education. An alumnus of SUNY Oswego and the Drummer’s Collective in Manhattan, Jim has devoted his life to both learning and teaching music, having been a performer and educator for over four decades. His music excellence has landed him on stages in incredible locations, from New York City, Los Angeles, and Florida–to Ethiopia and the blue waters of the South Pacific.
Versatility is the difference between a good musician and a great musician, and Jim–who primarily plays vibraphone, steel drum, and drum set–can surely be described as versatile! From capturing attention as the front man to blending in as a supportive musician, he is an adaptable performer that adds energy and life to every event he is a part of. When not performing, he shares his passion for music by teaching percussion to students of all ages.
percussion
Jim Saint-Amour
Learn More about Jim ⟶
vibraphone, steel drum, drumset, auxiliary percussion
He is the beat! As a percussionist, Jim provides the steady rhythm that guests can dance the night away to, bringing hours of musical enjoyment to audiences at a variety of private events.
A seamless blend of traditional and contemporary. Jim is able to add a modern touch to any classic song–on the flip side, he is able to use his versatility and classical training to perform unique takes on any current pop hit!
Jim is not only energetic in his musical performances–he also brings energy to his role as a running coach! On top of teaching others about long-distance running, he has himself completed seventeen marathons and three 100-mile ultramarathons.
His specialty
His style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Jim's bio
close
Rooted by a diverse background in multiple instruments and genres, Steve is a truly adaptable guitarist and percussionist.
Starting his music journey at a very young age, Steve has a thorough understanding of music–from the first note to the finished product! After taking lessons in percussion and piano, Steve found that the elements of rhythm and tonality could be combined by playing guitar, and has continued to grow and flourish as a guitarist ever since. In high school, he sought out a variety of ensemble experiences–from playing in bands with friends to participating in his school’s jazz program and youth orchestra.
Playing music eventually ignited a passion for writing music, leading Steve to pursue a degree in music composition and to begin working with electronic music, music technology, and production. You can be assured that, regardless of style, Steve will be considering the big-picture performance with every chord he plays!
guitar + percussion
Steve Chauvette
Learn More about Steve ⟶
Creating music with the excellence and thoughtfulness of a true composer.
Steve is a “stylistic chameleon”–he is able to adapt to any style and enjoys playing anything from rock and pop to jazz, reggae, and Latin music!
Steve feels most at home when at his desk writing, recording, and producing original music.
His specialty
His style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Steve's bio
close
When “Can’t Help Falling in Love” tops the charts of your favorite songs, you just might be destined for a role in the wedding and event industry.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Resort and Hospitality Management and a long history in the wedding world, Lexie currently serves as an executive assistant for Jade Strings and Simply Sapphire Beauty. Prior to joining Jade Strings, Lexie played a key role in assisting brides and helping couples enjoy their wedding experience to the fullest as a catering sales manager. Her industry background makes her an invaluable asset to the team!
When she isn’t fine-tuning a Jade Strings event, Lexie can be found at the beach or a park spending time with her husband, toddler daughter and new baby boy.
executive assistant
Lexie Morlini
Learn More about Lexie ⟶
Building intentional relationships with couples to ensure all of their carefully-selected details come to fruition.
Lexie exudes warmth, energy, and a personable professionalism which immediately sets clients at ease.
As a catering sales manager, Lexie was the last person who drove or walked the bride to the ceremony location. She loves sharing in the experience and the excitement of our brides, so if you need a hype girl...you’ve found her!
Her specialty
Her style
Fun fact
NOTE:
On that
⟵ Go back to Lexie's bio
close
"Our wedding day wouldn’t have been as special as it was without the help of their amazing talents"
“Who were those girls playing at your wedding?! They were awesome! That’s what we’ve been hearing from so many of our guests after having Jade Strings perform on our big day. Looking back, our wedding day wouldn’t have been as special as it was without the help of their amazing talents."
-Danny, Groom
You've Heard Our Stories
From your own experience as a guest, you know that it takes more than a pretty venue, a signature cocktail, and a baked potato bar to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Not to worry. After performing at 350 + events and counting, that’s our expertise!
Now tell us yours!
Details
jade strings is a Southwest Florida based group of string musicians that play for weddings and special events.
Your musical taste + The theme of your day =
Custom live string music fit for the occasion
Menu
Home
ABOUT
CONTACT US
PORTFOLIO
PHOTO BOOTH
SERVICES