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Diana Lynn Upton-Hill

Biography

Diana Upton-Hill has always been interested in music. As a child, she got on stage with her father and his band "to belt out a couple of numbers." This kind of limited musical experience, Diana felt, would be the only outlet for her gift, as she planned to become an elementary school teacher. It was not until a work-experience class in high school that she found herself being led away from elementary education, and back again to her true dreams of musical success. She knew she loved children, yet she went home every day unfulfilled. At that point, Diana elected to study music in college and also to work towards a psychology degree.

Diana has become a leader in drama, music, and academics in college, performing in plays and concerts, as well as in community events and productions staged in other towns. She has also been the featured vocalist with the Indian Hills Jazz Band.

Diana also assisted in the organization of the Vital Signs Café, a weekend hangout for area youth where she works as a mentor and friend to the young people who come through the door. She and her husband are actively involved in both their church music program and also their own music ministry, which has performed concerts for many churches throughout the Midwest.

Diana has maintained a perfect grade point average throughout high school and college. She is a U.S. Achievement Academy All-American Scholar, an All-Iowa Academic Team member, on the National Dean's List, and an All-USA Academic Team nominee. She is also a private flute and piano instructor in her hometown and for the West Music Company in nearby Ottumwa, Iowa.

Diana sees her future as an instructor of music, performing on stage, and using her newfound love of psychology as a counselor.

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