About Us

Located in the heart of a residential community, the School for the Arts at Highpoint is a program offered by the Institute of Community, an organization designed to build a strong, supportive community right in our backyards. The School for the Arts is enthusiastic about helping each student discover their unique talents and passions. Offering midday and after-school programs, our talented instructors teach musical instruments, vocal studies, and visual arts, providing students with an outlet to express their artistic skills and find their creative voice. We are committed to fostering a safe, nurturing environment for each student to grow, explore, and reach their full potential.

174 Highpoint Drive
Romeoville, IL 60446

 

Meet the Instructors

  • Ally Larsen

    DIRECTOR, Piano/Voice/Ukulele/Early Childhood Programs
    ally@schoolfortheartsHP.com

    Ally Larsen has been singing and making music since early childhood. Throughout adolescence, she received private piano instruction in both classical and jazz studies, played on the worship team at church, and performed in musical theatre and choir.

    Ally went on to receive her B.A. at North Central College in Naperville, IL where she continued formal instruction in piano as well as vocal studies and music composition. In addition to studying music, she also studied digital communications and gained experience in video/audio editing and recording. Her two worlds of music and media collided when she interned for a music licensing company in Chicago, learning about sonic branding and scoring for film and commercials.

    Presently, Ally is a Co-Arts director at The Church at HighPoint in Romeoville, IL. Using her musical talents for worship has brought depth and meaning to making music.

    In 2017, she began teaching both private and group lessons in piano, voice, and ukulele and has mentored a multitude of learning styles. In 2020, she began teaching early childhood music classes that incorporate movement and play. Ally hopes to bring her found joy for music to other eager minds on their musical journey.

  • Abby Eppenstein

    ADMINISTRATOR, Visual Arts Programs
    abby@schoolfortheartsHP.com

    Abby’s passion for art has been a driving force in her life since childhood. From drawing and painting to sculpting, art has always been more than just a hobby, it’s been her way of expressing herself and exploring the world. Over the years, she has developed her skills through a combination of formal art classes and self-guided learning, constantly growing as a creator.

    After dedicating over eight years at Starbucks, Abby felt a deep calling to leave the corporate world behind and pursue something that felt more meaningful. As someone who grew up in poverty, Abby understands the struggle of having big dreams but lacking the resources to make them a reality. This personal experience ignited a passion within her to help others—especially children—access the creative opportunities they deserve.

    Abby’s mission is clear, to help kids bring their artistic dreams to life. She believes that every child, no matter their background, should have the chance to explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. Abby is dedicated to supporting the next generation of young artists, helping them turn their passions into real possibilities.

  • Scottie Johnston

    Violin

Our mission is to foster a love for learning and a joy for the arts through creative lesson plans.

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Albert Einstein

Enroll in one of our programs today.