DIRECTOR, Piano/Voice/Ukulele/Early Childhood Programs

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 where she and her husband play on the worship team together. 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.

Trumpet/Piano

John Michael is an accomplished trumpeter and keyboardist with over 35 years of professional performance experience across every style of music. He has collaborated with Grammy-winning artists including Rolling Stones harmonicist Sugar Blue, Béla Fleck’s Howard Levy, legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, and Switchfoot. A dynamic solo and lead performer, John has worked alongside producers and mentors who shaped the sound of music legends like Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, and Steely Dan. He is also a former recording artist with Benson Records in Nashville and a long-time ASCAP member since 1998. His skills and passion have enabled him to travel the world, performing with B.B. King’s saxophonist Dr. Herman Green in Memphis and touring globally with Atlantic Records’ band Skillet.

In addition to his performance career, John has been a dedicated music educator, teaching trumpet for 35 years and piano for 22 years. He holds a B.A. in Music Business and Trumpet from Elmhurst University and has studied under jazz greats Bobby Shew and Bill Adam.

Woodwinds/Early Brass

Jen Rutherford has been playing the flute since 5th grade. Her parents were both music teachers, so Jen decided she did not want to do that when she headed to Augustana College! But, in the middle of sophomore year, she couldn't resist and ended up earning a B.A. in Music Education and a B.A. in Flute Performance.

Jen taught beginning and middle school band in Plainfield #202 for seven years before moving into college ministry for over 15 years, where she continued to play at university functions and work with student worship teams. Jen is currently the Business Manager at Joliet Montessori School and gets to mix business with special classroom music opportunities. She is thrilled to be part of the School for the Arts and looks forward to building relationships with students, encouraging them in their personal growth through instrumental music!

Jen lives in Romeoville with her husband, Bob, and daughter, Eva. She is not a morning person and enjoys coffee and camping in Door County, WI.

Guitar/Bass Guitar

With nearly five decades of experience on the guitar and 37 years on bass, Kevin brings a deep well of musical knowledge and passion to every lesson. He has been teaching for over 30 years, helping students of all levels master a wide range of styles—from plectrum and fingerpicking to hybrid techniques to singing while accompanying one’s self. Kevin specializes in connecting technique with musical genres such as rock, acoustic rock, classical (influenced by Andrés Segovia), flamenco (in the style of Paco De Lucía), pop, folk, jazz (inspired by Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, and Barney Kessel), South American jazz, bossa nova, fusion, country (including "chicken pickin’" à la Albert Lee and Brent Mason), Travis picking (Tommy Emmanuel, Doyle Dykes), and praise & worship. He has also led fingerstyle guitar workshops at the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music.

Kevin’s musical journey began in 1971 with private instruction from Mitch Eales and continued with lessons from Tom Mesich, plus countless hours of self-study through DVD lessons from masters like Doyle Dykes and Tommy Emmanuel. He attended the NAMM summer sessions in Nashville for several years, immersing himself in “all things guitar,” and building an impressive repertoire of instructional resources. A seasoned performer, Kevin has delivered over 2,000 live shows as a solo singer & guitarist, duo partner, and band member. Kevin’s personalized, genre-spanning approach offers students the tools to grow as well-rounded musicians whether just starting out or looking to refine technique.

ADMINISTRATOR, Visual Arts Programs
aeppenstein@instituteforcommunity.org

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.

Drums/Guitar

Violin

Sound Engineer