FINE ARTS PROGRAM | 2022-23
SERVING LOVETT FAMILIES FOR 75 YEARS & WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT LOVETT’S FINE ARTS COMMUNITY
The Lovett School has a great and longstanding tradition in the arts, which hold a central place in our educational mission and in the life of our community. In fact, as far back as the 1930s, Eva Edwards Lovett repeatedly mentioned the arts in her New Deal for Education as critical components of “a changing education for a changing civilization.” Creating art and appreciating art are central to the development of the ability to analyze and problem solve, and to developing the capacity for compassion, risk-taking, and perseverance, to name a few.
Under the able leadership of our Director of Fine Arts, Jay Freer ’78, the arts are alive and thriving at Lovett. Our first-class faculty—all working artists themselves— and our devoted Friends of the Arts parent organization give our students enormous support and encouragement, enabling them to accomplish great things in the arts and in their lives.
Thank you not only for attending performances this school year, but also for your generosity and support of our arts program. The soul and spirit of Lovett are deeper and richer because of the arts!
The Lovett School admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
The Lovett School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its employment practices, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
This program for the 2022-23 Fine Arts season was produced by The Lovett School Fine Arts program chair Fiona Shaw. She was assisted by Beverly Hamrick and Rena Lyle, Lovett Fine Arts Department. Design was by Katie Harrigan, Lovett Communications, the class photos were taken by Lovett’s Photography teacher, Karey Walter, and Fine Arts event photos were taken by Kathryn Rogers ‘07.
Thisprogramwasprintedonrecycledpaperthatisprocessedchlorine-free.
The Lovett Fine Arts Department promotes the development of student talent, both individually and/or collectively, while striving to provide an education that promotes creative learning and excellence in the arts. The means to achieve these goals rests upon professional and experienced faculty and staff, adequate facilities, and consistent overall growth in the Fine Arts Program.
• No flash photography or video/audiotaping is permitted at any time.
• Food, drinks, tobacco products, and gum are not permitted
• Please turn off all watch alarms and cellular phones.
• The house opens for seating 30 minutes prior to the performance. Please do not enter until the House Manager opens the theater doors. All late seating will be at the discretion of the House Manager.
• Anyone leaving the theater during the performance will be permitted to re-enter at intermission at the discretion of the House Manager.
• The show begins as soon as the lights start to dim. Please cease talking at that time.
• Please refrain from talking while the performance is in progress.
• Please wait for a pause or intermission before removing items from pockets or handbags.
• Crying children should be brought to the lobby where they may compose themselves.
• If you have brought a child, please make sure etiquette is part of the learning experience.
• A typical intermission lasts 15 minutes. Please return to your seat in time for the performance to begin.
• Please note that it is discourteous to leave before the performance is over.
• In no case are audience members permitted to walk upon the stage. We ask that you wait and meet the performers in the lobby after the show.
• Please be understanding. Our House Management volunteers are working hard to keep the performance running smoothly.
• Please check for personal belongings before leaving the event.
The Fine Arts program at Lovett is a unique and crucial part of Mrs. Lovett’s philosophy of educating “the whole child.” With sustained study in an art form throughout their time at Lovett, your child will have opportunities that lead to increased brain function, such as developing empathy, emotional stability, and necessary thinking skills, all of which are necessary in our present economy. Scientific studies have proven that the arts promote critical thinking skills, self-expression, self-confidence, discipline, and working collaboratively with others. Students who sustain study in an art form also attain higher SAT scores and gain an unparalleled edge entering college and throughout their adult lives (see page 69).
Arts education affects a child’s developing mind in ways that nothing else can and is essential for all students. I urge you to sit and plan how you can keep the arts in your child’s schedule throughout their educational journey at Lovett; a sustained study in an art form is the key. The Fine Arts department consists of a faculty of professional working artists who masterfully teach students of all grade levels. Lovett students have opportunities to learn from highly qualified artists in visual arts and performing arts; this includes band, chorus, dance, drama, film, orchestra, design & production. Opportunities for private lessons in piano, band, orchestra instruments, and voice are available through The Lovett Conservatory of Music.
The Friends of the Arts, our parent volunteer organization for the arts at Lovett, headed so capably by Fiona Shaw, our Head of School Meredyth Cole, our dedicated trustees, and our parents and students, make Lovett such an extraordinary institution. How can you help? Join Friends of the Arts today. By doing so, you directly help support the vital components of the arts at Lovett to grow and flourish.
Thank you for your support for the arts at Lovett!
Jay Freer ’78, Director of Fine Arts
Jay Freer, a 1978 Lovett graduate, received a BFA in acting from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and was a Kenan Scholarship winner. He has taught and directed more than 95 plays and musicals at Lovett over the last 36 years. He won the Woodward Award for Excellence in teaching in 1992, the Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006, and accepted the position of Director of Fine Arts in 2007. He studied in New York City at HB Studios with Uta Hagen and continues to work with her protegé, Ted Brunetti. » SEE FULL BIO ON PAGE 56
We are looking forward to an incredibly exciting year for the arts at Lovett, as we celebrate the talents and achievements of our students and enjoy a return to in-person events and performances.
Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is the volunteer parent organization dedicated to creating an awareness of the arts and supporting Fine Arts students and faculty. Over 90 percent of Lovett students participate in Fine Arts programs each year. They grace the stage, captivate us in music, dance, and theater; excite us in visual arts, design, production, and film; and thrill us through the many creative backdrops and sets designed for our shows
Through membership and events such as the Lovett Art Show & Sale and FOTA Experiences, FOTA raises vital funds for music scholarships, classroom and curriculum-enhancing equipment and experiences, and arts partnerships. Your generous support helps us to encourage future artists, performers, and audience members in their appreciation of the arts at Lovett and beyond. Please join us as a member today, and if you are interested in giving your time as a volunteer, we would love to hear from you.
There are many opportunities to appreciate the flair and accomplishments of Lovett Fine Arts students. Whether you attend performances, stream a show, or admire the art on display in the corridors of The Fuqua Center, I’m confident you’ll truly be inspired.
On behalf of FOTA, I welcome you to another great year celebrating the talents of our students and faculty!
Fiona Shaw, FOTA President, 2022-23
FriendsoftheArts(FOTA)isLovett’sparentorganizationdedicated to fostering an awareness of the arts and supporting Fine Arts students and faculty, as well as promoting a cohesive Fine Arts community at Lovett.
FOTA COMMITTEE
President Fiona Shaw, fiona.e.shaw@gmail.com
President Elect Wendy Hahn, hahndesign@pm.me
Treasurer Robin Ralls, rralls@gmail.com
Secretary Natalie Brunson, nbrunson75@gmail.com
Membership Sarah Murray, sarahmurray324@yahoo.com
Communications Thomas Smith, tpsmith62307@gmail.com
FOTAExperiences Elizabeth Ralls, elizabethralls@gmail.com
StudentSpirit Katie Nalley, katienalley@gmail.com
Hospitality Kristen Wade, kristenwade11@gmail.com
Art Show & Sale Chair Catherine Whitis, catherinewhitis@me.com
SpringArtsFestival Mary Kelly Clary, marykellyclary@gmail.com
PlaybillProgram Fiona Shaw, fiona.e.shaw@gmail.com
Past Co-President Brittany Duncan, brittanyp1@hotmail.com
Past Co-President Sarah O’Brien, sarah.obrien@me.com
To the more than 100 Lovett parents who support our Fine Arts faculty and staff by volunteering as liaisons, hospitality hosts, and committee workers for the Lower School Art Project, Spring Arts Festival, and Lovett Art Show and Sale. The Friends of the Arts Board sincerely thanks you for your time, energy, ideas, and dedication.
Diane Arnold P ’98
Neeley Bain ’04
Chauncey Battey ’69
Molly Beery ’87, P ’18, P ’20, P ’25
Snow Benedict P ’90, P ’94
Missy Budd P ’07, P ’11, P ’15
Ashley Bundy ‘97, P ‘29, P ’31(2), P ’33
Susan Calahan ’87, P ’19, P ’22
Lauri Childs P ’05, P ’09
Ashley Leary Connell ’93, GP ’16, GP ’19
Lindsay Dawson P ’27
Tracey DeRosa ’79, P ‘16
Janet Fryburger P ’23
Kathy Ghirardini ’84, P ’16, P ’19
Charles Guthrie ’99, P ’31, P ’33
Ross Harrell ‘04
Rudy Harrell P ’04
Frances Hattink ’12
Merrel Hattink P ’08, P ’12
Julie Daniel Hope ’73
June Longino, Faculty ’67, P ’80
Laura Martorella P ’23, P ’26, P ’30
Amy Arnold McBrien ’98
Allison McWilliams ’05
Tina Maddox P ’99, P ’01
Wight Mixon P ’11
Katie Newton P ‘24, P ’25
Rip Sartain ’68, P ’00
Bailey Peterson Odom ’04
Robert Peterson ’94, P ’24
Crosby Pope P ’25
Laural Poplin ‘11
Emily Prato P ’32
Morgan Snellings Rogers ’03
Kohler Sartain ‘02
William Sartain ’00
Lynn Sloan P ’96, P ’98
Darcy Velazquez ‘97
Kristen Weeden P ‘24, P ’26
Rod White ’86
Bonnie Young ’64
Charles Abney ’85
Stacey Ewing P’23
Clay Jackson ’77 P’14, P’18
Jeff Neville P’11, P’13, P’20
John Shepard ’74
P’05, P’07
Charles L. Abney III, CFA Tres R. Carpenter, CFA Krista L. Cosgrove, CFA
Stacey D. Ewing, CFA Clayton F. Jackson, CFA Jeff Neville, CFA
John B. Shepard, CFA Kevin C.H. Yang, CFA Bradford S. J. Young, CFA
Jennifer and Walter Susong
Tami Abdulhayoglu
Kerry Heyward and Keith Adams
Kimberly Arp Babbit ’88
Alissa Portman Beard ’96
Natalie and Colin Bernardino
Kori and Lynwood Bishop
Natalie and James Brunson
Katie and Roberto Castro
Mary Kelly Clary ’03
Elizabeth and Rodes Cole
Angela Cunningham
Ashley Davis Daughety ’98 and Tad Daughety
Kelsey and Preston Davis ’04
Cathy Fisher
Heyward Morris Fougerousse ’97 and J.P. Fougerousse
Rhoda and Jay Freer ’78
Amy and Chad French
Janet and Todd Fryburger
Kara and Marc Galbraith
Denise and Jim Gangi
Jennifer and Donnan Gray
Cannon and Matt Griffith
Wendy and Mike Hahn
Roz and Jeff Hall
Amanda Kunz Hall
The Hannon Family
Erin and Brian Hebb
Beth and Gregg Jacobson
Lynn and Brian King
Rae and John O. Knox
Alison and Bill Lathrop
Sharon and Charles Leone
Suzanne Henry Loyd ’96 and Jeremy Loyd
Sheila and Lee Mann
Carolyn and Jim McDonald ’86
Eileen Keough Millard ’80 and Chris Millard
Anne O’Malley and Alex Millians ’86
Jenn Molner
Sarah and Doug Murray ’89
Katie and Slater Nalley
Sarah and Sean O’Brien
Meg and Kevin O’Keefe
Mary Clancy and Kevin Peak
Allison and Greg Petro
The Pitfield Family
Lissa and Spence Pryor
Julie and Gene Rackley
Fatima and Salim Rajan
Lauren and Robin Ralls ’98
Elizabeth and John Ralls ’94
Stacy and David Rodenhiser
Alexia Rogers
Lauren and Richard Rollins III ’98
Wendy and Gil Rooker ’88
Carrie Hoff and Jonathan Rupp
Jane and Alessandro Salvo
Maria and Ray Schneider
Miranda and Harry Shapiro
Fiona and Aaron Shaw
Laurette and Jim Shaw
Kristen and Andrew Shore
Jennifer and Thomas Smith
The Sprouse Family
Margaret Stedman
Melanie and James Stevens
Amy and Zach Story
Constance and Amish Thakker
The Tobin Family
Kerey and Matthew Toms
Sara Ann and Woody Vaughan ’86
Heather and Phil Vedell
Claire and Jarrod West
Catherine Whitis
Francis R. and Steven M. Whittle
Michelle and David Wishen
Kira Wood
Kelly and Trey Wood
Lori Woolfson
Amelia and Brent Zelnak
Holly and Chris Beavor
Elizabeth and Chris Caldwell
Becky and Nick Campbell
Julie Carothers
Aimee and Zeke Cassinelli
Jane Cofer
Jennifer Fallon Driscoll and James Driscoll
The Eccles Family
Anne-Ross and Colin Edwards
Meredith and Ed Gaile
Lanier Gupton ’98
Akima Harrigan
Jodi and Bryce Harvey
Stephanie and Irving Hawkins
Camilla Khan Heard
Kimberly and Chris Johnson
Stacey and Marc Kalish
Chloe and Beau Lambert
Chelsea Mautz
Jennifer and Charles Maxell
Jackie McCaffrey
Erika and Jim Morris
Kim Nalley
Meredith and Derek Odegard
Stephanie Ogilvie
Amanda Donges and Jorge Orlandini
Alvira and Mayank Patel
Hamilton Fryer Reavey ’97 and Kevin Reavey
Loulie and Frank Reese
Susan Silliman
Robin Thomas
Descygna and Trae Webb
Heather and David Ansari ’84
Ries and Drew Barker
Erin and Morris Baxter
Marianne Beverly
Shiv and Tejal Bhandari
Anna and Bird Blitch
DeAnn and Spencer Bomar
Margaret and Sam Bond
Helen and William Bost
Jennifer Capouya and Eric Bromley
Amy Erbesfield Clayton ’94 and Trey Clayton
Barrie Cliett
Catherine Collier
Alden and Frank Corrigan ’02
Abby Cox
Betty and Sean Coy
Stacey and Jean-Noel David
Kelly and Johnny Friedman
Ansley Ghegan ’01
Amy Githens
Cameron Davis Glass ’99 and Robert Glass
Beth and Kevin Greene
Lexi and Scott Haden
Kadee and Ryan Hoyt
Kerry and Bailey Izard ’81
Arvin and Darian Khodkar
Grace and Minim Lim
Andrew Long
Elizabeth Lake Lovett
Mei Xiang and Jeffrey Lu
Rena Lyle
Kaci and Darby McCamy
Tracy French McMillan ’92 and Kelly McMillan
Bindu Menachery
Nichole and Ben Michelson
Rebecca and Jon Nixon
Kelly and Brian O’Neill
Shelby and Rafael Perez
Carrie and Cy Philpott
Morgan Snellings Rogers ’03 and David Rogers ’04
Beth Salvati and Steve Samp
Jennifer and Todd Schomberg
Zehal and Nishant Shroff ’97
Kelly and David Silverman
Meadow Bond Smith ’87 and Hop Smith
Katherine Rogers Snell ’01 and John Snell
Virginia and Brian Stephens
Courtney and Eric Stoll
The Tedder Family
Kelly Turner
Kristen Wade
Becton and Trey Wallace
Dan and Shivana Waterman
Anne and Doug Wetmore
Katie White
Elizabeth and Brian White
Stephanie and Glen Williams
Carmen Batten
Jan Boner
Kristin Lucas Huber ’97 and Harris Huber
Anu and Ankur Patel
Katherine Schneider
Carrie Morris and Josh Shuster
Karey Walter
This list reflects all FOTA members as of press time.
If you would like to join Friends of the Arts, it’s not too late! Please see the membership form in the theater lobby or on the website at www.lovett.org/fota.
Miami Circle ‐ Buckhead
Telephone: 404‐846‐0449
Website: www.eclipsediluna.com
Park Place ‐ Dunwoody
Telephone: 678‐205‐5862
Website: www.eclipsedilunaparkplace.com
enewton proudly supports The Lovett School.
elegant. empowering. effortless. enewton. enewtondesign.com
All events are held in the Hendrix-Chenault Theater unless otherwise listed. Dates, times, locations, and performances are subject to change.
OCTOBER 2022
14 2:00 & 6:30 p.m., MS Play, HC Theater
20 6:30 p.m., Orchtoberfest Orchestra Concert, Chapel
25 5:45 p.m., US Band Halloween Spooktacular Concert, MS Patio
NOVEMBER 2022
8 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Lovett Art Show & Sale Opening Reception and Silent Auction, Lovett Galleria
8-16 Online Art Sale, lovett.org/artsale
10 & 12 7:00 p.m., US Fall Play, HC Theater, reservedseatingtickets$5.00
11 5:00 p.m., US Fall Play, HC Theater, reservedseatingtickets$5.00
15 6:30 p.m., Grade 6 Choral Concert, Chapel
17 6:30 p.m., LS/MS/US Dance Concert, HC Theater
30 7:00 p.m., US Band & Orchestra Holiday Concert, HC Theater
DECEMBER 2022
1 6:30 p.m., MS Band & Orchestra Holiday Concert, HC Theater
2 5:00 p.m., MS Winter Play, MS Drama Room 6:30 p.m., LS Choral Holiday Concert, Chapel
6 6:30 p.m., MS Lessons & Carols service, Chapel
7 6:30 p.m., LS Band & Orchestra Holiday Concert, HC Theater
8 7:00p.m., US Candlelight Lessons & Carols, All Saints’ Church
14 6:30 p.m., LS Winter Musical (Grades 3-5), HC Theater, reservedseatingtickets$5.00
FEBRUARY 2023
2 7:00 p.m., Orchestra Parent & Faculty Recital, Chapel
9-11 7:00 p.m., US Musical, HC Theater reservedseatingtickets$10.00
MARCH 2023
21 6:30 p.m., LS & MS Band Concert, HC Theater
23 6:30 p.m., LS & MS Orchestra Spring Concert, HC Theater
28 5:45 p.m., Grade 6 Choral Showcase, Chapel
7:00 p.m., Grade 7 & 8 Choral Showcase, Chapel
APRIL 2023
4 7:00 p.m., US Band/Chorus/Orchestra Prism Concert, HC Theater, reserved seating tickets
17 5:00 p.m., Lovett Conservatory of Music Recital, Chapel
20-22 7:00 p.m., US Play, TBD, Woodward Theater, limitedseatingtickets$5.00
22 11:00 a.m., Singers Recital, Chapel 2:00 p.m., Lovett Conservatory of Music Recital, Chapel
24 5:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., Lovett Conservatory of Music Recitals, Chapel
23 5:00 p.m., US Ellington Swing Concert, HC Theater
26 9:45 a.m., Grade 1 & 2 Spring Musical, HC Theater
30 2:30 p.m., US Choral Showcase, Chapel 5:00 p.m., Ellington Recital, Woodward Theater
MAY 2023
2 6:30 p.m., Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert, Chapel
4 6:30 p.m., LS/MS/US Dance Concert, HC Theater
5 6:30 p.m., LS Choral Showcase, Chapel
10 6:30 p.m., Grade 8 Play, TBD, HC Theater
15 6:30 p.m., MS Orchestra Concert, Chapel
16 6:30 p.m., MS Spring Band Concert, HC Theater
18 9:00 a.m., LS Band & Orchestra Concert, HC Theater
23 6:30 p.m., LS Spring Musical, HC Theater reservedseatingtickets$5.00
To watch past performances scan the QR code
The mission of the
is to support Lovett’s Fine Arts Program by creating awareness; supporting the faculty and staff of the Fine Arts Department; recognizing student and faculty achievements; promoting a cohesive Fine Arts community within the entire school; and developing sources of funds for enhancing the arts program.
Become a member today and support the Fine Arts at Lovett!
Join Friends of the Arts today online at: love.tt/FOTA
Jay Freer............................................................................................................. Director of Fine Arts
Beverly Hamrick ......................................................................... Associate Director of Fine Arts
Susan McCluskey Assistant Director of Fine Arts
Charissa Gransden Assistant Director of Fine Arts
Rena Lyle ............................................................................. Fine Arts Assistant Office Manager
Marianne Beverly Lower School General Music (Grades2–5)
Jan Boner ............................................Lower School General Music (Kindergarten–Grade1)
Leah Decker ..................................................................... Lower School Visual Art (Grades3-5)
Seth Decker Upper School Theater Arts
David Eccles............................................................................................... Upper School Orchestra
Chris Ekholm ...................................................................................... Middle School Theater Arts
Wesley Forlines.......................................................................................... Design and Production
Jay Freer Honors Theater Arts
Charissa Gransden ........................................................................................... Lower School Band
Rhoda Griffis ........................................................................................ Upper School Theater Arts
Lynn King Middle School Band
Susan McCluskey ........................... Theater Facilities Manager; Productions Coordinator
Rebecca Metzger .................................... Upper and Middle School Dance; Choreographer
Perry Morris ............................................................................................... Lower School Orchestra
Brian Patterson Technical Director, Design and Production
Tim Pitchford ........................... Upper School Ellington Jazz Ensemble (APMusicTheory)
Samantha Puckett....................................................................................... Middle School Chorus
Gina Reynoso Upper School Visual Arts
(Printmaking,Foundations,Drawing,DigitalPhoto)
Katherine Schneider........................................................................... Middle School Visual Arts
David Silverman ..................................................................................Upper School Film Studies
Vernon Smith Upper School Visual Arts (Ceramics/Sculpture,Foundations)
Charley Snell ...............................................................Upper and Middle School Choral Music
Amy Story Visual Arts Chair/Upper School Visual Arts
(Foundations,Painting,Drawing,andMixedMedia)
Courtney Strickland .............................. Lower School Visual Arts (Kindergarten-Grade2)
Grace Kawamura Stubbart Middle School Orchestra
Deborah Ulrich Middle School Choral Music
Justin Varnes........................ Upper School Band/Lovett Conservatory of Music Director
Karey Walter........................................................... ............... .................Upper School Visual Arts
(Photography,PortfolioDevelopment)
The Lovett Conservatory of Music provides age appropriate private music lessons for piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, french horn, flute, percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet and voice. We offer quality instruction from highly-qualified faculty in order to enhance our students’ lives through the exploration of and education in music.
Justin Varnes........................................ Lovett Conservatory of Music Director, Percussion
Patrick Arthur Guitar
Mike Bacarella ............................................................................................................................. Guitar
Amy Black .......................................................................................................................... French Horn
Marilee David Voice
Michael DeSousa........ .............................................................................................. ..........Low Brass
Dave Frackenpohl ....................................................................................................................... Guitar
Nicole Frankel ................................................................................................................................ Flute
Nicholas Gannon.............. .....Percussion
Louis Heriveaux ........................................................................................................................... Piano
William Hollifield ............................................................................................ Clarinet/Saxophone
Kathryn Koch Violin
Shadwa Mussad ............................................................................................................... Viola/Violin
Laura Mustari......................... ...................................................................................................... Piano
Justin Powell Trumpet
Samantha Puckett........................................................................................................................ Voice
Chris Riggenbach .......................................................................................................................... Bass
Emily Roberts................................................................................................................................. Voice
John Sandfort Saxophone
Emmanuel Smith ......................................................................................................................... Piano
Gracie Sommer..................... ..........................................................................................................Cello
Grace Stubbart Violin
Penelope Williams ...................................................................................................................... Piano
Born in Jacksonville, FL, Justin Varnes studied at the University of North Florida before moving to New York to study at the New School. In New York, he toured with Phoebe Snow, with whom he performed on the Roseanne Barr Show with Michael McDonald, Madison Square Garden, and NPR’s “World Café.” He regularly performs with his own quartet, was tapped for work as part of the Earl Klugh Trio, and is a top call sideman for touring artists throughout the Southeast. Justin has performed with Mose Allison, Wessell Anderson, Kenny Barron, Peter Bernstein, Don Braden, Ann Hampton Callaway, Five for Fighting, Gavin DeGraw, Victor Goines, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Herring, Kevin Hays, Kevin Mahogany, Tony Monaco, Marcus Printup, Bob Reynolds, Lew Soloff, David Sanchez, Ira Sullivan, Sachal Vasandani, and Jimmy Vivino. In addition to his career in performing, Justin teaches at Lovett and Georgia Tech, and is also heavily involved in teaching jazz to youth groups such as the Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra, Rialto Jazz for Kids, and Young Audiences. He also teaches and works with several national jazz programs, including Interplay Jazz & Arts and the Hilton Head Junior Jazz Foundation.
The CHORAL PROGRAM at The Lovett School has a rich and distinguished history, dating to the School’s founding. Lovett’s philosophy of utilizing a comprehensive curriculum that seeks to develop the whole child—intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially, aesthetically, and emotionally—is exemplified through an emphasis on the visual and performing arts. Choral/vocal music at Lovett has enjoyed strong and outstanding leadership over several decades. Lovett choral ensembles are represented annually in the Spivey Hall Honor Choirs and the GMEA All-State Choruses.
The purpose of the Lovett Choral Program is to seek excellence in every aspect of programming, rehearsals, performances, and conduct. As a musical community, we strive to become our very best as viable individuals and collective performing artists. As students and teachers, our goal is to be tolerant, open, kind, and forgiving to create a community where all feel valued and accepted.
Follow along as we navigate the 2022-23 school year with virtual recordings, class videos and more at @LovettFineArts on Instagram.
The Lovett Singers is a select group of Upper School singers established in 1976. The Lovett Singers represented the United States in 1978 on President Carter’s Friendship Exchange Program to Newcastle, England. They have performed at the World’s Fair in New Orleans and Disney World, and won the First Place Gold and the Sweepstakes Trophy at the 1991 Heritage Music Festival in New Orleans. They performed under the baton of conductor John Rutter in Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in November 1991 and sang at Carnegie Hall in November 1996. They won the coveted Grand Choral Championship titles at the MusicFest Competitions in Orlando in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2007. Members of this ensemble participate annually in Spivey Hall High School Honor Choir, the GMEA District Five Honor Chorus, and the GMEA All-State Chorus. In 2013, the Singers won a Gold Medal (Superior) in the Heritage Music Festival in Orlando. At the same festival, the Singers garnered four additional trophies: Outstanding Choral Group Award, Festival Sweepstakes Award for Choral Program, Adjudicators Award (achieving a score above 95 percent in all categories), and the Worldstrides Heritage Performance Special Invitation to Perform in Carnegie Hall. In 2014, the Lovett Singers traveled to New York City, where they performed the national anthem for a sold-out Brooklyn Nets/Boston Celtics game, and performed the Haydn Nelson Mass in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Anton Armstrong. In Spring 2016, the Singers returned to Carnegie Hall and were honored to perform the National Anthem for a sold-out New York Knicks-Miami Heat game in Madison Square Garden.
Charley Snell returns to Atlanta from Bloomington, IN, where he is completing his doctoral degree in Choral Conducting at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. During his time in Bloomington, Mr. Snell studied conducting with Dominick DiOrio, Betsy Burleigh, and Walter Huff, as well as teaching undergaraduate courses in conducting, music theory, and voice, directing the All-Campus Choir, and singing in multiple ensembles including the internationally-renowned NOTUS Contemporary Vocal Ensemble. He also served as assistant director/choral scholar at the Trinity Episcopal Church under Marilyn Keiser. Previously, Mr. Snell led the choral program at Lakeside High School in Atlanta from 2008-2015, where his choirs performed across the nationally and internationally, receiving superior ratings and accolades. Mr. Snell also served as the Assistant Choirmaster at All Saints Episcopal Church under Ray Chenault, and as an assistant director in the Atlanta Master Chorale. Snell earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master’s of Music from Florida State University and Emory University, respectively. His work included studies with Andre Thomas, Kevin Fenton, Eric Nelson, and Simon Carrington. For the past two decades, Mr. Snell has worked with choirs of every age and level of education both at the local and state levels bringing his passion for the choral art to numerous singers throughout the country. As a tenor, he has performed across the United States and internationally, both as a soloist and as a chorister. He has studied with Larry Gerber, Stanford Olsen, and Dr. Brian Horne. He resides in Smyrna with his wife, Jane, their two children, Nils and Elin, and their dog, Klaus.
The Men’s Chorus sings for special concerts, chapel services, and competitions. They won first place in their division at the 1995 MusicFest Competition in Orlando, and the coveted Grand Championship. They also won first place in their division in the 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2006 competitions and second place in the 1998 Grand Championship. The Men’s Chorus won first place Gold in the 2000 Southern Star Music Festival and the Sweepstakes title for the highest score of the festival. In 2008, this group earned superior ratings in performance at the GMEA Performance Evaluation, as well as earning a superior rating at Festival Disney.
The Women’s Chorus participates in chapel, the Service of Lessons and Carols, the classical concert, and the spring musical. They have performed at Disney World, the Piedmont Driving Club, and for the Atlanta Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. Members of this ensemble participate annually in the GMEA District Five Honor Chorus, and the GMEA All-State Chorus. They won Outstanding Choral Group, first place Gold, and the coveted Adjudicator’s Trophy at the 1991 Music Heritage Festival in New Orleans. They received first place at the MusicFest Competitions in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004, and 2006. In 2008, this group earned superior ratings in performance and sight-reading at the GMEA Performance Evaluation. The Lovett Women’s Chorus regularly performs for holiday caroling in the Vinings area.
Choral music has historical and cross-cultural connections that transcend time and artistic disciplines. Singing is a powerful emotional outlet. In this class, singers are “choral artists.” Students will build vocal, theory, and artistic skills needed to perform a varied repertoire of music. Through a process known as “scaffolding,” individual and choral ensembles will develop independence and musical maturity through perceptive assessment of self and others. The music studied will broaden their perspective of the world, build self-confidence, and provide an exciting opportunity to establish close friendships. Students will understand that each person’s shared efforts create a product much greater than the sum of individual talents.
Deborah has served as middle school choral director for 25 years. She is in her thirteenth year at Lovett. Her middle school choral teaching experience includes public schools on Long Island (NY), Cobb County, and Marietta City Schools. She is a recipient of the Georgia STAR Teacher Award (2011), and The Beth and Ray Chenault Fine Arts Award (2019). She has served in organist and organist/choirmaster positions in Texas, Ohio, New York, and Georgia. She is currently organist at Roswell Presbyterian Church, and served as adjunct organ instructor and University Organist at Ashland University (OH), as well as an adjunct faculty member at Long Island University. Deborah received a Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Wesleyan College, and a Master of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, with further organ study at the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music. She is a consecrated Diaconal Minister, and has served in various leadership positions in the United Methodist Church at the conference, state, regional, and national levels.
Samantha Puckett is a mezzo-soprano originally from Katy, Texas. She attended West Texas A&M University for her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music. Samantha pursued her Artist Diploma at Georgia State University. In addition to her role at Lovett, she is currently an alto staff singer at the Cathedral of St. Philip. Samantha’s operatic roles include Magda Sorel (The Consul), Charlotte (Werther), and Rebecca Nurse (The Crucible). She continues her vocal study and often performs as a guest soloist in Atlanta and its surrounding areas.
The goal of the Lower School General Music program is to build a strong foundation of musical literacy. Children are exposed to a diverse curriculum designed for active and fun music learning through singing, playing instruments, listening, moving, and creating.
Children gain skills in improvising, reading, and composing their own music and learn to use music vocabulary to describe what they feel, see, and hear. Music elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, and form are sequenced age appropriately throughout the music curriculum. Children experience a well-rounded repertoire of music representing different genres and cultures.
JAN BONER
Jan Boner is the Kindergarten through second grade music teacher in the Lower School. She completed a Master’s in Education through Lesley University in Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Teaching through the Arts. She has a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Ohio University, as well as a Bachelor of Theology with an emphasis in Christian leadership from The Way College of Biblical Research. Janet is a Board Certified Music Therapist, working with young children with developmental delays and autism. Janet served as president of Early Childhood Music & Movement Association and on the board for several more years. She brings to Lovett her passion for music, young children, and many years of teaching experience.
Marianne Beverly, Lovett’s Lower School choral director and general music teacher in Grades 3–5, has been a music teacher for many years. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education and performance at Converse College. While teaching in the DeKalb County school system in Georgia, she earned her master’s degree in music education at Georgia State University. She has been teaching at Lovett for 30 years.
The Lovett Lower School Chorus is a group of fourth and fifth grade students who delight audiences with their joyful singing and charismatic stage presence. These singers rehearse once a week, after school hours, in preparation for the Lower School Holiday Choral Concert, Holiday Sing-A-Long, Lower School Talent Show, and Lower School Spring Choral Concert.
The M&Ms are a group of third and fourth grade boys whose love for singing brings them to rehearsals once a week to enjoy the camaraderie of an all-boy choir. They perform in the Lower School Holiday Choral Concert, Holiday Sing-A-Long, Talent Show, and the All-School Closing Chapel in May.
To watch past performances scan the QR code
The Middle and Upper School Dance Program is taught by Rebecca Metzger and is designed to introduce many styles of dance to the beginning student, but with a focus on ballet as the foundation of all dances. In the seventh and eighth grade dance classes, students are introduced to ballet, hip hop, jazz, and contemporary dance. In the Upper School dance class, students can focus on more detailed aspects of dance, concentrating on the fundamentals of technique (ballet, jazz, and contemporary), proper stretching form, strengthening exercises used in pilates and Gyrotonic, and the choreographic process. Upper School students also develop their performance ability by performing in the Hendrix-Chenault Theater for fall and spring dance concerts, school assemblies, chapel services, and the Spring Arts Festival.
Rebecca Metzger, an Atlanta native, left home at 16 to attend the School of American Ballet on a full merit scholarship. In her senior year of high school, she was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts and was one of two dancers to receive the first ever Mae L. Wein Award for students of outstanding promise. At 18, she joined the New York City Ballet, performing a variety of corps, soloist, and principal roles during her career. She has appeared in the PBS series Dance in America and The Balanchine Essays. While rehearsing, performing, and touring full-time, she attended Barnard College, graduating magna cum laude. Following her performing career, Metzger became the creative director of the New York City Ballet Workout. She has taught ballet to all levels and ages, from the public schools of New York City to elite ballet academies, and is a repetiteur for both the Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine Foundations. Rebecca joined Lovett in 2012 and is thrilled to be a part of the Fine Arts Department, a place that clearly understands the value of integrating academics with the arts.
Aaron James, a dancer, choreographer, creative director and actor has been active in the professional entertainment for just over 10 years. He got his start as he was a participant in MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew with a crew called Royal Flush that he created along with his younger brother. Exposure from being on ABDC eventually propelled him into a full fledged professional dancing career that gradually led to many other opportunities in the entertainment world. Aaron has graced the stage with many big names such as Kanye West, LeCrae, Pharrell, Little Big Town, T-Pain, Jacob Latimore and more. Aaron is now actively choreographing and creative directing various projects for many independent artists as well as balancing an emerging acting career and you can find Aaron in many movies, television series and commercials airing on many major networks and streaming platforms.
As the founder and director of Bluebird Uncaged, Rebekah’s passion is to bring hope and dignity through dance. From sitting mesmerized by the Nutcracker as a toddler to training at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education to dancing principal roles, she has experienced the power, freedom, and joy in using dance to communicate. Rebekah is a freelance artist from Atlanta, GA and has appeared with companies such as The Georgia Ballet and the Atlanta Opera. She’s also been a guest artist with Telluride Dance Academy and Sawnee Ballet Theatre. Rebekah loves using dance to serve internationally and has travelled to Panama, Cuba, and most recently The Netherlands, to perform and conduct workshops. In 2018, she curated the Uncaged Community Dance Festival where some of Atlanta’s leading dance companies converged for a week of collaboration. Rebekah also loves mentoring the next generation through teaching; she was a faculty member at the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education for nine years and is currently a guest teacher around the US. Rebekah holds a BA in Communications from Thomas Edison State University. Rebekah holds a BA in Communications from Thomas Edison State University. When she’s not in the studio, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, paddleboarding and pickleball, or winding down with hand-embroidery.
Ashlynn Brooks received her dance training from Central VA Dance Academy as her passion for dance began at the age of 10. She experienced several years of performances, recitals, Nutcrackers, and trips to NYC to take classes at Broadway Dance Center. She continued her training at Virginia Tech, where she majored in Theatre and Creative Writing. During her time there, she began teaching fairytale ballet at a local studio in Blacksburg called Little Leapers. After college, she decided to move to ATL to pursue her passion for screen acting and continue to teach dance to younger age groups.
Tim Pitchford, a native Floridian, lived and taught in Illinois for a decade before becoming Lovett’s Upper School Director of Bands and the Honors Ellington Jazz Ensemble Director. During his time in the midwest, he was the jazz progrm director and trombone professor at Illinois Wesleyan University, a private liveral arts college in Bloomington, IL. Under his direction, the IWU Jazz Ensemble performed for the 2014 Illinois Music Educator’s Conference and the Elmhurst Jazz Festival. Dr. Pitchford has served as a clinician for the Marshall University Jazz Fedtival, the Northwest Oklahoma University Jazz Festival, the Bradley University Jazz Festival, and the Illinois State University Jazz Festival. As a professional trombonist, he has performed with Arturo Sandoval, The Manhattan Transfer, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Patti Austin, Aretha Franklin, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and many others. From 2002-2005, he toured internationally with K.C. and the Sunshine Band. Dr. Pitchford holds degrees in jazz performance from University of North Florida, Georgia State University, and the University of Miami.
The Upper School Band Program is a composite of the concert/symphonic band, jazz ensembles, woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles. Members of the Upper School band are encouraged to study privately with Lovett’s Conservatory of Music faculty or local performing artists. Students are further encouraged to participate in select state and local honor groups, including the GMEA All-State Band, the GISA All-Select Band, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Metro Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble, the Rialto Jazz Orchestra, and other extracurricular performing ensembles. Members of the Ellington Jazz Ensemble are selected by audition. The Lovett Ellington Jazz Ensemble and Wind Symphony compete in national festivals and competitions.
The Lovett Middle School Bands perform numerous times throughout the year, including a holiday concert, the annual Prism Concert, the Lovett Jazz Festival, and at other venues. Students perform concert band literature, and in seventh and eighth grade begin a curriculum of jazz studies. The Middle School Bands have received superior ratings, sweepstakes honors, and outstanding soloist awards at numerous band festivals, as well as invitations to perform at the state music convention. They also have produced many All-State band students.
Lynn King is the Middle School Band Director, who also assists with the Lower and Upper School Band programs. Mrs. King received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Appalachian State University. Before coming to Lovett, Mrs. King taught at Henderson Middle School for 11 years. At Lovett, Mrs. King is the Girls’ JV Tennis Coach and the Team Mom for the Varsity Swimming Team. She is also a freelance oboe player in Atlanta and plays with The Cobb Wind Symphony. Mrs. King is a guest clinician in many metro Atlanta schools. In addition, Mrs. King sits on the Board of Directors for the Dresden Elementary School Foundation; this foundation promotes improving literacy among students along the Buford Highway Corridor.
Born in Jacksonville, FL, Justin Varnes studied at the University of North Florida before moving to New York to study at the New School. In New York, he toured with Phoebe Snow, with whom he performed on the Roseanne Barr Show with Michael McDonald, Madison Square Garden, and NPR’s “World Café.” He regularly performs with his own quartet, was tapped for work as part of the Earl Klugh Trio, and is a top call sideman for touring artists throughout the Southeast. Justin has performed with Mose Allison, Wessell Anderson, Kenny Barron, Peter Bernstein, Don Braden, Ann Hampton Callaway, Five for Fighting, Gavin DeGraw, Victor Goines, Wycliffe Gordon, Vincent Herring, Kevin Hays, Kevin Mahogany, Tony Monaco, Marcus Printup, Bob Reynolds, Lew Soloff, David Sanchez, Ira Sullivan, Sachal Vasandani, and Jimmy Vivino. In addition to his career in performing, Justin teaches at Lovett and Georgia Tech, and is also heavily involved in teaching jazz to youth groups such as the Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra, Rialto Jazz for Kids, and Young Audiences. He also teaches and works with several national jazz programs, including Interplay Jazz & Arts and the Hilton Head Junior Jazz Foundation.
The Lovett Lower School Bands offer a unique experience for young instrumentalists. Students enjoy learning the techniques to perform in large and small ensembles. They begin their musical training in the fourth and fifth grades. The bands perform a holiday concert in December, participate in a spring concert in March, and play for the Lower School in May. Some band students have played their instruments in the annual talent show, chapel services, and some school musicals and other school events.
Charissa Gransden, director of Lower School bands, studied music education and flute performance at Florida State University. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree from Georgia State University. This is her 16th year at Lovett, and her 26th year teaching band. Charissa has taught private flute lessons and flute masterclasses for over 30 years. She loves watching students discover the joy of music.
The members of the LOVETT CHAMBER ORCHESTRA are comprised of students in grades 9-12. Musical excellence is achieved through student-centered instruction on the physical and intellectual skills required to perform string and full orchestra music from a wide range of musical styles and genres.
The LOVETT HONORS COLLEGIUM STRINGS is an honors-level ensemble that draws its members from the Chamber Orchestra. This ensemble focuses on compositions intended for performance by small string ensembles. Students in Collegium Strings engage in scholarly preparation of music through theoretical analysis, historical context, and historically appropriate performance practice to create authentic performances. Students from the Lovett Orchestra program are regularly selected to participate in honors and youth orchestras around the country.
David F. Eccles is a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He has held string education positions in Virginia and Florida. In the spring of 2022, he was honored with the O. Wayne Rollins Master Teacher award. He has served as a guest conductor for many state, county, regional, and community orchestras. Mr. Eccles has presented education sessions at local, state, and international conferences. He is a clinician and consulting author for the Hal Leonard Corporation. He holds advanced degrees in Music Education from Florida State University and University of Miami (Florida) and Bachelor of Music and Media from Norfolk State Univeristy.
The MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA program is comprised of students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. These young musicians are developing the physical, intellectual, and social skills vital to string music study. They perform a wide variety of musical styles and genres for both the Lovett and Metro Atlanta communities.
Grace Stubbart is the Middle School Orchestra Director at The Lovett School. She attended Kennesaw State University for her Bachelor of Music degree, and also earned a Master of Music degree from the The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Prior to her position as Middle School Orchestra Director, Grace was a violin instructor for the Lovett Conservatory of Music for four years. Grace holds a section violin position with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and has performed with various orchestras in the Metro-Atlanta area such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet, and Atlanta Opera. In her spare time, Grace enjoys being at the barn riding dressage and jumping over cross rails and spending time with her husband, two bunnies, cat, and dog. bunnies and cat.
The Lovett Lower School Orchestras offer third, fourth, and fifth graders the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of playing the violin, viola, cello, and bass. The Lower School Orchestra is centered on the physical, social, and emotional aspects of playing a string instrument. Student performances throughout the year include a holiday concert in early December, a String Spectacular concert in the Spring, and a Lower School performance in May. Orchestra students may also perform in special events such as chapel services and the annual talent show. First-year players and experienced players are welcome in the Lower School Orchestra.
The Third Grade Orchestra offers students an early opportunity to experience playing the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Firstyear players and experienced players are welcome in the Third Grade Orchestra. This class focuses on the baseline skills of playing a string instrument, as well as the physical, social, and emotional aspects of playing music. Student performances throughout the year include a holiday concert in early December, a String Spectacular concert in the spring, and a Lower School performance in May. Third Grade Orchestra students may also perform in special events such as chapel services, the annual talent show, and a recital at the High Museum.
Perry Morris is the Lower School Orchestra Director at The Lovett School. Perry earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Kennesaw State Univeristy. Perry remains active as a performer, studio teacher, and clinician in Metro-Atlanta.
The Theater Arts Department is dedicated to teaching an in-depth, multi-layered approach to the study of theater and its collaborative nature. Through acting classes, design and production, and education as audience members, students learn to communicate and expand their imagination, creativity, thoughts, and emotions. In classes and productions, Lovett students discover self-discipline, self-motivation, selfesteem, and social interaction. The artistic process in acting and design and production is the core of all the work within the program. Students experience a heightened sense of culture and an ability to make critical value judgments through skills in acting and design and production. The Theater Arts Department combines these elements to form a curriculum that allows students to explore and experience the theatrical world, instilling a lifelong love of theater. The Theater Department produces plays and musicals in both semesters, along with other workshop productions. In addition, they take an annual trip to New York City that is highly recommended, but optional.
The Design and Production classes are designed to provide and develop the skills needed to succeed in the demanding world of theatrical design and production. Offered to Upper School and eighth grade students, this program explores design and production from conceptual design work to the “nuts and bolts” that help make a production happen. Utilizing both hands-on applications as well as in-class projects, each student will be able to explore, expand, and realize their own creative potential. The course covers all aspects of backstage work, including stage lighting and carpentry; scenic, lighting, and costume design; stage management; operations; and fundamental sound design and engineering.
SUSAN MCCLUSKEY
Susan McCluskey is one of the assistant directors of Fine Arts, as well as theater productions coordinator and facilities manager. She works with the Design and Production classes in the Upper School and Middle School. Her greatest pleasure is working with very talented students—K-12— on theatrical productions throughout the year. Susan graduated magna cum laude from Culver-Stockton College with a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management. The combined business/arts degree has lead her to a variety of different opportunites, from theatrical stage management to administrative support of corporate presidents, set dressing to bookkeeping, properties design to marketing design. Susan is active in Atlanta’s professional theatre arena as a stage manager and props designer, having worked most recently with Atlanta Lyric Theatre and City Springs Theatre.
BRIAN PATTERSONBrian Patterson was born in Orlando, FL, but moved to the North Georgia mountains as an elementary student. He grew up in Hiawassee, GA and is the youngest of two children. After graduation from high school, he attended West Georgia College prior to transferring and graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Technical Theater. He is the proud father of Piedmont College student Haley, who is currently following in the arts education field. Brian comes to Lovett after many years in theater around the Atlanta area. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he moved to the Atlanta area and began freelancing as well as working full-time as technical director and production coordinator for Theater in the Square in Marietta for 14 years. Following that, he was director of technical services for North Metro Church prior to joining Lovett as Technical Director. He enjoys showing young minds the joy he’s found in a career in theater as well as using those talents in everything from furniture and interior design to building campers.
A native of Columbus, GA, Wesley Forlines became involved with the Springer Opera House’s Theatre Academy program at a young age. After earning a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, he took a project management internship with Electronic Theatre Controls in Madison, WI. Since returning to Georgia, Wesley has worked and designed for theatres around the Atlanta area and joined the Lovett faculty in 2016. In addition to co-teaching Theatre Design and Production classes, he designs lighting and scenery for the dozens of performances Lovett produces each year.
The Upper School Theater Arts Program offers four levels of Theater Arts classes, as well as two levels of instruction in Screenwriting and Motion Picture Production. Acting students explore a rich variety of techniques and skills through exercises, improvisation, scene study, and performance. Each semester, students will study under several guest theater professionals, enriching their overall experience. The Upper School produces several main productions a year, as well as a one-act play and numerous video productions. Screenwriting students learn to construct solid story outlines, bold characters,and believable dialogue in their study of the craft of storytelling.
Seth Decker is a Lovett alumnus and a graduate of Boston University’s Theatre Conservatory with a BFA in classical stage acting. He has been acting professionally since age 8, and has performed all over the country, from Charlotte to San Francisco to Boston. He has appeared in various television shows, commercials, and industrial films in Atlanta. In 2003, he founded Red Door Playhouse, where he teaches acting, playwriting, and improvisation to kids, teens, and adults year round. He hosts the weekly Red Door Improv Show and offers in-school improv programs and corporate teambuilding workshops across the state. He’s excited to bring the spontaneous fun of improv to all the theater students at Lovett this year.
Rhoda Griffis has been a professional working actress for over 40 years in film, television, commercials, voice-overs, and print. Holding a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (where she now serves as a meber of the Board of Trustees), she was a member of the Acting Company for seven seasons at the NC Shakespeare Festival and toured the east coast teaching Shakespeare in schools. Other theatrical credits include Charlotte Rep, St. Louis Rep, The Alliance Theatre, Theatre- by-the-Sea in Portsmouth, NH, and Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Ms. Griffis has over 85 feature films under her belt-including: Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Parental Guidance, The Blind side, Walk The Line, and recent feature film Black Spartans . Rhoda will be starring with Dolly Parton this Holiday Season in “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas!” With over 70 television credits, watch for her in Netflix’s Ozark Season 4 and HBO’s The Righteous Gemstone . Rhoda enjoyed recurring roles on Army Wives, Drop Dead Diva, and Satisfaction. She uses her experience in the business to guide students how to work as a professional Actor in the Southeast Market. Teaching acting for the camera, audition techniques, and teaching Theatre classes as part of the Theatre faculty (including Honors Theatre—The Acting Company), assistant directing shows, dialogue coaching students on accents, voice-over study, and ear-prompter instruction. Students get training on how actors work, train and audition professionally.
Jay Freer, a 1978 Lovett graduate and Director of Fine Arts, teaches the Honors Theater Arts course. He has taught and directed more than 95 plays and musicals at Lovett over the last 35 years. Jay has directed at The Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, and Theatre in the Square, and was also the founder and Producing Artistic Director of Actors Theatre of Atlanta (ATA). Among the shows he directed for ATA are The Good Doctor, Collected Stories (Abie Award nominated in 2001), Underneath the Lintel (Southeastern premiere and chosen as the number one play of 2003 by the AJC & Creative Loafing), Talley’s Folly, and Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol. Jay has also taught acting at The North Carolina School of the Arts and The South Carolina Governors School for the Arts, as well as numerous professional classes. He studied in New York with Uta Hagen, considered “one of the greatest actresses and acting teachers of the 20th century” and continues to study acting with her protégé Ted Brunetti. In 2008, The Charles Loridans Foundation recognized Jay for excellence and leadership in theater education.
Middle School Theater Arts classes are offered for seventh and eighth grade students, and as part of the Lovett Life Lessons rotation for sixth grade students as public speaking. In seventh grade, students are taught the fundamentals of nonverbal storytelling through sensory exploration and improvisation. They then move on to voice/diction work, as well as introductory scene study. Eighth graders are taught audition technique, stage combat, theater history, scene work from classic plays, and ultimately production rehearsal and performance through the Middle School spring play. Students are encouraged to be creative and disciplined at the same time and are given an opportunity to grow in poise and self confidence. Two Middle School theater productions are presented annually in the Hendrix-Chenault Theater.
CHRIS EKHOLM
Chris Ekholm, Lovett’s Middle School theater arts teacher, has been a professional actor for over 30 years, performing in theater, film, television, TV commercials, radio voice-overs, training films, and live industrials. He has directed productions for adults and children and has adjudicated auditions for the Georgia Theatre Conference. He is a winner of two Suzi Bass Awards, in 2005 for Most Outstanding Actor and 2007 for Most Outstanding Ensemble in a Play, which recognize excellence in Atlanta theater. Chris has appeared on many of Atlanta’s stages, including Alliance Theatre, Theatrical Outfit, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Horizon Theatre, True Colors Theatre Company, and Theatre in the Square, where he won four Jennie Awards. Over the course of his career, Chris has worked with such people as Steve Martin, John Lithgow, Tyler Perry, Jonathan Demme, and Ruth Buzzi, among others. Mr. Ekholm is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, Screen Actor’s Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Finally, Ekholm is a very proud recipient of the 2013 Woodward Award for Teaching Excellence and the 2015 Beth and Ray Chenault Fine Arts Teaching Award at The Lovett School.
In visual arts, students must synthesize and understand techniques to find their point of view and create art that draws on a very deep understanding of who they are. Class offerings include architectural design, art foundations, art history, ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, film, painting, photography, sculpture, and videography.
Lovett Film Studies is comprised of five classes, Lovett’s own mini-film school. Upper School students in History of Film explore the amazing evolution of the popular art form, from Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope to today’s 4K digital cameras and projectors. In Visual Storytelling and Screenwriting, students learn the power of telling stories with images and how to evoke those images in words. Students in Documentary Movie Making will focus on non-fiction stories, harnessing the power of media to move and challenge the audience. Likewise, students in Narrative movie making will put to good use the short fictional scripts they have developed, walking each film through the process, from pre-production planning through the film shoot itself and into the editing suite for post-production. Finally, students who wish to deeply explore the powerful roots of the hero myth will enjoy Good Versus Evil: Religious and Moral Themes In the Movies.
David Silverman’s career as an actor and filmmaker spans over 25 years—this is David’s 17th year at Lovett. As a filmmaker, David’s award-winning films have traveled across the US at prestigious film festivals including Palm Springs, Dances with Films in Los Angeles, INDIE Memphis and the Oscar-nominating Atlanta Film Festival. A member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association, David’s recent TV credits include: HBO’s The Staircase, Netflix’s Stranger Things, Fox’s The Resident, FX’s Atlanta, BET’s Bigger, and AMC’s The Walking Dead. David’s film credits include: “The Hill” opposite Dennis Quaid, Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy opposite Amy Adams, The Leisure Seeker opposite Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland, The Founder opposite Michael Keaton, Ava Duvernay’s Selma, and Anchorman 2 opposite Harrison Ford and Will Ferrell. David teaches five film classes here at Lovett and is the director of The Lovett School High School Film Fest, our annual celebration of teen filmmaking from around the globe. Last year, young filmmakers from over 80 countries entered the festival. A graduate of University of Miami, David is married to author/screenwriter Kelly Young-Silverman and is the proud father of Evelyn May ’32.
The educators in the Visual Arts Department are practicing artists who specialize in a variety of art mediums. Each member specializes in one or more areas, including architectural design, art foundations, art history, ceramics, computer graphics, drawing, film, painting, photography, sculpture, and videography.
Leah Decker joins us from the Red Door Playhouse in Roswell. She’s a painter, actor, art director, as well as a set and costume designer. She hails from the University of Georgia with a BA in Early Child Development with a wide-range of experience in visual arts. She has significant experience in children’s literature and has contributed to many arts programs throughout Metro Atlanta. She has performed at the Center of Puppetry Arts in Atlanta and was an instructor for the Evanston Arts Council in Chicago, IL. She has also contributed large installations to the University of Wisconsin Children’s Center. Leah founded the Red Door Playhouse with her husband Seth Decker in April 2003. When not making art she loves to be out in nature with her husband and two chocolate labs, Zeke & Finn!
Gina Reynoso is an Atlanta based printmaker working primarily in relief, serigraphy, and lithography. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from The Ohio State University. Active in the Atlanta arts community, she served on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Printmakers Studio (APS), a nonprofit community printmaking studio recently relocated to Hapeville. Also, she is on the organizing committee for The Book As Art, an annual international exhibition of artist-made books, sponsored by the Decatur Arts Alliance, the Dekalb Library Foundation, and Georgia Center of the Book. In addition to Board and committee service, Ms. Reynoso is a teaching artist for APS’ community outreach programs and has assisted and led workshops at Hammonds House Museum, Spelman College, West End Performing Art Center, the High Museum of Art, and as an independent artist at Chastain Arts Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art, GA. Her work has been exhibited nationally and can be found in many collections including the Kala Art Institute in Berkely, CA, the SCG International Print Collection and Archive at the Zuckerman Museum of Art in Kennesaw, GA, and the Fulton County Public Arts Division, Atlanta.
Vernon Smith, studio artist, teaches Ceramics and Foundations of Art at Lovett. He received his BFA in Ceramics from the University of West Georgia and studied at the Arts Students League of New York. He has been a resident artist at Tom Coleman’s Studio in Las Vegas and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. Vernon has shown in and curated national ceramics exhibits and conducts workshops and classes around the Southeast. He has been a visiting artist and teacher at numerous art centers in the greater Atlanta area and currently leads semi-annual wood firings at Hambidge Center for the Arts. In addition to teaching, Vernon creates functional pottery as well as sculptural installations at his home studio.
Katherine Schneider teaches middle school art classes at Lovett. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in ceramics. She received a Master’s of Art in Art Education from the University of New Mexico. Katherine has studied at Studio Arts Centers International in Florence, Italy. She is a veteran of advanced workshops at the Penland School of Crafts, and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. She has researched indigenous artwork of the Southwest and participated in workshops in Abiquiu, New Mexico at the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center. Her personal mixed media artwork has been influenced by her travels.
Amy Lee Story is the Visual Arts Chair and Cross-Curricular Coordinator for Fine Arts. She also instructs foundations, painting, and Honors Visual Arts. Amy grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and later went to Tulane University to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Art. She also taught elementary art at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans while getting her master’s from Loyola University. In addition to teaching, Amy also illustrates children’s books. She works in all media, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, and photography. Her work is narrative in nature, allowing each piece to tell a story through the different layers of media. Her portfolio may be viewed at her website www.amyleestory.com.
Courtney Strickland is the K-2 art teacher. She has a BFA in Illustration from SCAD and has recently become a published children’s book illustrator. She has an extensive background working with children through her time at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium. Notable projects rebranding the Children’s Museum of Atlanta t-shirts, creating a map for the museum floor, backdrop designs/painting for plays, and a coloring book for the education department. Courtney has been with Lovett’s Fine Arts Department since 2014 doing artist presentations/ tutorials, summer camps, and substitute teaching for grades K-12, along with stage design for Lovett’s US theatre. She wants to help students learn more about how the arts are a major role in this growing/ diversely communicative world.
Karey Walter is a recognized fine art, black and white photographer and educator. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, she holds a MFA degree from the University of Utah. Walter directs Lovett’s photography program, where she has taught for the past 18 years. Walter’s prior work varied from black and white documentary to landscapes from across the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Her current body of work is based on mixed media concepts. She uses photography, resins, oil pastels, acrylic paint, various gel mediums, and varnishes in her abstract works on canvas. She also explores historic processes from the 1800s to understand the function of historic processes, chemistry usage, and the photographic art as a creative form. She has worked with a variety of professional artists on assignment and workshops with advanced education teaching photography and mixed media arts, including Rocky Mountain School of Photography in Montana, and Spoleto Summer Abroad in Italy and France. Her works have been displayed throughout the Southeast and are included in numerous private collections.
Over 40 Music & Dance concerts and Theater Arts productions. Band, Chorus, and Orchestra all-state participants.
Lauren Zelnak – named one of the top violinists in Georgia by the Georgia Music Educators Association
In-school art projects, local and out-of-state exhibitions, High Museum Student Art Show, LS Art Show and School-wide classroom cross-curricular projects, Signature magazine
Makayla Moran - Awarded 3rd place in the Atlanta Celebrates Photography Exhibition
The Kate Flournoy Edwards Art Award was established by her family with great affection on the occasion of Miss Edwards’s 100th birthday—July 29, 1977. Miss Edwards was a wellknown portrait painter and citizen of Atlanta, and the younger sister of school founder Eva Edwards Lovett. This award is given each year to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated excellence as an art student.
1978: Nancy Goldstucker
1979: Tinsley Turner
1980: Edward Daugherty
1981: E. Blair Harper
1982: Julia C. Schoen
1983: Robert E. Dornbush
1984: Richard S. Sanders
1985: J. Walter Wright III
1986: Nancy Carol Fox
1987: William Bryant Green
1988: Honor Ganelle Woodard
1989: Laurel Elizabeth Crafts
1990: Lesley Anne Stanfield
1991: Richard Davis Batson
1992: Mandy Blandford
Montague Laffitte Boyd, Jr.
Award in Choral Music: Morgan Whittle
Vinita Therrell Leake Art Award: Lily Puricelli
1993: William Howell Colson
1994: Susan Carson Maier
1995: Laureen Mendez
1996: Kyu Song
1997: Ivey Doyal
1998: Allen Spetnagel
1999: Katie Armstrong
2000: Shara Hughes
2001: Leslie Clements
2002: Danielle Bernstein
2003: Jamie Steele
2004: Kelly Voyles
2005: Katie Madden
2006: Jessica Barrie
2007: Elliott Beazley
2008: Taryn O’Meara
2009: Brooks Buffington
2010: Maddie Park
2011: Tayler Cyprien
2012: Mary Lowe Bailey
2013: Margaret Millians
2014: Kaitlin Kahrs
2015: Cleo Chang
2016: Virginia Mathews
2017: Lauren Rausaw
2018: Joanna Lummus
2019: Zelle Westfall
2020: Kendall Greene
2021: Sadie Burge
2022: Stewart Key
Fine Arts 9th Grade:
Alex Deveault
Virginia Lathrop
Fine Arts 10th Grade: Christine Lee
Zora Payne
Kate Flournoy Edwards Art Award: Stewart Key
Friends of the Arts
Performing Arts Award #1: Evy Galbraith
Friends of the Arts
Performing Arts Award #2: Lauren Zelnak
Friends of the Arts
Visual Arts Award: Katie Maier
Fine Arts 11th Grade:
Katie Fryburger
Gabriella Janis
Conservatory of Music
Chenault Scholarship Award #1: Sampson Thomas
Conservatory of Music
Chenault Scholarship Award #2: Charles Maxell
Sol Kent Award for Creative Achievement: Grace Schneider
Eva Edwards Lovett made the following remarks in a presentation on the “Progressive EducationMovement” to the Fulton County Pediatric Association:
“. . . schools where progressive education is practiced believe that every child has in himself or herself some power of self-expression, some ability to create. It may be with paint or clay, or hammer and saw; with music or the dance; with dramatic work or story or poem. Whatever be the medium, it is in the expression of these powers and frequently unsuspected abilities that there lies the chance for the greatest personal satisfaction.”
Progressive education knows that there is yet much to learn but it is eager and open-minded and keeps its eyes always on the child. Its ideal is that the child should be, in relation to the school, ‘Like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which bringeth forth his fruit in his season.’
1996–97
Mrs. Judy Hanna Peschel
1997–98
1974–75
Mr. John S. Hunsinger (Founder and First President)
1975–77
Dr. and Mrs. M. Carr Payne, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Erwin H. Baumer
1978–79
Dr. and Mrs. S. David Kahn
1979–80
Mr. and Mrs. William Temple
1980–81
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ventulett
1981–82
Dr. and Mrs. Howard Brown
1982–83
Dr. and Mrs. Felix Sibley
1983–84
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allison
1984–85
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Dick
1985–86
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Woodward
1986–87
Mr. and Mrs. Cono Fusco
1987–89
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Turville
1989–91
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Miller
1991–93
Mrs. Carole Chambers
1993–94
Mrs. Karen Rosner
1994–95
Mrs. Carol Arnall
1995–96
Mrs. Melanie Williams
Mrs. Gaye Flynt
1998–99
Mrs. Debbie Avery
1999–02
Mrs. JoAnn Nicholson
2002–03
Mrs. Ann Braswell
2003–04
Mrs. Mira Small
2004–05
Mrs. Phyllis Wright
2005–06
Mrs. Kathy Lee
2006–07
Mrs. Elise Wilkes
2007–08
Mrs. Linda Gray
2008–09
Mrs. Lawrie Horst
2009–11
Mrs. Jinny Keough
2011–12
Mrs. Lynn Powell
2012–13
Mrs. Anne Marino
2013–14
Mrs. Jane Jackson
2014–15
Mrs. Lisa Wargo
2015–16
Mrs. Vanessa King
2016–17
Mrs. Anne Marino
2017–18
Mrs. Mary Jane Kirkpatrick
2018–20
Mrs. Jamie Massey and Mrs. Paige Vohs
2020-22
Mrs. Sarah O’Brien and Mrs. Brittany Duncan
2022-23
Mrs. Fiona Shaw
The arts—visual arts, theater, music, and dance— challenge and extend human experience. They provide means of expression that go beyond ordinary speaking and writing. They can express intimate thoughts and feelings. They are a unique record of diverse cultures and how these cultures have developed over time. They provide distinctive ways of understanding human beings and nature. The arts are creative modes by which all people can enrich their lives both by self-expression and response to the expressions of others.
Works of art often involve subtle meanings and complex systems of expressions. Fully appreciating such works requires the careful reasoning and sustained study that lead to informed insight. Moreover, just as thorough understanding of science requires laboratory or field work, so fully understanding the arts involves firsthand work in them. Preparation in the arts will be valuable to college entrants whatever their field of study. The actual practice of the arts can engage the imagination, foster flexible ways of thinking, develop disciplined effort, and build self-confidence. Appreciation of the arts is integral to the understanding of other cultures sought in the study of history, foreign language, and social sciences.
Preparation in the arts will also enable college students to engage in and profit from advance study, performance, and studio work in the arts. For some, such college level work will lead to careers in the arts. For many others, it will permanently enhance the quality of their lives, whether they continue artistic activity as an avocation or appreciation of the arts as observers and members of audiences.
According to the College Entrance Examination Board, nationally, students enrolled in fine arts courses score from 6 to 11 percent higher than students not enrolled in any fine arts courses.
