Arts at Ensworth
High School
Meet the High School Arts Faculty
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Jim Aveni
Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair; Director of Instrumental Music
“Music is a profound and important part of our lives. The Ensworth Music Department educates our students about this universal language through the study of music theory, history, performance, and technology. We encourage our students to learn about and perform music that speaks to who they are as individuals and strive to create an environment where they can pursue their musical talents to the fullest.”
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Cody Allen
Technical Theater Director
"When you go to a play, the opera, the ballet, or even a concert, you may happen to notice the lighting effects, audio effects, costuming, makeup, and the sets the performers are on. All of these things are part of the world of Technical Theatre. With my recent experience at Disney, I am excited to bring a sense of Technical Theatre 'magic' to our many Ensworth productions. I look forward to working in a world class facility such as the Ingram Art Center and to helping the students learn, develop, and create his or her own and unique form of theatre 'magic.' The world of technical theatre is vast and constantly evolving, and I believe that the Ensworth students have the creativity and drive to not only become proficient operators but world leading designers of Technical Theatre."
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David Berry
Director of Theatre
“The Ensworth theatre program extends into and beyond the classroom. Theatre classes exercise the Core Skills through in-depth scene-studies from dramatic literature, including Thornton Wilder, Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, and Shakespeare. Main stage and student-directed theatre productions embrace storytelling as an essential vehicle in a community’s search for truth and as a time-honored forum for exploring and practicing the highest principles with the greatest love.”
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Cati Blitz
Director of Ceramics and Studio Arts
“The visual arts program at Ensworth allows students to first to explore, then to specialize in three distinctive tracts of study: photography, ceramics or studio art. We investigate the creative process through idea development, planning and technique mastery within an expansive range of media and subject matter. Art is a synthetic process drawing from all areas of learning, development and experience. My goal is to help my students develop a passion that will sustain them through adulthood, whether as a professional artist, amateur or collector!”
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Jillian Duke
Arts Program Coordinator
“I have long held a deep value for arts education and its place as the building blocks of creativity and individuality. Here at Ensworth, my role as an arts coordinator is not only to help in the facilitation of art events, but of the dreams and visions of both teachers and students as well. My hope is to share knowledge from my work as an artist and a lifelong learner so that I may continue Ensworth’s ideal of a well-rounded education.”
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J.C. Johnson
Director of Photography and Digital Arts
“As a new member of the Ensworth Arts faculty, I strive to provide students with a well-rounded, thorough, and thoughtful approach to photography and studio art. My hope is that each student begins to appreciate the importance of making intentional images while recognizing the relevance and use of art as a necessary part of our everyday lives. My courses integrate both old and new processes such as analog and digital photography, incorporate art history, and often combine traditional forms of studio art with new digital media. I believe a course should always include technique, historical and contemporary relevance, problem-solving, practice, and a little bit of magic.”
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Hannah Rowell
Visual Arts Teacher
“As a new member of the arts faculty at Ensworth, I’m excited to help students explore and strengthen their skills and enrich their creativity. Drawing and painting provide a space for students to understand themselves and communicate with the world around them. It is a joy to see students grow and thrive as they discover their artistic voices through visual representation. The arts help stimulate innovation, collaboration, and transformation and can create life-changing experiences for students. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this with the students at Ensworth.”
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Elias Salazar
Director of Choral and Orchestral Music
“The choral and orchestral program here at Ensworth is an exciting catalyst for students to explore the age-old mysteries of music and to develop their appreciation for one of the richest arts. Through their performances of exciting repertoire and, most importantly, the rehearsal process leading up to performances, our young musicians learn the values of teamwork, musicianship, passion, leadership, responsibility, and reaching their highest potential. Pairing the development of hard work and technicality with the development of emotional maturity and a deeper understanding of humanity through musical growth leads students to become well-rounded, passionate members of our society.”
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Rachel Tolbert
Associate Director of Dance
“The Ensworth School of Dance creates a forum for personal development and professional experience by bringing together athleticism and artistic expression in an enriching experience for the dancer to connect their mind and body into an art form. It is our mission to both challenge and enlighten students in the storied and ever-evolving art of dance. Drawing from a historical foundation with particular attention to current trends and stylization, we strive to empower students with the necessary tools to be successful and creative in the world of performing arts.”
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Lindsay White
Director of Dance
“Ensworth dance students grow creatively, physically, and intellectually as they explore a variety of dance genres and collaborate to create works of their own. Whether refining their technique at the ballet barre, lacing up their tap shoes for a percussion-packed class, or perfecting a fast-paced hip-hop routine, these young men and women are growing in confidence every step of the way. They are simultaneously challenging themselves as athletes and artists, which is a gift that is quite unique to the art of dance. The dance program at Ensworth allows students of all ages, genders, and abilities to discover that movement is not only a beautiful vehicle for self-expression, but it’s loads of fun, too!”
Red Gables Campus (K–8)
Frist Campus (9–12)
Ensworth is a coeducational, kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent day school.