Ravenscroft has announced two new appointments in the Fine Arts Department.

Bonnie Jacobi, Director of Fine Arts

Bonnie Jacobi, currently serving as Director of the Colorado Kodály Institute at Colorado State University, will assume the role of Director of Fine Arts at Ravenscroft effective July 1, 2025. She will report to Liz Helfant, the incoming Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs.

“Bonnie has had a very accomplished career in secondary education,” Head of School Derrick Willard said. “When we first talked, she told me a story about wanting to return to her roots in PreK-12 private education and to ‘be one of the people in the crosswalk,’ having a more direct impact on kids. I am excited to have such a talented and experienced leader join us.”

Jacobi is a pianist, published author and award-winning instructor. She earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Houston, a Master of Music from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts.

When asked about her philosophical approach to education, Jacobi offered a quote from Time to Teach, Time to Learn by Chip Wood: “Children are like flowers. Each one blooms at its own time.”

“The analogy of the learner as a flower is particularly powerful in many ways,” Jacobi explained. “If we look at it from the perspective of planting seeds and monitoring growth, we know that no two flowers are alike, no two flowers grow at exactly the same rate and, really, no two flowers are identical. While we care for the garden, we must also provide nourishment to each flower as it grows. The same is true for teaching children.”

“Bonnie’s philosophy so clearly aligns with Ravenscroft’s mission to nurture individual potential and prepare our students to thrive,” Willard said. “I am very excited to have such a thoughtful, talented and experienced leader at the helm of this amazing program.”

Jacobi and her husband, Ken, have two children, Bryce, 11, and Brooks, 6. Outside of work, the family enjoys playing tennis, going on walks with their chocolate lab, Sydney, gardening, volunteering at their church and participating in classic car club outings. They all look forward to living in Raleigh, exploring the arts, sporting events, parks, playgrounds and traditional North Carolina cuisines.

Jacobi’s references offered that she is incredibly accomplished and brings joy to her work. 

(Photo courtesy of Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of the Arts)

Melodie Bobbitt, Fine Arts Administrative Coordinator

Melodie Bobbitt, who has served at Ravenscroft since 2015 as a Fine Arts Private Lessons instructor for piano, has accepted the position of Fine Arts Administrative Coordinator effective May 19, 2025.

During her time at Ravenscroft, Bobbitt has supported the growth of our students and our Fine Arts programming by creating and planning new opportunities such as the Ravenscroft Piano/Vocal Festival and the Ravens Piano Camp. She has also served as an accompanist for our ensembles and as Interim Private Lessons Coordinator when needed by the department.

Please join us in welcoming both Dr. Jacobi and Dr. Bobbitt to these new roles!