Performing Arts

Students have formal music instruction starting in the three-year-old preschool and visit the lower school music studio once a week through the 5th grade, and 6th graders take theater for a quarter.

High school students have the option of taking seven performing arts courses, and students in grades 6th-12th may audition for theater productions, including the Spring Musical, and join the Instrumental Ensemble.

Our campus has a music studio, a multipurpose room with a stage for smaller productions, and a large stage in one of the gymnasiums for larger programs. Smaller music programs are also performed in the Founders Chapel. 

Students participate in the S.C. Independent School Association Music Festival for which they receive numerous medals for their performances.

Spring Musical - Mary Poppins Jr.

VIDEO

The WH Theater Department soared to new heights with its enchanting production of Mary Poppins Jr., earning a rousing standing ovation each night. A talented cast of 41 students from 6th to 12th grade, supported by a hardworking 12-member crew, brought this magical tale to life on the historic stage of the Sumter Opera House. With three sold-out performances and over 1,600 tickets sold, the production was nothing short of "practically perfect."

Under the brilliant direction of Mr. George Carruth ‘06, the musical expertise of Mrs. Lori Brown, the production leadership of Mr. Sean Hoskins, and the dazzling choreography of Mrs. Jen Alford Reimer ‘00 of Miss Libby’s School of Dance, the show transported audiences to Edwardian London, where Mary Poppins worked her magic on the Banks family. The set, constructed under the leadership of Mr. Steve Hudson and featuring scenic design and props by Ms. Tara Schumacher, added to the immersive experience, bringing rooftops, Cherry Tree Lane, and kite-flying skies to life. With toe-tapping numbers like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Step in Time, the show left audiences singing, smiling, and believing that “anything can happen if you let it!”

In the lead roles were Sophie Sweatman ‘25 as Mary Poppins and Benjamin McIver ‘30 as Bert the chimney sweep, who also narrated the show. Also in lead roles playing the Banks family were Banks Smith ‘26 (George), Sara Hayes Ridgeway ‘25 (Winifred), Abby Hodge ‘29 (Jane), and Sims Owens ‘31 (Michael). In featured roles were Ella Sill ‘26 (Bird Woman) and Sanders Warrick ‘26 (Miss Andrew). Supporting actors included Angela Agno ‘28, Samuel Brown ‘29, Frances Mac Elmore ‘25, Harris Naylor ‘26, Joey Robertson ‘26, Paige Sanders ‘26, and Stirling Tindal ‘26. In cameo roles were Anna Kate Coker ‘25, Jane McAdams ‘25, Keighan Norton ‘28,  and Owen Meyers ‘25. Rounding out the cast were the following: Anna Kate Aronson ‘29, Cecilia Ayres ‘30, Joslynn Barrick ‘28, Annabelle Branham ‘25, Parks Brown ‘31,  Riley Coker ‘30, Ceren Gemici ‘28, Liza Gooch ‘31, Madison Grace Hansen ‘26, Emma Howle ‘25, Wyatt Meyers ‘27, Harley Nattrass ‘30, Livie Pedersen ‘27, Emma Power ‘28, Ben Rabon ‘26, Kinslee Reimer ‘31, Sutton Shook ‘30, Liz Singkhonket ‘26, Mae Smith ‘28, Kayla Stanley-Linton ‘26, Marcos Wagner ‘30, and Bowen Zitzke ‘26.

Production assistants were Kira Krueger ‘28, who also operated the sound board, and Ethan Wilson ‘28, who also ran the light board. The crew consisted of Adalin Brown ‘26, Torien Byrd ‘27, Bryce Dodson ‘25, Edmunds DuBose ‘27, Carson Geddings ‘26, Andrew Howle ‘26, Anika Lill ‘28, Patrick Norton ‘25, Grayce Osgood ‘26, and Olivia Russell ‘26.

65 Students Receive Medals at State Music Festival

Congratulations to the talented Wilson Hall students who shined at the S.C. Independent School Association Music Festival at the University of South Carolina School of Music! A remarkable 65 students from grades 4-12 earned medals for their outstanding solo and ensemble performances, a testament to their hard work and dedication. Special recognition goes to the Instrumental Ensemble, directed by Mr. Scott Warren, and the Lower School Chorus, directed by Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, for achieving Superior ratings and gold medals. Additionally, 14 students earned individual gold medals for their exceptional performances on cello, drum, piano, and voice. The festival provided a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their musical talents, receive valuable feedback, and grow as performers. Bravo to all participants for their courage and commitment to excellence—music is truly alive at Wilson Hall!

The Music Festival is an annual event that provides students from SCISA-affiliated schools the opportunity to perform solo and ensemble pieces before adjudicators. Participants can showcase their talents in various categories, including vocal and instrumental performances. Performances are evaluated by judges, often doctoral students from the University of South Carolina School of Music, who provide detailed feedback to help students improve their musical skills. Students receive ratings based on their performances, with distinctions such as Gold/Superior (I), Silver/Excellent (II), and Bronze/Good (III). 

The following received individual gold medals for solo performances: (cello) Liz Singkhonket, (drums) Quentin Smith, (piano) Andrew Brunk, Rutledge Cromer, Liza Gooch, and (voice) Carson Burnette, Riley Coker, Abby Hodge, Lauren Kohl, Benjamin McIver, Sims Owens, Jack Ripley, Karisse Robinson, Emmy Trueblood. Earning silver medals were Lucas DuBose (piano), William McLeod (voice), Maxwell Smith (guitar) and Kayla Stanley-Linton (violin), and earning a bronze medal was Ian Robinson (piano). 

Christmas Music Program

The Lower School Christmas Music Program brought the holiday spirit to life to a standing-room-only audience of over 700. Students, dressed in festive holiday colors, sang nine  songs ranging from classic hymns like Silent Night to contemporary music such as Jingle Jive.  A highlight of the program was a beautiful reenactment of the nativity scene, with students reading the Christmas story from the Book of Luke to herald the birth of Jesus. Adding an extra sparkle, the show featured lively dance numbers to Holly Jingle Christmas Medley. The special Lower School Chorus, which rehearses after school, gave a standout performance, and 18 talented students shined as soloists under the direction of Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, our dedicated music teacher. Adding to the holiday magic, the foyer of the Nash Student Center was beautifully adorned with hundreds of pieces of holiday artwork created by lower school art students. To top it all off, Santa made a surprise visit, spreading even more cheer.

Fall Play - Just as I Suspected

Capacity crowds of over 100 guests enjoyed both performances of the WH Theater Department’s production of “Just as I Suspected.” Directed by Mr. George Carruth and written by Rev. Marc van Bulck ‘02 when he was a WH student, the award-winning comedy mystery centered on a criminal on the loose at Paddington Hotel, and everyone was a suspect. 

Featuring an eclectic cast of characters teaming up to uncover clues amid misunderstandings and red herrings, the play had a blend of slapstick humor, witty banter, and unexpected revelations. 

The Instrumental Ensemble, directed by Mr. Scott Warren, provided the music, the Set Design & Construction class, taught by Mr. Steve Hudson & Ms. Tara Schumacher, created the set, and Mr. Sean Hoskins served as the producer of the show. Follow the link to watch the production:Video of Production

Lower School Chorus Spring Concert

Directed by Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, the Lower School Afternoon Chorus performed a spring concert in the Founders Chapel on May 2. The concert featured religious songs such as the traditional spiritual “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” and “The Blessing” by Brown, Carnes and Furtick, as well as the Hebrew “Shalom” by Jennings. The chorus also sang the inspirational ballad “Born to Be Somebody” by Warren and the upbeat “Make a Little Music” by Beck and “Always Sing Your Song” by Johnson. Composed of fourth and fifth grade students who audition to become a member, the chorus is an extracurricular activity that rehearses after school once a week. Mrs. Yvonne Wilkes was the accompanist for the concert.