Performing & Visual Arts

With 24 different classes offered in the performing and visual arts and extracurricular organizations such as the Art Club and Spring Musical, Wilson Hall demonstrates its commitment to the importance of arts education. In fact, the S.C. Independent School Association recognized Wilson Hall as having the most successful performing and visual arts program in the state.

High school students have a choice from 17 courses in visual arts, including four Advanced Placement courses. Our campus has three art studios for instruction, complete with a kiln room for ceramics. Hundreds of pieces of student work are on display in nearly every building on campus in special display cases and on the walls, and the annual Art Showcase features the work of every art student.

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 & 7th graders take theater for a quarter. 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. 

Whether through music class in preschool, theater class in the sixth grade, or ceramics class in the tenth grade, students are exposed to the arts at every grade level.

Wilson Hall believes that a student cannot be truly well-rounded without a foundation in the performing  and visual arts, and it is through the arts that students are encouraged to express themselves and are inspired to discover new talents.

Lower School Christmas Program Shines Bright

Lower School students filled the standing-room-only Nash Student Center with holiday spirit as Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens led a joyful program of festive music and fun. Guests entered through a foyer decorated with holiday art created by students in Mrs. Renee Norton’s classes. Highlights included Joy to the World, a reverent Nativity scene set to Silent Night, the humorous Everlasting Fruitcake, and a dazzling light show to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas Eve. The finale, The Children of Christmas, featured choreography by Mrs. Jen Reimer of Miss Libby’s School of Dance and a surprise visit from Santa. The program closed with a prayer, bringing a warm and meaningful end to the celebration.

Art in Action at the Student Sale

Students in Mrs. Rachel Brown’s art, ceramics, and sculpture classes brought creativity to life today as they showcased and sold their own handmade pieces. From setting up displays to assisting with transactions, students gained hands-on experience that blended artistic skill with a valuable lesson in commerce.
 

1st Grade Shares Holiday Joy

Bringing smiles to our wider community, our first grade students spread holiday cheer during a special visit to Covenant Place, where they sang Christmas carols and shared handmade Christmas cards with the residents. Guided by Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, music teacher, our young performers filled the afternoon with warmth, kindness, and festive spirit.
 

McKoy Inspires Young Artists

Packing the 3D art studio during lunch, nearly 40 Middle & High School Art Club members welcomed renowned sculptor Grainger McKoy for an energizing presentation that encouraged young artists to think creatively. He shared insights into his artistic process, discussed current work, and generously answered students’ questions. The high school is advised by Mrs. Rachel Brown and the middle school is advised by Mrs. Renee Norton, whose leadership helps foster a vibrant, thriving arts community at WH.

Curtain-Up Creativity: Cinderella Cast Workshop

Kicking off Saturday morning with breakfast from Eggs Up Grill and a prayer, the Cinderella cast dove into a high-energy theater workshop filled with interactive bonding, improv, and playful acting drills led by Mr. George Carruth. Guided by Mr. Carruth, students refined stage direction and blocking, then powered through vocal warm-ups before rehearsing a musical number with Mrs. Lori Brown, celebrating fun, creativity, and the performing arts. The Rodgers & Hammerstein classic will be performed in March with a cast of 45.
 

Inside McKoy’s Studio: Learning from a Master Sculptor

Seeing professional artistry up close, students in AP Sculpture and Sculpture I & II, taught by Mrs. Rachel Brown, visited the studio of renowned Sumter sculptor Grainger McKoy to learn directly from his creative process. Known nationally for his intricate bird sculptures that capture movement and biological detail, McKoy shared insights into his current projects and techniques. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of art education at WH by inspiring young artists and connecting classroom learning to real-world craftsmanship.
 

Grandfriends Day Music Program

Led by music teacher Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, our Preschool 3 through 5th grade students performed an impressive music program to a crowd of over 750 special guests. Preschool and Kindergarten students sang “Born to Make Music” with adorable movements, while 1st-5th grade students opened with the energetic “I Can’t Stand Still Under Those Raindrops” featuring umbrella choreography, and closed with the rousing “Patriotic Festival” as hundreds of American flags filled the room.

Spring 2026 Musical: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

The Wilson Hall Theater Department is proudly presenting the Broadway version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in March 2026 at Patriot Hall. This reimagined take on the classic fairytale will feature high-energy dancing, dazzling costumes, unforgettable music, and a powerful message of courage, kindness, and believing in the impossible. Don’t miss this enchanting production—full of magic, transformation, and modern charm—right here in Sumter. Glass slippers will sparkle, and dreams will come true on stage!

Art in Action at Fall Feast

Showcasing the creativity and artistic talent at WH, students in AP Studio Art, Drawing II, or Set Design painted one-of-a-kind ironing boards which were used as tables for the Fall Feast held at USC Sumter to benefit Sumter Green. These original works of functional art will continue to serve the community at future events. The students are taught by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher.

Set Design Students Showcase Creativity

Bringing color and creativity to campus, students in the Set Design class pose with the vibrant signs they designed for the PTO Fall Festival on the 28th. With that project complete, they’re now channeling their skills into creating the set and props for the spring musical, Cinderella, under the guidance of Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher & Mr. Steve Hudson.

7th Grade Monologues Take the Stage

Building confidence through live performance, 7th grade theater students lit up the multipurpose room stage with monologues for classmates and faculty. Guided by Mrs. Lori Brown, the course shows why performing arts belong in our curriculum, sharpening communication, sparking creativity, and helping students find their voice.

Barons Shine in Sumter County Fair Art Show

Congratulations to the following students who received blue ribbons in their respective categories in the Sumter County Fair Art Show: Lydia Blalock ‘32 (open media 2D), Sarah Burns Brown ‘34 (painting), Addison Carpenter ‘27 (pottery), Lydia Leihsing ‘26 (sculpture), Ayden Parrott ‘28 (drawing), Anna Singkhonket ‘32 (painting), and Liz Singkhonket ‘26 (painting).

In total, Barons brought home 19 ribbons. Receiving second place ribbons were Millie James ‘34 (open media 2D), Gabe Letran ‘30 (drawing), Anika Lill ‘28 (drawing) and Liz Singkhonket ‘26 (pottery). The following students received third place ribbons: Anna Reese Altman ‘30 (painting), Cecilia Ayers ‘30 (painting), Blake Griffith ‘30 (drawing), Audrey Mazur ‘34 (painting), Elizabeth Rabon ‘30 (painting), Kate Rivers ‘33 (drawing), Sutton Shook ‘30 (drawing) and Claire Tindal ‘32 (painting).

These accomplishments reflect the strength of Wilson Hall’s fine arts program, guided by dedicated teachers Mrs. Rachel Jones Brown ‘00, Mrs. Renee Norton, and Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher. The program continues to thrive because it gives students a platform to develop creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking. These skills are just as vital to their growth as academics and athletics. The arts at Wilson Hall not only celebrate talent but also nurture confidence and imagination, preparing students to make meaningful contributions in every area of life.

The Art of Storytelling: Author Visits Campus

By reading aloud, unpacking his writing process, and showing off his illustration tricks, author-illustrator Jonathan Miller revealed to lower school students how stories come to life. The creator of the Sammy the Wonder Dachshund series read one of his books, answered questions, and explained how he builds each picture. His upbeat visit sparked big smiles and a love for reading, drawing, and creativity in our young learners.
 

Celebrating Creativity: The Arts Are Alive at Wilson Hall

The arts are alive and well at Wilson Hall! The 14th Wilson Hall Arts Showcase was a vibrant celebration of creativity and talent, featuring the work of students from preschool through twelfth grade. Every art student proudly had at least one piece on display, contributing to an incredible exhibition of over 1,000 works of art, including ceramics, drawings, paintings, and sculptures. The event also highlighted outstanding performances by the Instrumental Ensemble, Lower School Chorus, and the cast of Mary Poppins Jr. Thanks to the dedication and vision of art teachers Mrs. Rachel Brown, Mrs. Renee Norton, and Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher, the showcase was a shining example of the thriving arts community at Wilson Hall.

Lower School Chorus Delivers Inspiring Spring Concert

There’s nothing better than the sound of young voices in harmony, and the Lower School Chorus delivered just that in their recent concert under the direction of Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens. The program featured a beautiful mix of religious, inspirational, and upbeat, affirming songs. The concert opened with the uplifting “We Sing Gloria!” by Wilson, followed by the peaceful “Shalom” by Jennings and the beloved traditional ballad “Danny Boy” by Weatherly. The performance concluded with a powerful rendition of “The Blessing” by Brown, Carnes, Jobe, and Furtick, which also featured several sixth-grade alumni of the chorus. Composed of auditioned fourth and fifth grade students, the chorus is an extracurricular group that rehearses once a week after school. Mrs. Yvonne Wilkes served as the accompanist, adding a rich musical foundation to the students’ heartfelt performances.

Spring Musical: Mary Poppins Jr.

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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.

Schumacher Wins 1st Place in Exhibition

Congratulations to Logan Schumacher for winning first place in the Sumter County Gallery of Art Senior Pathfinder Exhibition. His drawing, Rec-Tangled Together, showcases hyper-realistic shading and exceptional technical skill, earning top honors among entries from high school seniors throughout Sumter County. Logan is a student in the Advanced Placement Drawing class taught by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher. Parker McLeod earned second place in the same exhibition for his ceramic piece Mounted Bass, a lifelike sculpture that highlights his attention to detail and talent in three-dimensional art. Parker is a student in the Advanced Placement 3-D Art & Design class taught by Mrs. Rachel Brown. The exhibition was juried by members of the Sumter Art Guild. Their work will be on display at the Sumter County Gallery of Art until April 11 along with the work of 11 of their classmates.

Bynum & Singkhonket Win Regional Art Competition

Lottie Bynum ‘25 and Liz Singkhonket ‘26 are the regional winners for their drawings that were selected for the Traveling Artfields Jr. Art Exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. They were presented certificates and a $75 gift card to Blick Art Supplies at the exhibit’s closing reception. The January exhibit for the Pee Dee Region featured the 2024 Artfields Jr. winners art and also regional art. Lottie is a student in the Advanced Placement Drawing class and Liz is in the Drawing III class, both taught by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher.

ArtFields Jr., an art competition open to students throughout South Carolina, is held in Lake City and is one of the south’s premier art competitions and festivals. The goal of the show is to honor the artists of the Southeast with a week’s worth of celebration and competition in the heart of a traditional small southern town. This year's show will be April 23 - May 3. 

Five Blue Ribbons at State Art Show

Wilson Hall art students showcased their exceptional talent at the S.C. Independent School Association State Art Show, earning an impressive total of 15 awards. Among the top honors, Cecilia Ayres ‘30 (sculpture), Annabelle Branham ‘25 (ceramics), Tilan Byrd ‘25 (drawing), Lydia Leishing ‘26 (sculpture), and Abby Norton ‘31 (sculpture) each received blue ribbons in their respective categories, highlighting their artistic excellence. The success of these students is a testament to their dedication and creativity, as well as the guidance and expertise of their teachers, Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher, Mrs. Rachel Jones Brown '00, and Mrs. Renee Norton. Under their direction, the Visual Arts Department continues to thrive, fostering a community where students' artistic abilities can shine.

Receiving ribbons for placing second in their respective categories were Parker McLeod ‘25 (ceramics) and Jack Thompson ‘27 (open mixed media 2D). The following students received an Honorable Mention: Sarah-Jane Bates ‘25 (ceramics), Nathan Brunk ‘31 (mixed media), Lexi Fox ‘27 (sculpture), Sophia Levi ‘28 (drawing), Logan Schumacher ‘25 (drawing), Gracie Shook ‘35 (painting), Carmen Thomas ‘34 (sculpture), and Ari Widrick ‘27 (drawing).  

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). 

Coker Wins Gold Key Art Recognition

Anna Kate Coker earned the prestigious Gold Key award, the highest honor in the regional competition of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, for her outstanding drawing. Sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, the nation's longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, this award recognizes works that demonstrate originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. As a Gold Key recipient, Anna Kate's artwork will be featured in an exhibition at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and she will advance to the national competition. A dedicated student in the Advanced Placement Studio Art (Drawing) class taught by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher, she exemplifies the talent and creativity fostered within Wilson Hall’s Visual Arts Department. Additionally, in the same competition, Liz Singkhonket received Honorable Mentions for two of her works, and Tilan Byrd also earned an Honorable Mention, further showcasing the exceptional artistic ability of Wilson Hall students.