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.

Chorus Performs at Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

Lifting their voices in joyful praise, the Lower School Chorus filled the room with a powerful and inspiring sound at the Sumter Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held at Alice Drive Baptist Church. Directed by Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, the students performed “This Little Light of Mine” and “The Blessing,” moving the audience to a standing ovation and reminding all in attendance that there is nothing more uplifting than hearing young voices sing with sincerity and joy. 

Showcase Celebrates the Arts

The arts are an essential part of the WH experience, and the 15th Arts Showcase brought that to life through a vibrant celebration of art and music. Featuring over 3,000 works by students in preschool through twelfth grade, along with performances by instrumentalists and vocalists, the evening highlighted the creativity woven throughout the curriculum. From gallery displays to live performances and interactive experiences, the showcase reflected how the arts inspire expression, enrich learning, and help shape well-rounded students. 

ArtFields Achievement: Artists Shine on a Statewide Stage

Nearly 40 students and their art teachers traveled to Lake City to attend ArtFields, one of the South’s premier art competitions and festivals celebrating creativity and talent. This year, the artwork of eight Wilson Hall students was accepted into ArtFields Jr., a highly competitive statewide competition that showcases student artists from across South Carolina. Congratulations to Angela Agno ‘28, Torien Byrd ‘27, Addison Carpenter ‘27, Mary Grace Floyd ‘33, Ceren Gemici ‘28, James Schortmann ‘34, Liz Singkhonket ‘26, and Ford Wilder ‘26 for this remarkable achievement. With over 800 submissions, having eight pieces selected is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the students’ artistic skill and the guidance of their dedicated teachers: Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher, Mrs. Rachel Jones Brown ‘00, and Mrs. Renee Norton.
 

Shaping Creativity Through Art

Bringing creativity to life, sixth grade art students in Mrs. Rachel Brown’s class proudly showcased the pinch pots they designed and crafted. With access to three dedicated art studios and two on-campus kilns, students experience the full artistic process from creation to completion, highlighting the value of art as an essential part of the curriculum and a meaningful outlet for self-expression.

Spring Musical: Cinderella

Watch the VIDEO!

Incredible vocals, beautiful costumes, dazzling sets, and captivating acting transported Sumter to Broadway as the theater department presented the two-act Broadway version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella March 19–21 at Patriot Hall, featuring a cast of 44 students in one of the school’s most ambitious productions to date. The production was directed by Mrs. Lori Brown, produced by Mr. Sean Hoskins, and choreographed by Mrs. Jen Reimer. The show highlighted the strong tradition of the performing arts and the dedication of students, faculty, and volunteers who worked together to make the production a success.

From auditions in September to the final curtain, the cast devoted countless hours to music rehearsals, choreography, costume fittings, and set construction. Every song, dance, and line was learned after school, and many cast members balanced rehearsals while also participating in athletics, working part-time jobs, or performing in other productions. Mrs. Brown and Mr. Hoskins led a team of volunteers who helped bring the production together, making it even more remarkable that the entire cast had only one full dress rehearsal together before opening night.

Leading the cast were Ella Sill as the title character Ella, nicknamed Cinderella, and Harris Naylor as Topher, the prince. Other principal roles included Madison Grace Hansen as Madame, the stepmother, Livie Pedersen as Gabrielle, and Sanders Warrick as Charlotte, the stepsisters. Banks Smith portrayed Sebastian, the Lord Protectorate,  Wyatt Meyers the idealistic revolutionary, and Benjamin McIver appeared as Lord Pinkleton, the royal herald. The production assistants were Kira Krueger and Ethan Wilson who attended nearly every rehearsal.
 
Preparation for the show included long hours of graceful and high-energy choreography at Miss Libby’s dance studio, fittings for elaborate costumes including 23 ball gowns, and rehearsals on the multipurpose room stage, the Nash Center Stage, and at Patriot Hall. The large-scale scenery for the production was designed and built by students in the Set Design & Construction class taught by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher and Mr. Steve Hudson. Additional consultation was provided at various points during the production by Mrs. Rainey Barrineau and Mr. George Carruth. The result was a production filled with beautiful music, energetic dancing, and memorable performances that reflected the strong tradition of the performing arts.

As the stage went dark after the final performance and the last set piece was loaded away, the cast closed a journey that began months earlier with the simple belief that, as the show’s music reminds us, “It’s Possible.” Through teamwork, perseverance, and a spirit of kindness and encouragement, these students proved that belief true, leaving behind a production that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the year.
 

Singkhonket Wins Blue Ribbon

The arts are alive and well at Wilson Hall as student artists earned top honors at the Pathfinders Art Show at the Sumter County Gallery of Art. Liz Singkhonket received a blue ribbon and was recognized at a gallery reception at the Sumter County Gallery of Art. The show spotlights outstanding student talent from across Sumter County, and Wilson Hall artists earned three of the six awards presented. Burns Bateman & Kayla Stanley-Linton were also honored with honorable mention recognition. They are students of Ms. Tara Beslin-Schumacher and Mrs. Rachel Brown.
 

Gold at State Music Festival

Demonstrating the strength of the performing arts at Wilson Hall, students earned top honors at the S.C. Independent School Association State Music Festival held at the University of South Carolina. Wilson Hall places great value on the arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education and is proud to support students as they develop their talents and pursue excellence in music, theater, and the visual arts. Students were accompanied by Mrs. Julia Sims-Owens, lower school music teacher, and Mr. Scott Warren, Instrumental Ensemble advisor.

Receiving a rating of Superior and earning gold medals were the Instrumental Ensemble, the Lower School Chorus, Cliff Bath for bass guitar, Parks Brown for voice and guitar, Andrew Brunk for piano, Carson Burnette for voice, Lucas DuBose for piano, Abby Hodge for voice, Benjamin McIver for voice, Sims Owens for voice, and Kayla Stanley-Linton for violin.

Earning a rating of Excellent and bringing home silver medals were Riley Coker for voice, José Díaz for guitar, Mary Grace Floyd for voice, Lauren Kohl for voice, Molly Montgomery for voice, Karisse Robinson for voice, Liz Singkhonket for cello, Maxwell Smith for guitar, and Quentin Smith for drums. Congratulations to these students for representing Wilson Hall with excellence and for continuing the school’s strong tradition in the performing arts. 
 

Cinderella Preview Highlights Performing Arts

The performing arts are a central part of the culture at Wilson Hall, and that tradition was on full display as the theater department presented a special preview of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Featuring a cast of 44 students, the performance showcased music and choreography from the Broadway version of the musical for students in grades 6–12 and faculty, offering a glimpse of the full production coming to Patriot Hall March 19–21.

An Evening of Song and Hospitality

Honored to be invited to perform for members of the Drama Club at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Grainger McKoy, several principal cast members shared selections from the upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, which will be presented at Patriot Hall March 19–21. The students were warmly received by such a gracious and welcoming audience. As an added treat, Mr. McKoy, a nationally renowned sculptor, gave the students a tour of his studio. Wilson Hall is deeply grateful for the encouragement and generosity our students continue to receive from our community.
 

Jones State Dance Champion

Shining on the stage at Patriot Hall, Ryann Jones earned two trophies at the S.C. Independent School Assoc. State Dance Competition, capturing Middle School Solo Grand Champion and 1st Place Middle School Solo in Contemporary. Advised by Mrs. Jen Reimer, she competes as part of the school’s dance team and trains at Miss Libby’s School of Dance. Congratulations, Ryann, on this outstanding achievement!
 

Singkhonket Wins First Place in State Art Show

Wilson Hall is proud to celebrate student creativity and talent, highlighted by Liz Singkhonket’s first-place finish in ceramics at the S.C. Independent School Assoc. State Art Fair and a total of 13 ribbons earned across multiple visual art categories. With 24 performing and visual arts classes offered, the arts remain a vital part of the curriculum, giving students meaningful opportunities to explore, create, and develop their unique talents as part of a well-rounded education. The art teachers are Mrs. Tara Breslin-Schumacher, Mrs. Rachel Brown, and Mrs. Renee Norton. 
 

Celebrating Community Pride Through Art

Leading with creativity and purpose, Winnie Caughman and Sarah Sloan Motley were named winners of the City of Sumter’s Love Where You Live Litter Poster Contest and were recognized at a City Council meeting. Competing alongside students across Sumter, their winning designs encourage participation in Community Clean Up Days and promote pride in keeping Sumter beautiful. Their posters stand out for their powerful messages, thoughtful artwork, and clear commitment to environmental responsibility, inspiring others to take action against litter. Both are art students of Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher. 
 

Creating the World of Cinderella

Putting creativity and craftsmanship to work, students in the Set Design and Construction class are hard at work creating the sets for the spring musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Guided by Ms. Tara Breslin-Schumacher and Mr. Steve Hudson, students are showcasing their artistic vision and design skills as they bring the world of the show to life, one carefully built piece at a time.

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.

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.