Pathways: Jonathan Wilson ’84 – Crafting a New Instrument and Legacy

South Kent School alumnus Jonathan Wilson ’84 has charted an extraordinary journey from the Hillside to the forefront of musical innovation. Renowned for inventing the GuitarViol, a modern hybrid of the guitar and viola da gamba, Jonathan’s work bridges centuries of musical tradition with cutting-edge artistry. He will share his story and insights on the upcoming Pathways Alumni Panel alongside Dillon Duncan ’04 and Rich Brande ’88.

Watch Below

A Passion for Music and Innovation

Jonathan’s relationship with music spans more than four decades, with 30 years dedicated to realizing his vision for a modern Arpeggione—a bowed guitar first conceived by Johan Staufer in 1823. In 1993, he collaborated to create an early version of the instrument but found it lacking the versatility he desired. By 2002, out of personal frustration, Jonathan built the first “TogaMan” prototype to meet his performance needs.

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Without even a dedicated website, Jonathan’s MP3 artist page drew inquiries, and by the end of that year, the first official TogaMan GuitarViol was commissioned. Demand grew so quickly that GuitarViols Inc. developed a lengthy waitlist, primarily comprised of Film and TV composers.

A Soundtrack to Modern Media

The GuitarViol has since become a go-to instrument for some of the world’s most notable composers. Its evocative tones, combining the resonance of a bowed instrument with the familiarity of a guitar, lend themselves beautifully to cinematic soundscapes. In 2006, Tyler Bates used the GuitarViol in his score for the movie 300, catapulting the instrument into the spotlight. Today, GuitarViols are a staple in film, TV, and video game soundtracks, with their distinctive sound heard daily across global media.

The TogaMan Identity

The name TogaMan was inspired by Paolo Veronese’s 1563 painting The Wedding at Cana, which features a toga-clad viol player holding the instrument like a guitar. Jonathan embraced this imagery to define his brand, opting for a name that set him apart from other builders while reflecting the instrument’s historical roots and innovative design.

Beyond the Music

Jonathan’s inventive spirit and entrepreneurial journey have turned his vision into an enduring legacy. His Valencia, California-based company, GuitarViols Inc., continues to refine the GuitarViol, pushing its design to new levels of artistry and craftsmanship.

Pathways Alumni Panel

Jonathan’s story reflects the South Kent ethos of embracing challenges, pursuing passions, and innovating boldly. We are thrilled to welcome him to the next Pathways Alumni Panel, where he will discuss his journey, the creative process behind his invention, and the impact of his work on the world of music and beyond.

Join us in celebrating Jonathan’s inspiring path from South Kent to a global stage of artistic achievement.

READ the Music on LA Times Article

Hear more from his musicians and creators on YouTube (WATCH)

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The post Ep. 6 | Pathway Series: Music Innovation appeared first on South Kent School.

For nearly a century, this beloved play has been a central part of the South Kent holiday season, bringing the story of Jesus’ birth to life for students and their families. The tradition holds deep meaning, especially as the School, with its Episcopal foundation, embraces the power of prayer through its chapel services. Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, students gather for chapel services, which serve to nourish their spirits and strengthen their resolve for the week ahead.

The Nativity Play is more than just a performance—it is a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story through the accounts of the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. According to The Reverend Father Klots, School Chaplain, “The Nativity Play uses scripture from the King James Version of the Bible–to recount the birth of Jesus. It also uses many of the great Christmas carols–ones that almost everyone knows like “O Come, All Ye Faithful”– to echo and proclaim that same story. The script that we use is the same one that was compiled in the late 1920s. I would say that it simply tells the whole story–from the first scene, which actually recounts a prophecy of the birth of John the Baptist to the final scene, the visitation of the three wise men (the three kings) to see the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.”

“What makes this play so special is not just its heartfelt storytelling, but its ability to resonate deeply with the students,” says Head of School, Brian D. Sullivan. “While many traditions have evolved since South Kent’s founding in 1923, I see some as more than just customs — they are woven into the very fabric of our daily life. This is one tradition that stands out as uniquely South Kent, something we do once a year that truly defines us.” Adds Mr. Sullivan, “At Alumni Weekend, it’s not uncommon to hear stories about who played the kings in their Sixth Form year — these shared moments transcend time, linking us all as part of the South Kent legacy.”

“It’s the event that leaves a lasting imprint on all who experience it, creating memories that connect generations of graduates,” says The Reverend Klots. “For all who hold South Kent dear, especially at this sacred time of year, the Nativity Play is a special opportunity to witness the timeless story of Christ’s birth in the beautiful setting of our School chapel.

South Kent School invites all members of the campus community to join us for this special event, which will follow the School’s Formal Christmas Dinner at 5:30 PM. Come experience the spirit of the season in the heart of St. Michael’s Chapel, and share in this time of warmth, reflection, and joy with the South Kent community.

For members of the South Kent School community attending in person the Nativity Play will begin at 7:30 PM. If you are unable to be with us and still wish to watch, the event will be livestreamed on the School’s YouTube channel and will be available for view during the holiday break.

Written by Jaewon Kim ’27

The post South Kent Celebrates the Spirit of Christmas with Annual Nativity Play appeared first on South Kent School.

SKSPA Pathway Series: Insights from South Kent’s Renowned Hockey Program

South Kent School has a 100-year history as a nationally renowned hockey program, and this event is an opportunity to celebrate that legacy while learning from distinguished alumni, coaches, and experts.

Panelists Include:

Andrey Uryadov ’04
– Began his journey at South Kent as a student in 2000 and now serves as a Faculty member and Coach.
– Former captain of SKA St. Petersburg, leading his team to the Russian National Championships and earning a silver medal in the 1998-1999 season.
– Captain of South Kent’s hockey team, leading them to their first New England Prep School Ice Hockey Championship in 2004.
– Played Division I hockey at RPI and professionally in Europe.
– As a coach, he has led South Kent’s teams to multiple USPHL and National Championships, including the 18U National Title in 2017-2018.

Dillon Duncan ’04
– South Kent alum and Director of Constituent Engagement.
– Played USHL hockey for the Lincoln Stars, Division I hockey at Mercyhurst College, and professionally in Europe for two years.
– Recruited and Coached the inaugural U18AAA team at South Kent, ‘23 – ‘24

Rich Brande ’88, P’24
– A proud South Kent graduate who played at UConn and in the minor professional leagues.
– Former Director of Admissions at South Kent and leader in launching the South Kent Selects Hockey Academy, Currently Director of Engagement & Stewardship at SKS
– Recruited and Coached the inaugural U18AAA team at South Kent, ‘23 – ‘24

Todd Dougherty ‘90
– Current New England Scout for the Langley Rivermen (BCHL)
– Alumni scout for USA Hockey and former assistant coach.
– Played at Lake Forest College and Rochester Institute of Technology.
– Played 8 Professional sessions in the ECHL, CHL, CoHL, & WCHL

Paul Pechmann ‘87
– Captain and MVP of three sports (soccer , hockey, lacrosse) at SKS during his time on the Hillside.
– Was South Kent’s first ever New England Player of the Month, sponsored by the Hartford Whalers
– 16 years coaching Junior Hockey
– Head Coach and General Manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings
– Played for the UConn Huskies

This discussion promises to be insightful for parents, students, and alumni alike, with firsthand stories and expert advice on excelling in hockey while balancing academic and personal growth.

We hope you’ll join us for this engaging event and learn more about the pathways available through South Kent’s hockey program and its remarkable network. Let’s celebrate South Kent’s proud hockey tradition together.

See the below QA Panel – please note the opening was not recorded but the majority of the QA portion is available online below.

Contact Lara Barrett to be added to the dial in.

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Dear South Kent Family,

It is with profound sadness that I share news of the passing of Elizabeth “Liz” K. Richards, the beloved wife of our 5th Head of School, Noble “Nobby” F. Richards ’49. Liz passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon at Noble Horizons in Salisbury, surrounded by her sons and members of her family.

Liz first arrived on the Hillside in 1956. During those early years, Liz became a mother not only to her three sons, but also to countless South Kent students and faculty children, offering warmth, encouragement, and kindness that touched everyone around her.

A Connecticut College alumna, Liz formally joined the South Kent faculty in 1977 as a member of the English department. From that time on, her dedication and commitment to South Kent were boundless. Her warmth and guidance made her an essential part of the community—a beloved teacher, a caring mentor, and a dear friend to students and faculty alike. Liz and Nobby continued to bless South Kent with their presence and leadership through their retirement in 1996, leaving an indelible mark on the spirit and history of the School.

Her impact was so deeply felt that, in 1996, the yearbook dedication read:
“For the dedication, love, patience, and guidance you have given to this community, we thank you. You are not only a part of the family but a part of the history and spirit of South Kent. As you leave the hill, always remember that a piece of your spirit and commitment to the community of South Kent will live on for generations.”

Demonstrating her commitment to South Kent students, Liz continued to tutor on the Hillside for several years after her retirement.

Liz’s son, Tim ’75, shared these heartfelt words: “She made a difference to many people, including her children and grandchildren, SKS students, fellow faculty members, all of you, and of course our father. South Kent remained incredibly important to her for her whole life.”

In honor of Liz’s life and legacy, the family is planning a service on campus at St. Michael’s Chapel in the first half of 2025. We will keep the community informed as details are finalized.

Please join me in holding Tim ’75, Cricket ’78, Andy, and the entire Richards family in your prayers and in your hearts during this time.

Rest in peace, Elizabeth K. Richards. Servant, well done.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Brian D. Sullivan
Head of School

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