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.

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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