School news
Yoh Theatre performs "Alice by Heart"
Photo by Nancy Nutile-McMenemy
The Yoh Theatre players recently brought the musical "Alice by Heart" to life with performances from December 12-14, 2025. This acclaimed show by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater reimagines Alice in Wonderland against the backdrop of the London Blitz, weaving together themes of love, loss, and the power of imagination.
The story follows young Alice and her ailing friend Alfred as they escape into the fantastical world of Wonderland to cope with the trauma and uncertainty of war. Through Sheik and Sater's evocative music and lyrics—from the creative team behind "Spring Awakening"—the production explores how storytelling and friendship can offer solace in the darkest times.
Over 50 students from grades 7-12 participated in this ambitious production, taking on roles both onstage and behind the scenes as tech crew members. Their dedication and talent brought this complex, emotionally rich musical to our community.
Congratulations to all of our Yoh Theatre players and theatre director Marcia Bender on a remarkable show!
The student group’s next show is Treasure Island. More photos from Alice by Heart are available on the Yoh Theatre website.
Yoh Theatre performing “Elektra”, October 3-5
You are invited to Yoh Theatre's performance of Elektra, by Sophokles, translated by Anne Carson, on October 3, 4, and 5. The production features 31 Yoh Players from grades 7-12.
This Greek tragedy speaks the following through the Greek chorus: "Do not breed violence out of violence." "Evil is a pressure that shapes us to itself." "Justice is coming." "Conviction is strong in me."
"I always love the opportunity to write music," says Marcia Bender, Yoh Theatre Director. For this play, she wrote three-part harmonies for the Stasimon, interludes between Episodes, for a six person core of the chorus (Lia Gugliotta, Tee Miller, Ella Hardy, Jay Allen, Grace Foley and Orly Agin), with dissonant harmonies that reflect the mood of the interludes. The full cast list is available on the Yoh Theatre website.
"In spite of the quotes I chose above, this is Greek Tragedy and does not end well!" notes Bender. "But our learning through this ancient storytelling propels us forward, strengthening our resolve to stand firm in our convictions, without violence."
MVSU Fine Arts Night
The MVSU first annual Fine Arts Night was a resounding success! The halls were filled with the sights and sounds celebrating the achievements of the actors, artists, and musicians from all of our schools.
The art galleries were bursting with enthusiasts and the performers had a packed house with standing room only! Thank you all for supporting the MVSU Fine Arts programs!
New Private Music Lesson Program @ WUHSMS
We are excited to let you know about an exciting new opportunity at WUHSMS, private music lessons! This program offers music instruction from highly skilled professional musicians within the school day. Additionally, through the generous support of a private donor, we are offering these lessons to any interested student, regardless of financial situation. To find out more information about this program and to sign up please go to the Private Lesson Program page on our new and developing WUHSMS Music website.
Please feel free to contact Mr. Pauly at joshua.pauly@mtnviews.org with any questions you may have.
The week before Thanksgiving break was an eventful one in the Music Department!
The High School Concert Choir was invited to perform at the conference for the Chief Justices and their Supreme Courts and the State Court Administrators of New England. WUHSMS Alumnus the Honorable Harold Eaton Jr. (Class of 1973) who serves on the Vermont Supreme Court invited the Concert Choir to open up the conference with the Star Spangled Banner.
Twelve students from WUHSMS were selected to participate in the Connecticut Valley District Music Festival which brings together the very best musicians from southeastern Vermont for a two day festival. Participants worked with some of New England’s finest conductors, rehearsing over 10 hours and then sharing a wonderful performance. This is the first time musicians from WUHSMS have attended the festival in over 13 years. Henry Butler, Grace Falk Davidson, Izzy Gieder, Jacquelyn Melendy, Bree Sarandrea, & Sierra Townsend participated in the Middle School Chorus. Bowie Appelfeller, Ava Byrne, Mari Maxham, Astrid McFarland, & Sadie Rowlee participated in the Middle School Jazz Band. Lia Gugliotta participated in the High School Concert Band. Bravo tutti!