Faculty Spotlight: Sonny Willis ’96

Sonny Willis ’96 Steps Into a New Role as Director of Fine & Performing Arts

With the start of the 2025–26 school year, middle and upper school chorus teacher Sonny Willis ’96 is stepping into a new administrative position as Director of Fine & Performing Arts. In this role, Sonny provides visionary leadership for our arts program while continuing to teach middle and upper school chorus. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, Sonny leads efforts to strengthen and expand our outstanding fine and performing arts program, both in the classroom and through extracurricular opportunities, ensuring that the arts thrive across all divisions.

Sonny has been teaching at GDS since 2002, when he joined the music and drama faculty. In 2015, Sonny took a few years away from GDS to conduct the Young People’s Chorus of New York City and teach chorus in public schools across New York City. He rejoined our faculty in 2020 with teaching responsibilities in the lower school auxiliary program and the middle and upper school chorus classes. 

Sonny brings joy and an infectious energy with him everywhere he goes. He is a master teacher who was recognized in 2023 with the James P. Hendrix, Jr., Excellence in Teaching Award, Greensboro Day School’s most prestigious teaching honor. With Sonny stepping into a new leadership role this year, it seemed like the perfect time to ask him about his love of music and why he’s excited about the future of the arts at Greensboro Day School.

When you were a student at GDS, were there specific experiences or teachers who inspired your love of music or your decision to become a teacher? 

I originally learned about Greensboro Day School when I was invited by a friend to see a production of Peter Pan. I was instantly drawn in by the artistry of the performers and the sense of community in the audience. As the house lights dimmed, lower school students sat mesmerized as the middle and upper school students brought the story to life. At the end of the show, the entire audience leapt to their feet for a standing ovation. There was an overwhelming sense of pride from both actors and crew members, and it was evident that the performing arts were valued and celebrated at Greensboro Day School. I begged my parents to check out the school, and the next fall I was enrolled as a tenth grader.

As I considered auditioning for the fall musical, Once on This Island, I was introduced to Judy McLaughlin and Linda Sloan. Judy was my advisor and choral teacher/musical director. She was an important mentor, and she played a pivotal role in my life. When I was a student, she provided opportunities for me to develop my passion for music and performing. Under her mentorship, I developed a love for teaching and helping students to discover their musical abilities. I would not be where I am today without her guidance and mentorship.

Linda Sloan is another inspiring educator and mentor. When I was a fledgling actor, she took me under her wing and helped to cultivate a love for theatre. She has a way of bringing out the best in students, and we all had a strong desire to make her proud. Her continual pursuit of artistic excellence has truly shaped who I am today.

The seeds sown by both Judy McLaughlin and Linda Sloan were life-changing for me. They helped me discover what I was meant to do and that teaching is more than a career—it is indeed a calling.

What was it like to return to your alma mater, first as a teacher and now an administrator?

Coming back to GDS as a teacher was an incredible opportunity to give back to the next generation. Although there have been many physical upgrades to the campus, the core values of the School have remained the same. It is an honor to have a part in instilling those same values into the lives of students. Some of my former teachers have now become my colleagues; master educators like Trish Morris, Chrissy Olson, and Randy Mintz have all made an indelible impact on my teaching. As I begin a new role as Director of Fine & Performing Arts, I am looking forward to partnering with our amazing fine arts team and the GDS administration to help shape the vision for the arts for years to come.

You’ve taught students for years—what’s something they’ve taught you?

Students teach me every day. They have taught me to embrace the joy of the moment—that performing isn’t just about precision; it’s also about connection and presence. They have inspired me to be fearless in creativity. My students are fearless, and they consistently inspire me to push beyond the limits.

The joy and energy my students bring to the classroom is a constant reminder of why I fell in love with music and performing in the first place. Each rehearsal with students is a reminder that art is as much about discovery as it is about discipline.

As you step into this new role overseeing fine arts, what excites you most about the future of the arts at GDS?

What excites me most is getting to build on the amazing work that is already happening, and creating spaces where students feel comfortable exploring, taking risks, and sharing their voices. The arts at GDS are more than just a series of performances or art exhibits—they’re part of the heartbeat of our community. Music, theatre, and visual arts connect our students to each other, to the world around them, and to their own potential. I’m looking forward to providing students with additional opportunities to connect with the larger community, fostering cross-divisional and cross-curricular collaboration, and making sure the arts remain a place where students can express themselves with authenticity and confidence.

How do you hope students experience the arts during their time at GDS? What do you want them to take with them when they graduate?

I hope that our students see the arts as a place where they can explore who they are and discover new parts of themselves. I want students to feel the joy of making something from nothing, the satisfaction of working hard toward a shared goal, and the magic of connecting with an audience. Through strong relationships with their teachers and peers, our students feel safe making mistakes. In our classrooms, students learn that mistakes are an important part of the learning journey, and creativity is celebrated every step of the way. When they leave GDS, I hope students carry confidence with them—not just in their artistic skills, but in their ability to express themselves, connect with others, and face the world with an open heart and an open mind. Whether they choose a career in the arts or not, I hope that our graduates will see creativity as a vital part of who they are and something worth nurturing for the rest of their lives.

Are there any favorite songs, albums, or performances that you return to again and again?

The Music Man is one of my favorite musicals, and it was my introduction to theatre. In the story, Harold Hill (although a con man), used music as a way to save the town of River City, Iowa, from the trouble it was in. He formed a band, building the students’ confidence and inspiring them to work together. Pretty soon, the entire town was buzzing over the new band in town. Neighbors who once fought were now getting along. People were happier! In short, the arts built community, connection, and joy.