Meet the Wolters
Heidi, Josh, Ruby '23, Violet '26, and Georgia '28
Heidi Wolter is a music teacher and theatre director at Harpeth Hall. Her oldest daughter, Ruby, graduated in 2023, and she has a daughter, Violet, in 10th grade and another, Georgia, in 8th grade.
As a teacher, what drew you to Harpeth Hall?
Our daughters attended Harpeth Hall before I became a teacher here, so I attended many Meet-the-Teacher Nights and parent conferences as a mom. It was during these times as a mother and educator that I became aware of how intentional the administration and faculty and Harpeth Hall are. Every event, every homework assignment, every field trip, every meeting serves a purpose with the students at the center. Josh and I felt our daughters were seen, known, loved, and definitely well-educated. I knew I wanted to be a part of this type of environment as a music educator!
As a parent, what influenced you to consider, and ultimately enroll your daughters at Harpeth Hall?
I am a Nashville native who grew up in a family of three girls, and Josh and I ended up having three daughters of our own. We loved an all-girls environment and wanted our girls to be in a space where they felt just as comfortable flying as they did falling. We also desired a school where they would be challenged and supported academically, athletically, and artistically. Harpeth Hall checked all the boxes! Now, Ruby ‘23, is working towards a BFA in musical theatre at The University of Utah, Violet is a 10th grade student in the upper school, and Georgia is an 8th grade student in the middle school.
What do you most enjoy about teaching at Harpeth Hall?
I love being a music educator and giving girls an opportunity to bring music to life. I currently direct both the 5th and 6th grade choirs, teach 7th and 8th grade music and culture, and direct 56 Magnolia (an extra-curricular 5th and 6th grade choir). One of the many highlights of my school year is directing the middle school musical! This is such a special event as it builds community throughout the middle school cast as we work as a team to learn choreography, music, and blocking. The musical gives the girls an opportunity to take risks. Many step out of their comfort zone from the audition day, to rehearsals, and finally, to opening night! This show is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, rehearsing after school in December and January. This year, we will present “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” to the community in February 2024.
How have you seen your daughters' Harpeth Hall experience help develop their academic and co-curricular interests?
Because Harpeth Hall is intentional in all they do, students in the middle school have MANY opportunities to try various sports, arts, clubs, and other activities in a safe environment. I saw my daughters perform in talent shows, participate in the service club, Care Bears, join the hiking club, cross country, soccer, dance company, orchestra, the middle school musical, Honeybear Singers, student council, choir, and Model U.N. By the time Harpeth Hall girls graduate from 8th grade, they begin to hone in on their true interests and giftings, which help them make their curricular and extracurricular choices in High School. Violet, our middle daughter (10th grade) is a great example of Harpeth Hall’s trajectory from exposure to focus. Violet took an interest in running when she joined her elementary school’s cross country team. When she came to Harpeth Hall in 7th grade, her love for the sport grew as Coach Jim Romero came alongside Violet and the MS track team. He and the coaching staff trained and encouraged the young athletes each afternoon during the season. In the 8th grade, Violet made the decision to continue running in high school and now trains year-round with the state champion track team! Running sprints is now a top focus for Violet, and she is working towards running in college.
From your experience, do you have any advice for prospective families as they go through the admission process?
Ask all the questions. Our admission and financial aid team is incredible. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say. Your daughter and your family will be educated, seen, and supported. If your family is even slightly intrigued by Harpeth Hall, take a peek inside. Attend the Admission Preview Day in November. Schedule a visit day or a tour. Attend an athletic event or two or six. Come to the plays and dance concerts. Bring your family to “The Little Mermaid” in February. Once you see these teachers and students in action, you may realize that you too have a Honeybear at your house!