Arts Student of the Week: Maddox Wilson

When Arts Student of the Week Maddox Wilson performed as Constantine Bouc in the Niwot High School fall play, "Murder on the Orient Express," he learned that the role required a French accent. "He is Belgian, so I had to learn a French accent, which was super fun. The amount of lines I had to learn was also a challenge," said Wilson. "Bouc is definitely my favorite character of all those I have performed so far. He is the owner of the train company, and he is quite the character."

But Wilson is quick to admit that he did not have the most challenging role in the show. "Ash Kissinger, who played Hercule Poirot, the detective protagonist, deserves far more praise, learning double the lines I had."

Wilson also acted in the 2024 NHS spring musical "Shrek."

"Maddox has stepped up quite a lot this year in choir," said NHS Choral Music Director Laura Walters, who selected Wilson as Arts Student of the Week. "He is a leader in his section in both choirs, made it into All State Choir and District Honor Choir, had a lead in the fall play, is in our spring musical, and will be travelling with choir to Disney this spring."

"The Disney choir trip, which is happening over spring break, will be an amazing opportunity for the choir to sing on the actual stage in Disney World," Wilson said. "The students will perform and learn songs, and I can't wait."

Wilson plays trombone, guitar, and a little bit of piano. He has been singing since he was very young, at his local church. "I have always loved music," he said. "It's my favorite form of art."

If he had to choose, Wilson says his favorite composer would be Chopin. He also appreciates Eric Whitacre's choral arrangements. "Music is the purest way to express emotion," Wilson said. "It does not require any visual or any touch."

Wilson's experience in music started with the concert band class on trombone his freshman year at NHS. He was invited to join the Tenor/Bass Choir second semester, and he is glad he did. In his sophomore year, he got involved in the Marching Band, as well as Evenstar, Niwot's auditioned choir. In his junior year, on top of those two classes, Wilson joined the Advanced Jazz Band, and the Chamber Singers choir.

The musicians and actors that have influenced Wilson most are the friends he has made at NHS. "The music and theater department are so amazing and filled with so many talented people," he said. "Music allows the imagination to blossom."

In the upcoming spring musical "Footloose," Wilson plays the part of one of Chuck's friends. "Chuck is one of the antagonists in the musical," Wilson explained. "Kate Nelson, Julia Richardson, and I will be singing 'The Girl Gets Around.' It's a fun song with funny choreography."

Wilson says he has loved his time at Niwot High School. "There are so many amazing communities," he said, "and I have built so many friendships through the pursuit of the Arts."

Every performance, whether band, choir, or theater, has provided Wilson with memorable moments. "A recent one was when the Jazz Bands recently did the Combos Performance at the Dickens Opera House in Longmont," he said. "A combo is a small group project basically. There were five people in my group, and I got to sing one of the songs, 'Still Alive,' a jazz rendition of the end credit song from the game Portal 1."

"Maddox is always on top of his part, always eager and enthusiastic," Walters said. "He is a great role model for other students, and just a pleasure to be around. I appreciate the dedication he has put into his performing, and look forward to what he will accomplish next!"

In addition to music and theater, Wilson loves to hike, camp, and especially go on backpacking trips. "I will always say 'yes' to anything outdoors," he admitted.

"My 'shoot for the moon' goal, as I like to call it," Wilson said, "is to go into composing music. My 'among the stars' goal is teaching music. I have always liked to teach, and giving people the opportunity to experience the joys I have had in music would be an honor."