By Emily Campbell
Special to the Hilton Head Sun
When John Carter and his wife, Mary Kay Beall Carter, arrived on Hilton Head Island in the 1980s, they brought with them an impressive musical résumé along with passion for sharing the joy of choral music. Nationally acclaimed composers of choral works, the Carters had already published more than 300 pieces before making Hilton Head home.
The Carters’ connection to Hilton Head came about almost by happenstance but turned into a lasting admiration of both the island and its community.
“We said, we can write music anywhere. And Hilton Head just happened to be the most beautiful place on earth we’d ever seen” says Carter.
Shortly after settling in, the couple became the first music directors at Providence Presbyterian Church. That role deepened their ties to the community as well as creating connections between church musicians and members of the Choral Society.
Upon founding director Martha Gregory’s retirement in 1986, the Choral Society was looking for new leadership to carry forward the annual holiday Messiah performance while helping the organization to grow. And the Carters appeared to be the perfect fit.
Even in retirement, Carter’s creative spirit hasn’t slowed. He continues to write and publish music online, carrying forward the same passion that embodied his time with the Choral Society decades ago.
The Hilton Head Choral Society will perform Carter’s arrangement of Silent Night at its “Celebrate the Holidays” concert on December 5th – aptly serving as a meaningful nod to the Carters’ lasting influence on the organization.
“I was very proud of that work,” Carter says. “So, I’m glad it has a life.”
The performance will also carry special tenderness following the passing of Mary Kay Beall Carter earlier this year. Together, the Carters dedicated their lives to creating and sharing music that uplifted others – work that continues to resonate through performances like this one.
As the Hilton Head Choral Society celebrates its 50th anniversary, Carter’s words express both gratitude and hope for the future.
“I would say to the Choral Society…here’s to at least 50 years more!” he says warmly. “As long as there is a Hilton Head — it will go on.”