Deanna H. McBroom

Deanna H. McBroom departed this life on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina. She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, and is survived by husband Scott McBroom; son Bill (Miranda) McBroom of Charleston, South Carolina, and daughter Beth (JP) Javier-Wong of Columbia, Maryland; sister Barbara (Steven) Hillmer; and three granddaughters.

Throughout her life, Deanna was generous in offering her many gifts to her own family, church family, friends, students, colleagues and to wider local and professional communities. Though her loss will be felt deeply, her legacy will thrive in those whose lives she touched through music, mentorship, service and shared faith.

Deanna began her music studies at age 6, winning a piano concerto competition with orchestra at age 17. She earned a bachelor’s degree with distinction in voice and music education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree (summa cum laude) in voice at the University of Louisville, where she received the Dean’s Citation for Academic Excellence. While still in graduate school, singing awards began as she was declared a winner in multiple Metropolitan Opera Regional Auditions. She was an international finalist in the Opera Company of Philadelphia/Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition and was the Foundation Prize winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Artist Awards national singing competition in Chicago.

Deanna was described as having a “genuinely beautiful and exciting voice” and “brilliant musicianship.” Her appearances included symphonic works, opera, recital, and chamber music. With a keen interest in art and folk song literature, especially American song, Deanna championed performances and premieres of contemporary music and collaborated with many composers to create and perform new works for the soprano voice. She was featured in performances of over 40 solo/oratorio roles with orchestra and held leading roles in over 30 operas, working under notable conductors and stage directors.

Deanna was Professor Emerita of Voice and retired Director of the Voice Program at The College of Charleston, having concluded a 45-year college teaching career, and served as the Singing Voice Specialist for the Evelyn Trammell Institute of Voice and Swallowing at the Medical University of South Carolina. Students whose careers she has shaped, in these roles and through her private studio, have been winners at state, regional, national, and international singing competitions and many have gone on to professional careers in opera, on Broadway, in TV/film, and in bringing music education to new generations. Through the years, these students have often commented on the artistry and professionalism, as well as perseverance and resilience, that Deanna both taught and modeled.

Deanna lectured internationally on topics related to “rehabilitation of the singing voice” and “treatment/prevention/wellness for injured singers,” for organizations such as The Voice Foundation; Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), where she served on the board of directors 2022-24; National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS); Music Teachers National Association; The British Voice Association (BVA); and CoMeT/Austrian Voice Society. For several years, Deanna served as the NATS liaison to PAMA, and as the NATS and Voice Foundation’s liaison to Athletes and the Arts, a national advocacy group for health and wellness for artists.

Deanna revealed one of her greatest passions by dedicating 30 years of service to Providence Church on Daniel Island in Charleston. She, Scott and their children were founding members of the church, she served 25 years as Minister of Music and thereafter held various committee roles including moderator of the Ministry Coordinating Council. It was in Providence’s congregation that she and Scott found a strong family of faith and an answer to their calling to minister to fellow congregants and the broader community.

Deanna’s greatest joy was in her family. She and Scott met during her time as an undergraduate working in the music library where Scott was a regular visitor. His persistence in pursuing her was matched by their shared love for classical music, and they soon learned of many things they had in common including the high value they placed on family and faith. Over many years, they have enjoyed traveling together, visiting national parks, museums, cathedrals and opera houses in the U.S. and internationally.

As a mother, Deanna regularly demonstrated immense pride in Bill’s and Beth’s personal and professional accomplishments, and in their parenting of her three granddaughters. She delighted in her girls, all of whom are performers (or budding performers) in their own right, and their musical and artistic talents. She gave voice lessons, offered tips on German pronunciation, sang many silly songs with them and filmed many of their dance routines, all while applauding their cleverness and creativity. She also shared with them her immense skills in sewing, crocheting and knitting, developing one-of-a-kind fashions, often by their design.

Above all, Deanna will be remembered as a thoughtful, encouraging and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, colleague, teacher and friend. Although her loss is significant, her life’s impact is indelible.

The family will receive visitors Monday, May 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Providence Church on Daniel Island, 294 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC 29492. A service celebrating her life will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., also at Providence Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Providence Church with “in memory of Deanna McBroom” in the memo line. Gifts may be made online or sent by mail to the church’s address provided above. The McBroom family will determine the purpose of any memorial contributions in service to the mission of Providence Church. Visit the Providence Church website for more information about the visitation and service, to share words of remembrance with the family and/or to make an online memorial gift.

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