![“I wasn't discouraged by some of the obstacles we faced. I learned a lot from the leadership. I found that different people need different ways of receiving feedback — you can't [just] tell them to do something and expect the best. [Some] people needed more incentive. A large part of my role was to figure out what worked for everyone and to figure out how to lead all these separate individuals as a team,” Suhana Bhandare (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SuhanaBhandare_JasmineHansra-1-1200x798.jpg)
![“This is actually from Randy Pausch Randy P. Brick: ‘Walls are there for a reason. You have to show how much you want to overcome them.’ You have to show how much you want something. That's what I've always been able to do with tennis, Link Crew and getting that internship [with Kushy Baby]. It’s important pushing through that — getting around that brick wall, climbing over it or clawing through it,” Yash Sachdeva (’26) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/YashSachdeva_RamBatchu-copy-1200x1002.jpg)
![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
An Evening of Jazz highlights Jazz Band and Lab Band
Senior Nina Sabharwal performs Adele’s “Skyfall” with the Upper School Jazz Band. Adele’s song was altered to make the song fit into the jazz genre. The show contained a variety of songs from Spanish song “Malaguena” by Ernesto Lecuona to the classic “Saints Go Marching In.”
March 17, 2013
Featuring a variety of pieces from Adele’s “Skyfall” to a song composed by fourth grader Anika Fuloria, “An Evening of Jazz” showcased jazz musicians from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.
Although the show faced some hurdles including a mix up in the program and director Dr. Dave Hart’s absence due to his paternity leave, the production proceeded without a hitch.
Several months’ worth of work for both the Jazz Band and the Lab Band culminated in Friday’s performance. As it was the Lab Band’s inaugural year, many in the audience were amazed by the skill displayed by the 11 freshmen who constituted the group.
In fact, Upper School orchestra director Chris Florio, who temporarily led the Lab Band, was so pleased with the group that he sung their praises before stepping off the stage and letting them perform without a conductor.
“I think the Lab Band is interesting to listen to. They are very good [….] and I think with the Lab Band coming up, [the program is] going to be phenomenal,” math teacher Bradley Stoll said.
The show also recognized graduating seniors Nina Sabharwal and Ram Menon. Many of their friends came out to support their performance. In particular, vocalist Nina had a cheering section during her appearances onstage.
“I’ve been playing guitar for quite a few years on my own, but playing with the band is definitely a new experience,” said Ram, who has been with the group since sophomore year. “Actually coordinating with other musicians and learning from [your] peers rather than just playing with your teachers is definitely something that is new.”
Although much of the audience was filled with parents, several students and teachers turned out as well.
Senior Katherine Woodruff, who has followed the music program since she was in elementary school both as a performer and as the daughter of one of the conductors, also remarked on the growth of the program.
“I remember when I was in Lower School, we had a string orchestra and that was it,” she said. “I think it’s just amazing how Mr. Florio and Dr. Hart and Mr. [Louis] Hoffman have brought it since I was in fifth grade.”
The next instrumentalist concert, featuring all three campuses’ orchestras, will be held on Friday, April 12 at the Mexican Heritage Theater.
