![“[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)
On August 31, Upper School performing arts students, parents, and teachers gathered in the Blackford Theater for this year’s Conservatory Kickoff.
The meeting for current and new conservatory students provided information regarding classroom courses, workshop opportunities, and upcoming shows of the five performing arts programs: musical theater, vocal music, instrumental music, dance, and theater.
It also welcomed three new members to the conservatory staff: dance teachers Karl Kuehn and Amalia De La Rosa, as well as Jennifer Cowgill, the new director of Bel Canto.
One of the highlights of the kickoff was the announcement of the Spring Musical Drowsy Chaperone, a “fun” Broadway musical comedy, according to Performing Arts Director Laura Lang-Ree.
“I needed it to be a show that was exciting enough on the hills of the Fringe festival, of course. We’ve done dark for a while now. It’s time for a little happiness and lightness,” Lang-Ree said during the kickoff.
The event also featured an update by Executive Director of Advancement Joe Rosenthal on the status of building the performing arts center, as well as short skits performed by the Harker Improv Troupe.
After the general informational session from 6 to 7 p.m., new freshmen and sophomores interested in joining the Certificate program stayed longer to learn about majoring in one of the arts and participating in more extensive training.
“I’m pretty excited for what’s coming up: basically the idea that we’re going to be endeavoring in music for the next four years,” Jason Jeong (9) said.
Senior Melody Huang is also looking forward to enjoying her fourth and final year in the conservatory.
She said, “It’s cool that the conservatory is a big deal at this school that we have this event, and it’s cool how so many people are participating in it.”
