![“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)
Conservatory teachers and students presented this year’s initiatives and opportunities at the annual kick-off to parents and students in the Patil Theater on Aug. 21.
Upper school performing arts director Laura Lang-Ree introduced a change to the Certificate Program: students in the program must now complete an interdisciplinary study in a performing art outside of their chosen focus along with at least three years of training in vocal music, instrumental music, dance, theater or technical theater. Instrumental music certificate student Iris Cai (12) highlighted the overlap of skills in the arts and academic subjects.
“Music is not fundamentally different from other subjects,” Iris said. “For example, a lot of the lessons that you learn from music can also be applied in creative writing and math. When you’re performing with people on stage, music is a language you share, and this coordination is something that you can take into your language classes and science too.”
Joining Iris in the inaugural kick-off panel, Jason Shim (12), Luke Mehta (‘24), Sawyer Lai (‘23), Chris Gong (‘19) and his mother Maria Gong spoke about their experiences balancing academics with performing arts and offered advice to the current students. Conservatory teachers also revealed the lineup of shows for the upcoming year.
Upper school dance teachers Rachelle Haun and Jill Yager announced the theme for this year’s dance production: “All You Need is Love.” Harker Dance Company member Wanruo Wang (9) looks forward to performing with the team.
“A lot of parents believe that conservatory and the performing arts in general can be a waste of time and take away from academics,” Wanruo said. “The main thing I learned from here was that it’s not at all the case.”
David Hart introduced the 2024-25 Harker Concert Series, which will feature The Tropicales, Nancy Zhou and the Poulenc Trio with Soprano Shawnette Sulker. Jazz Band will perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival on Sept. 28, and Orchestra will travel to Chicago this Spring. Orchestra member Eric Dong (11) shared his excitement about his third year in the ensemble.
“I’m looking forward to working with the clarinet section again,” Eric said. “We have two people from last year and three new freshmen, and I think it’ll be fun. I’m also looking forward to Chicago and concert days because playing in front of people is always great, and I get to go out with my friends too.”
Upper school music teacher Susan Nace introduced Capriccio, the Conservatory’s new chorus. They will perform with ensembles Dolce Voce, Rhapsody and Downbeat at the Heritage Choral Festival and make a recording at the Walt Disney Studios. Production manager Brian Larsen and technical director Paul Vallerga showcased their tech theater classes and upcoming crewing opportunities.
Lang-Ree and upper school theater teacher Brandi Griffith then presented their respective productions, the fall play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and the spring musical, “Guys and Dolls.” Head of Upper School Paul Barsky took the stage to share his appreciation for everyone involved in the Conservatory program. He reiterated the importance of exploring performing arts in high school during his speech.
“The work that our students do in the Conservatory sets them apart while they are applying for internships and further down the line in college,” Barsky said. “It helps to celebrate their uniqueness and helps to clarify everything that they bring to the community.”
