![“[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)
As the final notes of Orchestra’s Scheherazade Op. 35 II reverberated throughout the theater, a hush falls over the audience. From the back of the orchestra, senior Jessica Wang emerges from the flute section, adorned in a shimmering light blue dress. Gracefully, she lifts her flute and seamlessly transitions into the opening of Flute Concerto Op. 283.
Lab Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra performed a variety of contemporary jazz, classical concertos and symphonies at the annual Winter Instrumental Concert on Dec. 7.
Jessica was chosen for a solo piece from Orchestra’s annual concerto competition prior, and she performed Flute Concerto Op. 283. Orchestra director Jaco Wong selected Jessica’s solo for her technique and emotional depth.
“Jessica handled it wonderfully,” Wong said. “She was very flexible throughout the rehearsal process and was extremely well prepared. She trusted me as the director as well that I would bring the orchestra and her together and create a team.”
Jessica joined Harker’s Orchestra in tenth grade and found it a rewarding experience, especially in the company of many of her friends. She cherished her chance to perform her solo as a meaningful milestone in her journey as a musician.
“It’s been a wonderful time because I have leadership roles that allow me to be more outgoing,” Jessica said. “It’s a family of everyone with a shared interest in music, which is really powerful.”
Lab Band played a variety of jazz classics like “Stolen Moments,” before turning the stage over to Jazz Band, who played an array of lively pieces like “The Cheese That Time Forgot” and “Cold Duck Time.”
Orchestra featured guest soloists Chen Zhao and Fiona Cunninghame-Murray in Concerto for two violins in D minor. The performance continued with Orchestra’s eerie “Oceans” and Scheherazade Op. 35 II. In the last piece of the instrumental concert, all ensembles joined together to play “Danza final (Malambo)” from “Estancia.”
Jazz Band and Lab Band director David Hart commended students for their quick adaptability to new pieces. Despite only having two rehearsals with the guest musicians, Orchestra was able to improve effectively before the concert.
“We have students who are extremely talented and then we have other students that just love playing music, but it might not be the most important thing in their life,” Hart said. “When you put that together, you end up with this magical moment where they’re playing repertoire at a high level with deep meaning and friendships in the ensemble.”
