Lisa Garret
’09 Graduate
What music programs were you involved with while at HCHS?
I was involved in band, pep band, the Jazz Experience, choir, and chamber choir. I also played in the pit orchestra for the musicals.
What path did you take after graduating high school? I went to Iowa State University where I majored in mechanical engineering and minored in political science. After graduating from Iowa State, I went to the University of Texas for law school, and I am currently a lawyer at a large firm in Texas working on corporate energy transactions.
How did growing up in the Harlan Music Program affect your high school experience?
I lived and breathed music in high school; I loved it! Most of my close friends were also in band and choir, so rehearsals and trips were always a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to meet students from other schools through jazz band contests, Honor Band, solo and ensemble, etc.
Did you take your love of music with you after high school?
Even though I was going to study engineering, music had been such a huge part of my life that I knew I wanted to stay involved in music in college. Joining the Iowa State University Cyclone Football 'Varsity' Marching Band was one of the best decisions I made; it immediately gave me a 300-plus-member family at Iowa State. I'm still great friends with many people I met through that marching band.
My other experiences in high school also led me to join additional music groups at Iowa State. Jazz band was my favorite activity in high school, so I joined Jazz 2 at Iowa State and played in that group for several semesters. I also loved singing in choir in high school, so I sang in one of Iowa State's women's choirs one semester. I also joined Kappa Kappa Psi, a co-ed service fraternity dedicated to serving the bands at Iowa State.
Even now it's amazing how many lawyers I meet who have played (or still play) instruments; it immediately gives us a shared experience to talk about.
How has your current occupation been influenced by things you learned while involved in the HCHS music program?
In practicing for All-State auditions or solo and ensemble contest, I learned the importance of dedication, patience, and perseverance. Sometimes my hard work got me the result I wanted, but sometimes it didn't. Learning how to deal with those disappointments has helped me get to where I am now. Additionally, the music programs gave me the chance to start working on leadership skills that are essential for any career path.
The HCHS music organizations perform at a high level, so I enjoyed being part of something great! It's worth the time and the hard work to be a part of something you can be proud of. It wasn't until later that I truly appreciated all the opportunities provided by the HCHS music program.
What other exciting experiences and opportunities have you had since leaving HCHS that you would love to tell your high school self to look forward to?
I'd tell myself to look forward to lots of traveling! I had the opportunity to study abroad while in college and spent a spring semester in Swansea, Wales. We had a whole month free in the middle of the semester, so I got to travel to lots of nearby countries (France, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and Greece). That trip really spurred my desire to travel, and I've now visited 22 countries on four different continents, with Australia being my most recent adventure.
’09 Graduate
What music programs were you involved with while at HCHS?
I was involved in band, pep band, the Jazz Experience, choir, and chamber choir. I also played in the pit orchestra for the musicals.
What path did you take after graduating high school? I went to Iowa State University where I majored in mechanical engineering and minored in political science. After graduating from Iowa State, I went to the University of Texas for law school, and I am currently a lawyer at a large firm in Texas working on corporate energy transactions.
How did growing up in the Harlan Music Program affect your high school experience?
I lived and breathed music in high school; I loved it! Most of my close friends were also in band and choir, so rehearsals and trips were always a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting to meet students from other schools through jazz band contests, Honor Band, solo and ensemble, etc.
Did you take your love of music with you after high school?
Even though I was going to study engineering, music had been such a huge part of my life that I knew I wanted to stay involved in music in college. Joining the Iowa State University Cyclone Football 'Varsity' Marching Band was one of the best decisions I made; it immediately gave me a 300-plus-member family at Iowa State. I'm still great friends with many people I met through that marching band.
My other experiences in high school also led me to join additional music groups at Iowa State. Jazz band was my favorite activity in high school, so I joined Jazz 2 at Iowa State and played in that group for several semesters. I also loved singing in choir in high school, so I sang in one of Iowa State's women's choirs one semester. I also joined Kappa Kappa Psi, a co-ed service fraternity dedicated to serving the bands at Iowa State.
Even now it's amazing how many lawyers I meet who have played (or still play) instruments; it immediately gives us a shared experience to talk about.
How has your current occupation been influenced by things you learned while involved in the HCHS music program?
In practicing for All-State auditions or solo and ensemble contest, I learned the importance of dedication, patience, and perseverance. Sometimes my hard work got me the result I wanted, but sometimes it didn't. Learning how to deal with those disappointments has helped me get to where I am now. Additionally, the music programs gave me the chance to start working on leadership skills that are essential for any career path.
The HCHS music organizations perform at a high level, so I enjoyed being part of something great! It's worth the time and the hard work to be a part of something you can be proud of. It wasn't until later that I truly appreciated all the opportunities provided by the HCHS music program.
What other exciting experiences and opportunities have you had since leaving HCHS that you would love to tell your high school self to look forward to?
I'd tell myself to look forward to lots of traveling! I had the opportunity to study abroad while in college and spent a spring semester in Swansea, Wales. We had a whole month free in the middle of the semester, so I got to travel to lots of nearby countries (France, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and Greece). That trip really spurred my desire to travel, and I've now visited 22 countries on four different continents, with Australia being my most recent adventure.
