To recognize an incredible individual in the 2025 senior class, look no further than the kind and brilliant Aliza Harner (12), senior drum major of the band.
What does it take to be drum major? How does Harner exemplify the role so well?
If there’s anything the role of drum major requires, it’s a lot of responsibility. Beyond conducting the band, a drum major is responsible for getting information across to the entire band, while also keeping them on task and motivated through the long hours of band camp and after-school practice, both of which can occur in 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harner’s excellent direction and positivity throughout the season pushed the band to be its best this year. Even in some of the hardest times of the season, such as the Vinton Christmas Parade when the instruments froze up from the intense cold, Harner and the band never failed to smile and persevere through it.
Yet the trait which truly defines Harner’s character is compassionate leadership. Harner is an example of how great leadership does not take a form based on willpower alone, but on an endearing heart and leadership through involvement and example.
“We’ve had a few drum majors who were quiet people in their freshman and sophomore years. I think Aliza was relatively quiet, maybe soft spoken, but as a drum major, quiet people in those positions can communicate very effectively,” says Hidden Valley band director Mr. Galyen.
Her growth goes to show beyond marching band as well. Harner is not only the leader of the marching band, but also the club leader of the FCA, Unified Partners, and is a member of Titan 12.
Many band members would comment Harner to be a very positive role model, but Harner, too, has never stopped learning from her peers in the band.
“Oh my goodness, I have learned in so many ways!” Harner exclaims. “Having to use and project my voice to such a big group of people significantly increased my confidence. I feel like I can talk to people better. There’s been a lot of conflict and resolution that comes with leading people and learning to combat different learning styles.”
Whether be it good coordination or good morale, the marching band achieved a “superior” rating at the district assessment this year, under Harner’s direction.
After graduation, Harner plans to attend the exercise and health programs at Virginia Tech. Though she initially considered becoming a trauma surgeon, she eventually concluded that the specification necessary could lead to burnout. With a trauma surgeon being an extremely niche field, it is one that needs unanimous certainty to proceed.
Despite this, Harner has not completely eliminated the idea of a career in the trauma department. Instead, Harner wishes to pursue being a Physician’s Assistant, perhaps specializing within the trauma department. The benefits to becoming a Physician’s Assistant is that it does not limit pathways and lets her pursue any place in the hospital if she pleases.
“I realized that I really liked working with people. Being in athletics, I was around a lot of injuries. Seeing the process of someone going through all that and how the human body works is really fascinating to me.” says Harner.
Though Harner might be graduating this year, still she will leave the people of band with a lasting impression.
“She’s been a very good leader, because she’s so welcome to absolutely everyone. She’s also talented musically, as even when she was junior drum major, she played with pit on marimba during the pit solo. Band is a welcoming place, and it absolutely helps when the leader of the band is one of the kindest people you have ever met.” Says band sophomore Noel Lupton (10).
