From singing in choir and voice lessons, senior Mylie Harkness has a deep-rooted passion for all things vocal which stems from her siblings’ same love for it.
Harkness was chosen as the Vocal Sterling Scholar this year. Her love for singing first began with choir and voice lesson classes.
“I am grateful every day to my choir teacher Mr. Saunders and my voice teacher Narlene Story,” Harkness said. “They have both taught me so much throughout the years about my voice and singing in general.”
Harkness realized this pathway was something deeper than just taking classes for fun, it had her thinking of learning something more about how to use her vocal practices for class and teaching outside of school. She cared for choir classes and extra-curriculars like her voice lessons before becoming a Sterling Scholar.
“I practice outside of school every day, I have to work on choir music at home to be prepared for class,” she said. “I also take private voice and piano lessons, and I teach 10 of my own students.”
Following this pathway has always been something she has wanted to do as she looked up to her older brother, who was also involved in the Vocal pathway as well as being a Sterling Scholar. Watching him follow this path two years ago inspired her to try for Sterling Scholar.
“My older brother has always been an inspiration for me because of his drive and work ethic,” Harkness said. “He was the Instrumental Music Sterling Scholar which inspired me to apply for Sterling Scholar as well.”
Harkness also loves to participate in the Vocal Motion Show choir group. She has been nominated for Top Eleven Best Actress, the CS Music Top Singer Award, as well as many superior ratings at State Solo and Ensemble the last two years.
“I was nominated for Top Eleven Best Actress for the Utah High School Musical Theater Awards for my role as ‘Janet’ in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ and I am so excited about that,” Harkness said. I will [also] be going to state again this year.”
Harkness plans on going to Weber State after she gets home from her mission. She was accepted into their piano program and when she gets back will continue the program. She is also hoping to continue teaching such as piano and voice lessons
“[My advice to future singers is] Go for it,” Harkness said. “Always audition and have confidence in yourself. It does take patience and practice.”
