Using your hairbrush as a microphone and shampoo bottles as the audience. This is the is the extent of most people’s singing careers. But for one student in particular, their singing career goes far beyond the shower.
Highland senior Harper Pierce has been chosen for the Sterling Scholar for vocal performance after their role as Orpheus in Hadestown.
The process started with an application and a list of achievements to show qualification. A few weeks later, Pierce had an in-person interview with the Choir Director, Alisha Slater, where they answered a few questions and performed a song.
After being selected to be the Sterling Scholar, Pierce is now working on a portfolio for the judges at the larger regional level.
Singing as always been a part of Pierce’s life ever since they were very young. They only recently became serious about vocal performance during their freshman year at Highland when they “joined theatre and got back into voice lessons.”
Their parents have been very supportive of Pierce ever since they were young and continue to uplift them in their singing career.
“I have always loved to hear Harper sing and encouraged it whenever they were willing,” Pierce’s mom, Melissa said. “Our family tries to have music in the home as much as possible, and we love to host friends and family for regular music nights to sing and play.”
Pierce was only eight when they started taking vocal lessons and is now studying with a music professor at the University of Utah.
Singing has always been an outlet for Pierce, whether it’s in their house or on the stage.
“I love singing because I feel confident and competent when I sing, like I am completely capable,” Pierce said. “When I sing, I feel sure that I’m putting something into the world that I can feel proud of.”
Pierce has always kept themselves in choirs and vocal recitals throughout school, and they work hard on their singing.
Although Pierce has natural talent, they are also very driven and determined to be the best singer they can be.
They are always careful to warm up and take care of their voice, and practice technique for all their parts in choir and theater, along with helping others get ready for their parts as well.
“Harper loves to help others sing as well and is always willing to help others learn parts or teach techniques that they have learned,” Melissa said.
Pierce doesn’t only participate in choir, but they’ve also been the Choir Council President at Highland for two years.
Choir President is a difficult job where Pierce manages the Choir Council, serves as representatives of the choir department whenever they’re needed, and work with the director, Slater, to plan and organize socials, events, concerts, and the annual Choir Banquet.
Along with Pierce’s determination, their work ethic has been a part of their success as a Sterling Scholar.
“The Sterling Scholar has been completely self-driven by Harper,” Melissa said. “It has been a great way for Harper to showcase what they have accomplished and to reflect on how far they have come over the last few years.”
Pierce was able to advance to the state semifinals for vocal performance where their application was viewed again, and they were interviewed.
Even though Pierce’s high school experience is almost over, they are still motivated to work hard in school and focus on their academics – including the Sterling Scholar.
Being a semifinalist for the Sterling Scholar is an impressive academic achievement that deserves a lot of praise from friends and family.
“I was really proud of myself. I was proud of all the Sterling Scholars,” Pierce said. “Just really excited to move on to the next level.”
Pierce loves helping others whenever help is needed, which includes giving advice to better someone’s vocal performance.
“The best advice I can give for singing is to do it a lot,” Pierce said. “The more you get used to it, the more comfortable you become with singing, and the more enjoyment you can get from it.”
When you have an interest worth pursuing, and you are determined, driven, and dedicated to it, you may be surprised with how far you can go. Harper Pierce is the perfect example of that.
