Senior, Kassandra Harman, has not only become the drum major for the marching band, but she also participates in art classes of different mediums, and she is working everyday to get closer to her dream job.
“I enjoy pretty much every matter of art,” Harman said.
Harman has participated in different arts while attending LCHS such as theater, concert band, jazz ensemble, marching band and the foundation art classes. Jazz ensemble and the foundation art classes are Harman’s favorite.
“With jazz, I can hear and feel the music through the rhythms, with creating visual arts I get to express emotions in a piece others can see,” Harman said.
During and after school Harman practices with the Marching Lions, which is taught by Micah Lee, Director of Bands. She’s known for her brainstorming and collaboration with the other band members.
“I find that she has been a tremendous team player that gives space for other voices to be heard when conveying ideas, while at the same time being strong in her assertions as well,” Mr.Lee said.
Harman uses art and music as different ways of expressing how she’s feeling. She enjoys the energy and acceptance offered in these artistic communities which is why she keeps choosing to be a part of them. During Covid, while many people were looking for ways to destress, she found support within the arts.
“[Art] got me through the Covid lockdown and has been a level of unexplainable comfort ever since,” Harman said.
She is inspired by an artist named John Blanche, who was an illustrator for Warhammer Subjects. Blanche’s work was often published in the official Warhammer Magazine, The White Dwarf. Harman is influenced by Blanche’s unique style which features many fine details and dark muted colors.
“His style is so intricate and expressive,” Harman said. “I strive for that level of detail in my work.”
In her art class, Harman is known as a hard worker and a student who gets along with everyone in the class. Harman is currently taking Ceramics 1 with Art teacher Alex LaBarr. She first worked with Harman last year in Art Foundations 1. Harman’s favorite piece is her one point perspective town which is currently featured in a show for the teachers.
“Kassie puts a lot of thought and creativity into everything she does, so it is not just something copied off of Pinterest or Google,” LaBarr said. “I love seeing what she comes up with for each project that we do since it is so original and tailored to her interests, usually dinosaurs and dragons.”
Even growing up, Harman was a creative person from scrapbooking with her mom to joining the middle school beginning band. Harman sees art staying in her life after high school because she wants to pursue a career as a tattoo artist.
“This field is amazing, with being able to create art that someone is happy with and carry with them for the rest of their life,” Harman said. “Or quite the opposite, by covering up a piece of art they aren’t proud of and turning it into something they can love.”
Harman has created multiple tattoo designs and is looking for shops to apprentice with to help move her closer to her dream. She is planning to begin her journey after graduating.
“Many times at this stage in life students are trying to figure out who they are,” Mr.Lee said. “However she knows exactly what she wants to do and has a plan to go about achieving it. … Her foresight into the realm of possibilities assists her well in creative and collaborative endeavors so I can see her really hitting her stride as she explores her goals during and after college.”
