Hidden Valley senior Aliza Harner has grown into a confident and compassionate leader—both on and off the marching band field.

“We’ve had a few drum majors who were quiet people in their freshman and sophomore years,” said Hidden Valley band director Thomas Galyen. “I think Aliza was relatively quiet, maybe soft spoken, but as a drum major, quiet people in those positions can communicate very effectively.”

Harner’s leadership extends far beyond the marching band. She serves as a club leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Unified Partners, and is a member of Titan 12, a student leadership program at Hidden Valley.

Many band members describe Harner as a positive role model—but she is quick to say that the experience has taught her just as much as she has given.

“Oh my goodness, I have learned in so many ways!” Harner said. “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.”

Under Harner’s leadership, the Hidden Valley marching band earned a “superior” rating at the district assessment this year—a top honor that reflects both the group’s musical achievement and strong teamwork.

“She’s been a very good leader, because she’s so welcoming to absolutely everyone,” said sophomore band member Noel Lupton. “She’s also talented musically—when she was junior drum major, she still 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 will ever meet.”

After graduation, Harner plans to study exercise and health at Virginia Tech. Though she once considered becoming a trauma surgeon, she decided the narrow specialization could lead to burnout. Instead, she hopes to become a physician assistant, possibly within the trauma department.

“I realized that I really liked working with people,” she said. “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.”

Harner said the flexibility of being a physician assistant appeals to her—allowing her to move between specialties and explore multiple areas of medicine.

While Harner is preparing for the next chapter of her life, her impact on Hidden Valley’s music program is undeniable. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, kindness and quiet strength that will inspire band members for years to come.