CLASS OF 2021
Featuring JD Harvel
Remarkable! Resilient! Revolutionary!
STUDENT INTERVIEWS WITH THE CLASS OF 2021
The Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2021 who have been part of the robust STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs in the Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you JD Harvel, who attends Burbank High School and participates in Marching Band, Wind Ensemble/Concert Band and Jazz Band. He plays the clarinet, as well as the tenor and baritone saxophones. He plans to attend Pasadena City College in the fall and participate in their band program while exploring different career paths.
“I have learned that the pandemic made it difficult for this year to be enjoyable, but in my opinion, the things I have done to pass the time this year will be the most memorable.”
My name is JD Harvel, I am 17 years old, and I attend Burbank High School.
Describe your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools.
I was exposed to music in elementary school but my love for music began at John Muir Middle School through my band teacher, Ms. Suzanne Snell. My real growth took place in BHS under the direction of Mr. Justin Klotzle. He was the band teacher for my first three years of high school. Were my parents responsible for my love for playing music? No, they didn't play instruments. I have school to thank for that.
If you have an artistic passion, through which artistic medium(s) do you most like to express yourself?
My entire high school career has been the best experience that I could have ever asked for. I cannot emphasize that enough! I’m really proud of my dedication to music, being in the Marching Band for 4 years, Wind Ensemble/Concert Band for 4 years, and Jazz Band for 3 years. I’d say my freshman year had the biggest impact on me because that’s when I learned how to play the saxophone and that’s where my love for instrumental music really took off.
What advice do you have for younger students?
My advice to younger students is to find what you love doing and then do as much as you can with it. Learn as much as possible. If time goes on and you realize that isn’t what you want to do with your life, try something else. There’s plenty of time for you to figure it all out.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned during the pivotal, history-making pandemic?
Everyone has dealt with the pandemic differently, but I think the most important thing I have learned during this is that it’s more important than ever to play music and bring the arts to the public. My band, 63 Degrees, has been able to rehearse and play while being socially distanced. We have played at the Burbank Farmers’ Market, and at two neighborhood lawn concerts. We have had a really great response as people have missed live music. All of us involved have our own families we worry about and we understand that our audience feels the same way, so making it safe for all of us was our primary objective. I have learned that the pandemic made it difficult for this year to be enjoyable, but in my opinion, the things I have done to pass the time this year will be the most memorable.
JOIN US to celebrate the REMARKABLE, RESILIENT, and REVOLUTIONARY Class of 2021. Donate today to support their legacy for future students.