Standing at 6’4”, Steven Harris II may look like he belongs on the Arsenal Technical High School boys basketball team, but he chooses to spend his time playing musical instruments.
Although he was an accomplished tennis player, as a kid, Harris began playing the viola. Once he got to Tech, his talent and love for music blossomed. Today, Harris plays the drums, trumpet, tuba and trombone; however his primary instrument is the French horn.
He recalls his freshman year at Tech when band director Gary Doherty, asked his name and what instrument he wanted to play.
“I sat next to a French horn player the year before at Harshman (Middle School), so I said ‘French horn,’” said Harris. “When you play a brass instrument, you use your entire body to resonate the sound. (The French horn) felt more natural to me.”
Many believe Harris was destined to be a musician. His mother, Denise Pruitt said that his biological father, who died over 10 years ago in a truck driving accident, was an accomplished musician.
“When (Steven) hears music, he sees the notes,” said Davinci Richardson, Harris’ stepfather who regularly listens to classical music. “That boy is going to do something big. There’s just too much talent there.”
Although music comes natural to Harris, transitioning from the viola to the French horn was difficult. He had to continually practice in order to gain mastery over the instrument and get through Tech’s busy marching and concert band seasons.
Harris said he is grateful for his parents and their support – especially when he’s practicing. Richardson works nights and weekends. When he gets home, tired and ready to rest, he’ll fall asleep to Harris practicing.
There’s only one instrument Harris can’t practice at home – the drums. “He’ll beat on his leg or a table or something. But no drums (laughs)…that boy loves to practice,” said Richardson.
Part of the reason Richardson and Pruitt work so hard is to be able to afford Harris’ instruments, private lessons and other music necessities. Due to Harris’ dedication, they say he’s worth every penny.
Harris said that in addition to his diligence and family support, it was Tech High School music department’s positive and creative atmosphere that aided his growth.
“This is a special kind of band. It’s the kind that you build relationships on. When we went to Hawaii last year, we called the band ‘ohana.’ That means family in Hawaiian,” said Harris. “I’m grateful to be in this band.”
Harris’ hard work paid off and eventually, he moved from being a band member to being a section leader. This year, Harris’ senior year at Tech, he is a band captain.
All that practice also helped Harris and the Tech band go to the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition. Last year, Harris won a gold medal for a solo and a gold for a woodwind quintet during that competition. The band also performed twice in the Bands of America Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium and also went to Hawaii last December for the 70th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack.
In addition to playing in Tech’s band and Indianapolis Youth Wind Ensemble, he sings with the “Techoir,” which will soon be performing in the ISSMA state qualifying competition; and is a former member of Circle City Sound, a barbershop quartet.
Doherty believes that Harris is a remarkable person and said he is proud to see him grow up into a young man, a musician and most importantly, a leader.
“He’s always tinkering with people to make them better. He’s just a great example, which to me is the kind of leader that makes organizations successful,” said Doherty.
So, what would Harris do if he wasn’t involved with music?
“Is that a trick question,” asked Pruitt, followed by a laugh.
“Other than going to work out at the Legacy Center or doing homework, there is no life outside of band,” said Harris who is preparing for graduation by finishing strong in his Jazz Band, advanced chorus, Advance Placement biology and calculus, advanced composition and Japanese 3 classes.
Soon, he will be moving on to the next chapter of his life – college – where he plans to study music education.
He has been accepted to Ball State University’s School of Music where he has received a four-year Provost Award worth $12,000. The University of Indianapolis and Butler University are also possibilities.
“What made me want to want to become a music teacher is that it’s my chance to give back. When I’m having a sectional with the entire band or just the brass, it’s the look when the student knows they’ve just achieved a goal – when they’ve just perfected a passage – it’s something about that,” said Harris.
Doherty believes Harris will make an excellent teacher. He had to work very hard to get to where he is today and Doherty believes those lessons are what will make him great.
Richardson and Pruitt have no doubt in their minds that their son will go on to do great things as well. They are also thankful for the Indianapolis Public Schools system, all of the students there who are doing positive things and dedicated teachers for their love and support of Harris throughout the years.
Many are sad that he’ll soon leave for college, but happy that Harris, in all of his humble talent, is pursuing his dreams.
“I don’t deserve a boy like Steven. We’re so proud of him…but I still wish he’d take out the garbage more often,” laughed Richardson.
