Grant Harmon Takes His Musical Talents To UCM

By Wyatt Hardy

Sullivan High School graduate Grant Harmon signed with the University of Central Missouri and earned an all-presidential scholarship. He has had an illustrious music career, winning great awards and leading his fellow players to success. In his four years, he played in the high school, marching, pep and jazz bands. Harmon also performed in the men’s choir, bel canto, show choir and district choir. Music has always been a significant part of his life, and he became involved in his middle school band in 6th grade.

But his journey didn’t come without any hurdles. Harmon states, “One of my largest struggles in band was learning how to lead the percussion section my Sophomore year. I’ve also struggled just getting past mental barriers that stop me from playing the best I can. I overcame these with advice from fellow students/leaders in the grades above me along with my directors and parents.”

Students that he looked up to were Gavin Webb, Sarah Fortner and Sam Record. His high school directors included Chuck Moore and Natalie Moore. Them and the assistant director, Joey Musterman, pushed him to his fullest potential.

Also after attending conferences like MMEA and watching the best groups in Missouri perform, Harmon realized that his dream of being a great musician wasn’t impossible. It took a while until he felt that his playing really took off, so he feels as if he began to truly shine in his junior year.

Harmon then became unstoppable, making district band three times and honorably mentioned for all-state band. He had received numerous gold and silver awards for solos and ensembles at district level competitions. He also won 3 golds and 2 silvers at the state level. Harmon’s biggest accomplishment came from winning the 2023 Sullivan Choirs’ National Choral Award and the John Philip Sousa award.

Now he will be heading to UCM and playing in a much more intense environment. Harmon says, “I’m not sure what there is to accomplish in college. By what I’ve seen, high school music is much more competitive and there’s more to do. But I really just don’t know what my options are with things to do there, other than just learning to be the best musician I can be.”

Harmon looks to his future in very high hopes, stating, “I would love to direct bands collegiately, but I’m happy ending up anywhere in music. Teaching high schoolers or playing for a symphony or as a soloist - anything works.”