MRS. VALERIE HARRIS

Orchestra Director

Mrs. Harris is a direct product of her school music program.  She fell in love with the violin during “demo day” and has played happily ever since.  During her time as a student, Valerie realized that teaching violin – especially in an orchestra setting – was her passion and decided to pursue her studies at the University of Washington.  While attending the UW, Valerie studied with the renowned violinist and concertmaster, Steven Staryk, and was a consistent member of the University Symphony.  Upon graduating with degrees in music and music education, Valerie was immediately hired by the Lake Washington School District to teach elementary orchestra and has since added junior high and high school classes to her schedule.  She has been a proud member of the LWSD orchestra faculty for the past 14 years and enjoys getting up early in the morning to start her day making music with kids.  “If I can give my students anything close to the wonderful experiences I had making music in my school orchestra program, then I have succeeded.  I do what I do every day because my orchestra teacher showed me what it was like to make music with excellence.” – Valerie Harris

Valerie has performed as a violinist with Philharmonia NW and occasionally with the Quasi Quartet/Trio.  She teaches private violin/viola lessons in the Renton area where she resides with her husband, three children – Ethan (12), Logan (8), and Katie (8), and a dog - Milo.