Haruto Asami
What did your time in WHEU mean to you?
My time in WHEU can be characterized in countless ways. From the start, I was warmly welcomed and inspired by the student leadership. The following year I learned what leading was like: taking initiative, being in charge, and setting a positive example wherever I went. This year as a senior and Woodwind Captain, I honed my ability to think on my feet, to solve conflicts, and to support and foster growth. Throughout everything in high school, WHEU was a constant presence. Even from a psychological perspective, band marked the beginning of each day, whether it was through online zero period with cameras pointed at our toes, or walking into 1st period for what felt like the 10,000th time.
WHEU defined my high school experience–a time of physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. From navigating tough decisions to experiencing exhilarating highs like those at Los Altos, WHEU played a pivotal role. It’s where I forged my closest friendships, from the upperclassmen I can rely on, to the ones I spend the most time with today. Each experience taught me valuable lessons, shaping me into the person I am today. WHEU was undoubtedly the defining aspect of my high school experience.
What have you contributed to WHEU and how have those contributions supported/improved the overall experience for all of its members?
As Woodwind Captain this year, I led initiatives for success, from training leaders to coordinating with upper leadership on the marching band curriculum. With this, we clinched tournament sweeps at Los Altos and gained a place at champs. One of my favorite moments was at every comp post awards, looking up into our member’s faces to see the emotion in their eyes as we celebrated our feats. Despite these accomplishments, however, what always held the most significance to me was the sense of camaraderie.
Entering high school as a timid underclassman, being welcomed into the family by leaders & upperclassmen was incredibly comforting. I aspired to do the same and applied to leadership. Whether on or off the field, making little conversations became my way of fostering that sense of belonging. Through all of this, I sometimes wonder if I did well enough. But to watch people come up to me with a bright smile, to call each other silly nicknames, to be asked whether I’ll come back to watch them next year, fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment. These small moments of connection reassure me that my efforts, however small they may seem, have made an impact.
What have you learned from being a member of WHEU and how will you apply those lessons to your future endeavors?
I’ve always been a quiet person. In my first saxophone bonding over Zoom freshmen year, I couldn’t muster the courage to click the unmute button. Even in my first week of band camp in sophomore year, I couldn’t bring myself to engage with my section members. Today, I can confidently say that’s changed, thanks to my time in WHEU.
Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege to serve on the leadership team, first as a section leader, and this year as a Woodwind Captain. I found myself projecting my voice across the football field to motivate others. I dedicated time to connecting with each new incoming member. I learned the value of respect and patience in whatever situation I was put in. Although progress wasn’t linear, getting my voice out there progressively became more natural.
The silence that once defined me has given way for my words to step into the spotlight. Beyond band, I found myself taking charge in club meetings and standing up against wrongdoings. Marching band shaped me to be a more expressive version of myself and empowered me to lead other melodies in my life–a valuable asset I can carry into my future.
