Graduate Spotlight: Emily Harlbardier

The St. Philip’s College music program has played a pivotal role in reigniting the passion in Emily Harlbardier’s career choice of music. From a young age, music has been a big part of her life, but it began to feel like a chore rather than something enjoyable.  

“My mom was a music teacher. I grew up with music. I went to bed every night listening to the acoustics of my mom playing the guitar,” said Emily, a music pre-major at St. Philip’s College, who is set to graduate with her Associate of Arts on Friday, December 15. 

At the age of six, she began playing the piano, by the age of 11, she had added the clarinet to her musical instrument repertoire, and when she was 13, she took her first voice lesson. She continued her studies of music through high school where it began to feel like a burden for her.  

The program's dedicated faculty have become mentors, reminding her about the fundamentals of music and the importance of finding creative fulfillment while having fun.  

Reflecting on her renewed passion, Emily expressed, “Now, I want to do this for the rest of my life, and I want to do it for the right reasons.”  

After graduation, Emily hopes to join the Air Force Band.  

Congratulations Emily! 

For more information on the Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremony, click here. 

Fall 2023 Commencement 
Friday, December 15, 2023 
Freeman Coliseum 
7:00 p.m.