With sophomore Michael Higginbotham's rigorous rehearsal schedule, there never seemed to be enough hours in the day. Higginbotham was a music major actively involved in almost every musical ensemble possible; he played the saxophone in the Thundering Herd Marching Band, Holiday Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Basketball Pep Band, and he sang in the Concert Choir. He also participated in the orchestra pit for the 20 l 0 Homecoming musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie," as well as doing numerous smaller project groups over the years such as playing scores for silent films. ·· Although all of these groups took up an enormous amount of Higginbotham's schedule, he was still required to practice 20 hours a week as a music major, not including other classes, homework and a social life. When asked how he managed such a hectic schedule, Higginbotham gave God the credit for keeping him focused. "It usually seems to work out when you put your priorities straight," Higginbotham said. Sophomore Melanie Frazier said she admired Higginbotham for remaining task-oriented and keeping his eyes on God everyday. "What I admire most is his reliance on God and his completely humble attitude," Frazier said. "He can be in the middle of any stressful situation -h, MIAk~ • mUSIC but still be encouraging to those around him." Aside from his musical activities, Higginbotham had been active in his prayer group since his freshman year, and he always found time to check up on his friends during lunch. Senior and fellow musician Greg Snider knew just how difficult it could be to maintain a balance ·of priorities as a music major, and he commended Higginbotham for succeeding in this. "Michael is a good saxophone player and a great friend," Snider said. "He has a mind and heart devoted to the Lord, and it is apparent in all that he does." Although Higginbotham was grateful for all of the opportunities the music department had given him over his two years at Harding so far, he affirmed that his fellow musicians had become his best friends, and that made all of the time and effort worth every minute of the stress. "There is something special about having those bonds with people you experience everything with," Higginbotham said. Higginbotham hoped to become a middle school or high school band director after graduating from Harding. His ultimate goal to give God the glory wherever he goes, however, was already being achieved. Kristi Soto Lauren Kinney Hiromi Kiuchi Jessica Koob Ethan Lafferty Travis Lanier Mackenzie Lee Savannah Lee Megan Lehmann Kodi Liddell Ryan Liddle People 65
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