Colleen Harris
From College of Fine Arts and Communications
Contents |
Overview
Colleen Harris was a music professor at BYU from 1970 until she retired in 1991. Along with her husband Jerold, she witnessed the evolution of the music program.
Early Life & Education
Harris grew up in Chandler, Arizona where she learned to play the piano so she could accompany herself. She was a highly motivated child, and excelled in whatever she set her mind to. She was Valedictorian in both 8th grade and high school.
Following her high school graduation, Harris was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to BYU, where she intended to study under the famed musician, Florence Jepperson Madsen. Unfortunately, Madsen had already retired when Harris arrived at the University. This was just a minor set back for the determined young Harris, who decided to walk to Madsen’s house to study with her.
Harris graduated from BYU with majors in Italian and Music, and minors in French and social studies.
She attended graduate school at Northwestern University and graduated with her husband Jerold. She enjoyed her studies there and participated in all of the operas.
Career
In 1970, Harris arrived at BYU. She taught women’s chorus and private voice lessons. Her students have worked across the globe, but continue to keep in contact, often asking for advice.
Another rewarding aspect of her career was singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 12 years. Harris recalls:
I had unbelievable experiences doing that. I truly believe that the Lord just uses you for His purposes. He puts you where people need you. I had so many of those experiences. One that touched me was with a student I had for a bit, and then she disappeared. One day I had a solo for the choir and after she sent me a note and told me that she was just about to take her own life, but felt impressed to turn on the television, and saw me singing. She then decided that she wasn’t going to take her own life. Isn’t that just amazing?
Though retired, Harris continues to devote herself to music. She is the director of a community choir for mature women, which sings at rest homes.
