Larry J. Harris graduated from Pratt High School in 1956
and Wichita State University (BME) in 1962. He earned
a Master of Music Education from The University of
Kansas in 1974. He began his teaching career in
Garden City (1962-68), and then accepted an orchestra
position with the Topeka Public Schools (1968-95),
teaching strings at the elementary, middle, junior high,
and senior high school levels. Mr. Harris was the sole
director of the Topeka High School Orchestra from
1968-95. Under his direction the Topeka High School
Orchestra performed twice at the KMEA Annual State
In-Service Workshop. Mr. Harris directed the Topeka
Youth Symphony and co-founded and directed the
Topeka Junior Orchestra. He founded the Topeka String
project which broadened the parameters of string
pedagogy in Topeka by offering both a traditional and a
Suzuki curriculum. For several years, Mr. Harris
directed the Washburn University Summer Strings. He
twice assisted with the Mid-America Kansas High
School Orchestra Trip to Europe. Mr. Harris was an
active member of National School Orchestra
Association (NSOA) and American String Teachers
Association (ASTA). He served as KASTA President
from 1990 to 1992. He was a frequent string clinician
and was a regular member of the first violin section of
the Topeka Symphony Orchestra.