Photostory: Strumming Platinum

By Paige Bean, Francesca Lorusso, and Tyler Russell

November 12, 2025

Platinum Strings is a group of elementary orchestra students who receive weekly help from East orchestra students and orchestra teacher Mallory Lysaught.

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Strumming Platinum

A Platinum Strings student draws a circle around a note to emphasize the count- ing on the “Land of the Silver Birch” song requested by Lysaught. Photo by Tyler Russell
Two elementary students speak near the door on their 10-minute break. The practice is one hour long. Photo by Paige Bean
Student volunteers bring snacks for the Platinum String’s 10-minute break in the middle of rehearsal. The snack for that week was Goldfish, which the kids lined up for while the high school helpers passed them out. Photo by Tyler Russell
Sophomore Natalia Cronberg examines a Highlands student’s sheet music during their run-through of “Samba La Bamba.” Photo by Francesca Lorusso
Orchestra teacher Mallory Lysaught conducts the Platinum Strings group during their practice run of “Land of the Silver Birch.” Photo by Francesca Lorusso

About the Contributors

Paige Bean, Print Photo Editor

Saving the best for last, senior Paige Bean is entering her final year on staff as the Head Print Photo Editor. Paige has been on staff since her freshman year and taking photos since she was born, thanks to her father. When she’s not in the journalism room, Paige is the Student Body President, a member of Kemper Teen Arts Council, President of the Just Like You Films Youth Advisory Board, and more. Paige hopes to study filmmaking next year and continue creating media.

Francesca Lorusso, Art Editor

Going into her fourth semester on the Harbinger staff, junior Francesca Lorusso is delighted to start as an art editor, photo mentor and page designer. When she isn’t struggling to write a coherent caption for a gallery or losing sleep over making someone’s page art, she is helping to plan an International club meeting, making costumes for a play or musical, or trying to perfect an AP Art project.

Tyler Russell, Photo Editor

After spending hundreds of hours on photoshop, junior Tyler Russell is pumped to continue his journey on The Harbinger as an Assistant Photo Editor. On a typical day, you’ll find him helping the other photographers or scrambling to finish student life photos on time while editing in the library. When Tyler isn’t slouched on the library spinny chair, you’ll find him playing tennis, baking anything he can find on pinterest, or searching through Disney artifacts. Despite the stressful moments, Harbinger has become a family to look forward to every day.