By Gavin Bowyer and Keira De Vita
Alan Hy (Him) “Lucifer” “The Goat” “Godly” Lu; a great music player and an even better friend. Alan takes part in most of the band programs on and off campus, as music is a major part of his life, something he is very passionate about. Alan joined his musical pursuit in an effort to become better than his eldest brother, Richard Lu, a sort of friendly competition that led to a broader passion for the art form. Alan’s brother Brian was the previous Drum Major for the 2023 Marching Band Season and left big shoes for Alan to fill his Senior year. Alan became a true role model for the underclassmen, an amazing friend to the upperclassmen, and an impeccable leader. He will be missed as a player and friend next school year.
Imagine going into your sophomore year of band thinking about quitting, knowing lots of people are unsure of the season, and worrying about four or five months of their year being completely boring and unfun. Now, the season has started and Alan Lu has solely taken it upon himself to keep the program entertaining and engaging. The first competition is on the horizon, and you aren’t sure what you’re going to do on the bus ride nor who to hang out with during pre-comp/ warm-ups when Alan graciously invites you to chill with the Seniors and sit in the back with music AUX. This is my (Gavin Bowyer’s) exact experience, and I am so grateful to Alan for making the time to reach out. Alan and I have grown very close, and I appreciate him more than he knows for his simple kindness. But enough of the sappy Marching Band stuff because it’s Winter Percussion season now. This is Alan’s second year of Winter Percussion and second season playing the drums. Alan spoke about how “[he is] so glad to have performed with all my closest friends,” and how the band was made more enjoyable because of drum line instructor Greg Matheny.
Once again, Lu is on the bass drum for winter percussion season and is shaping up into quite the stellar player. He has morphed into an indispensable authority figure for the underclassmen due to the small amount of upperclassmen this year. Winter Percussion is excited for the spring semester. Alan “The Golden Star” is one person everybody should have in life because he makes everything a little bit better.
We interviewed Alan ourselves so you could get an insight into the type of artist he truly is.
What instrument(s) do you play?
“Tuba, Baritone, Sousaphone, french horn, bass drum, snare drum, saxophone, trombone, chimes, and cabasas.”
What got you into music?
“I wanted to be better than my older brothers (Richard and Brian Lu) so I started a year earlier than Richard did.”
What is your favorite thing about the Westmont music department?
“The community and the instructors.”
What types of opportunities have you had to grow as an artist?
“I have been given the opportunity to grow as both a musician and a leader through earning section lead.
What is one risk you have taken during your time at Westmont as a musician?
“Joining the winter percussion program. Everything is different. The music was different and rather being apart from the rhythm I was now a part of the rhythm.”
What would you say to anyone wanting to pursue band?
“If you are truly passionate about it, pursue it. But it takes a willingness and dedication to pursue something that takes up so much time.”
Do you have plans to continue pursuing music post-graduation?
“Perchance as a side hobby.”