December 25, 2018
By Ashna Mitta and Emily Ma
Anyone wandering around Commons II after school may hear Georges Enesco’s Legend wafting in from the band room, where Alexander Tung, a senior in the Lexington High School Wind Ensemble, is already practicing for the spring pops concert.
Tung has played the trumpet for nine years. Although he started his musical career on the piano, the trumpet has become his favorite instrument.
“I find the trumpet has a naturally broader dynamic and tonal range. It is much easier and feels more natural, at least for myself, to convey an artistic idea through the trumpet than other instruments,” Tung said.
Tung has deeply involved himself in various ensembles both affiliated and unaffiliated with LHS. In addition to the LHS Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo, he has participated in youth orchestras since the seventh grade, including the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras and New England Conservatory Preparatory School’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Out-of-school orchestras are special because they require a level of discipline and care about making music to even receive acceptance,” Tung said.
Tung also appreciates the role of the Lexington music program in his musical evolution.
“The undeniable talent found in [the] instrumental programs provided me with ample opportunity to explore various styles of music and push myself with other passionate musicians. I attribute … a significant part of my growth as a passionate musician [to the LHS music program],” Tung said.
His musical talent and hard work are evidence in his accolades: He won first place in the senior division of the 2018 International Trumpet Guild Youth Competition, and was named “Outstanding Soloist” at both the Lincoln Center’s 2017 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, and the 2017 Charles Mingus High School Competition.
Despite the numerous awards he has earned over the years, Tung remains humble and draws inspiration from other great trumpet players.
“I have always been inspired by Alison Balsom...She combines the variety of ideas I reach for in my playing—a beautiful, rich, soloistic tone and technical ability so great she has transcended her instrument. She, however, does not take part in jazz or in improvisation—I look to Clifford Brown for inspiration in this genre,” Tung said.
When he is not practicing the trumpet, Tung can be found composing or playing with his dog.
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