The distant chatter of students hustling around the middle school echoes in the background as Alan Jiang (12) taps his microphone, rehearsing the choreography and music in his head. He hums the opening note, and the ensemble erupts into an energetic, upbeat a cappella performance. Students sit entranced on the amphitheater lawn, captivated by the group’s synchronized dance moves that complement the lively, jazzy music. As Alan strikes his final pose, he glances at the crowd of wide-eyed students, who burst into applause and cheers. 

Alan’s passion for music took root in first grade, but as he transitioned into high school, he sought out new avenues to explore his interest in music. Joining upper school choirs Bel Canto in ninth grade and Downbeat as a sophomore, he found a particular passion for the latter. He resonated with not only the show group’s upbeat songs and close-knit camaraderie, but also the chance to interact with and inspire young performers.

“I love the sense of community in the performing arts, not just at the upper school but across all the campuses,” Alan said. “Whenever Downbeat performs for or with younger students, seeing so many kids interested in performing, answering their questions and watching them perform and say how they want to keep singing in the upper school makes me feel excited about what they have in store.”

In addition to fostering relations with the younger generations of Harker’s performing arts program, Alan built close friendships with fellow members of Downbeat. Samvita Gautham (12), who met him through the introductory choral ensemble Bel Canto in ninth grade, noted his personal growth over the years.

“I thought that Alan was very dedicated from the beginning,” Samvita said. “He was very involved in the music we were learning, whether [it was] getting the notes right or fixing phrasing. [Even] before we became really close friends, he would always be there to come and help me, especially because I was a new member of Downbeat. Alan really made me feel welcome, and now, I would say he is one of the most supportive and encouraging friends I have.”

Sawyer Lai (12), who knows Alan through advisory and Downbeat, observed a newfound openness and assertiveness to him after getting to know him throughout high school. She also praised Alan’s musical ear, acknowledging the valuable impact it has on the ensemble.

“He isn’t afraid to voice his opinions,” Sawyer said. “He’s very musically inclined and finds joy in perfecting things musically in terms of intonation and phrasing, which is super important for a group like Downbeat. Now that we’re closer friends, I get to see a side of him that’s a lot more outgoing, funny and opinionated.”

In addition to cultivating enduring friendships, Alan has honed his leadership skills through his involvement in the performing arts community. 

Downbeat Co-Director Jennifer Sandusky, who first met Alan when he was a ninth grader in Bel Canto, has witnessed Alan’s growth as a leader over the years. In particular, she was impressed by his contributions to the ensemble’s cohesive spirit and blend. 

“Alan’s number one strength is definitely his musicianship, his musical ear,” Sandusky said. “He’s also done a really good job of knowing when to step forward and be a leader and when not to, as well as the right ways to be a leader during class.”

As a member of Downbeat for several years, Alan has had to navigate situations where his personal opinions differed from those of the rest of the choir. Through these experiences, he has learned to place faith in other singers in order to achieve the ensemble’s broader goals.

“Singing has really helped me work on a team because you have to trust everyone else in your ensemble,” Alan said. “Especially in Downbeat, your vowels need to match, you can’t sing too loudly because the balance needs to be great, you need to be in sync — you just have to remind yourself in every moment to trust everyone to do their part.”

As a seasoned musician himself, Alan also assists in teaching members of the introductory choirs Bel Canto and Camerata. Sandusky describes him as a proactive leader, always among the first to take the initiative in mentoring younger choral students.

“I love working with Bel Canto and Camerata because I can see myself from four years ago in their places,” Alan said. “It’s really motivating to know that I can have an impact on their journey in performing arts, and it’s really fulfilling to tell them the things I would’ve wanted to hear back then.”

After exploring the world of performing arts throughout his high school years, Alan has seen himself grow as a performer. Through his experiences, he has managed to conquer his stage fright and can now unleash his full potential when performing in front of audiences.

“What I felt being on stage used to be nervousness,” Alan said. “Now, when I’m on stage, I’m empowered, especially when there’s an audience — it’s motivating. I enjoy having many performance opportunities, because I get to experiment with different musical choices. A good performance is almost cathartic, and I get very carried away on stage, lost in the moment. And when it ends, it feels like I have released my burdens.”