David Lu is a highly accomplished percussion specialist and educator whose diverse career encompasses extensive professional performance roles, including major orchestral work and acclaimed concert tours.

Q: How long have you been with the Wissahickon Marching Unit? 

A: This is my 5th year with the unit!

Q: What is your main instrument or area of expertise? 

A: My main area of expertise is percussion.

Q: How many years have you been involved in teaching and performing professionally? 

A: I've been involved in teaching and performing professionally for 13 years.

Q: What are some of your notable professional orchestral roles? 

A: I'm currently the Principal Percussionist for the Bay Atlantic Symphony, and I previously served as the Associate Principal Timpanist & Percussionist for the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra from 2018. I've also performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Virginia Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Delaware Symphony, Harbin Symphony Orchestra, and Macao Orchestra, among many others.

Q: Have you performed beyond the orchestral stage? 

A: Yes, I've showcased my talents in concert tour productions for major artists and events, including Lang Lang, Jean Yves-Thibaudet, Lindsey Stirling, Evanescence, Erika Hennigsen, Anneliese van der Pol, the Indigo Girls, and Video Games Live!

Q: What are your academic qualifications? 

A: I hold a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music & Dance, where I was a scholarship student. I also earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Maryland School of Music, with a Timpani concentration.

Q: What are your favorite quotes? 

A: I draw inspiration from: "It’s always a marathon, not a sprint" from Chris Deviney (Principal Percussionist, Philadelphia Orchestra), and "No amount of money ever bought a second of time" from Tony Stark.