Within the last year, it has become a universal part of the College experience to suddenly find oneself hearing a high, dancing melody while walking across campus. If you’ve ever stopped what you were doing to listen closely to the SpongeBob opening, the Lord of the Rings theme song, or some obscure folk tune floating through the air, you’ve definitely encountered Alex Moon ’27 — widely known on campus as the “Flute Guy.” 

Hailing from Oregon, Moon plans to pursue a double major in computer science and sociology. Yet, it is their musical talents that have made an impression on campus. Moon is often heard playing music in the middle of Paresky, ringing the Thompson bells in the afternoons, or singing marching chants in time with their steps in Greylock Quad. 

In addition to serenading the masses, Moon has several formal musical commitments around campus. As a member of the Spring Streeters a cappella group, they not only practice and perform with other members, but also help to arrange the music for performances. Moon also plays alongside student and community members of the Berkshire Symphony when they are in need of a flutist. This semester, they joined a chamber flute quartet, and Moon participates in traditional folk tune jamming sessions at MASS MoCA. 

From Moon’s first day at the College, they have been ready to get musical. “I started playing outside at the very first opportunity — that is, move-in day 2023,” they said. “I was bored, I think.”

The label of “Flute Guy” has been a persistent feature for most of Moon’s life. “I started out on flute-type instruments in elementary school, [with] the recorder. I was pretty good at it too,” Moon said. “I’d take it out to recess and play, which means I’ve been the ‘Flute Guy’ for a long time.” 

After mastering the recorder, Moon began learning the concert flute in 6th grade. They continued playing in their high school band, enthusiastic as ever. “I haven’t really looked back since,” they said. “I just dove into flute-playing of various kinds. I have lots of recorders. I have several flutes with me on campus.” In total, they own approximately 20 flute-like instruments, including recorders, concert flutes, whistles, and kazoos. 

According to Moon, society holds an undeserved negative perception of these instruments — particularly recorders. “There’s a bias against recorders, because people don’t view them as a serious musical instrument,” they said. “Recorders were picked up as a music education tool, because they’re cheap to mass produce. They’ve become kind of clowned on. I think it’s unfortunate.”

Although they are known as the “Flute Guy,” Moon’s repertoire expands beyond flutes and recorders. In fact, most of the time, what students are actually hearing across campus is a whistle. “I have, of course, my whistles here, in my belt pouch,” Moon said. They always have at least two (to allow them to play in different keys) on hand. 

Whistles came to Moon later in life than flutes. “I went to a Renaissance Fair and they were selling whistles,” they said. “I thought, ‘I gotta take one.’” After acquiring their first whistle, Moon taught themself how to play. 

In addition to being recognizable by sound, Moon can also be identified by one of their wardrobe staples — their olive green hat. Covered in metal pins, patches, and spoons, the hat is a fashion choice that also serves a musical purpose. Spoons are Moon’s preferred percussion instrument, and they usually have a few handy. “[Spoons are] so fun to play,” they said. “I can just take them anywhere, put them in the hat.” According to Moon, the best spoons for playing come from Driscoll Dining Hall. 

If you are lucky, during your time at the College you might find yourself sitting in a room with Moon in the few moments before a midterm. They have their own special solution to pre-test anxiety — and hope to help their peers with the all-too-common problem. “I find that breaking [the tension] with an unexpected, merry little jaunt does good for the atmosphere. Even though I know the haters are vocal, I perceive that most people appreciate it,” they said. “This might be false,” Moon added.