Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Lor.
Hi Hillary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Hillary Lor (Lauj), and I am known for performing cultural flutes in the community. I own and perform different types of flutes such as the Hulusi, Dizi, Raj Nplaim, and more. I am most proud of being one of the only few members in the community doing this type of performing arts. I was awarded “Hmong Woman of the Year” by Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together in June 2022 and received grants from Springboard for the Arts to host community concerts such as the first-ever Hmong Hulusi Healing New Year Concert and Suab Nrov: Hmong Woman, Queer, and Trans Collaboration Concert.
I am the first Hmong American to have performed at events such as Mill City Museum and StoryArts MN’s Herstory and to have a 1-hour solo performance at Mall of America’s Rotunda. Some of my favorite performances are at elementary and high schools. I enjoy being an inspiration for the young generation and informing them of the importance of following their dreams and passions. Most Hmong parents desire for their children to be doctors or lawyers, but I tell children that becoming a musician/artist, and anything else is just as important!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Often when I perform, I noticed that I am usually either the only woman, woman of color, or Hmong person in the performance lineup. It’s not easy being a Hmong woman performing in the community. Generally, Hmong women are expected to be at home cooking, cleaning, caring for children, and not stand out against men. Men are instead expected to be the leaders and bring honor to the family. Being a performing artist means I am very public in the community and it does take away some of my evenings and weekends from family/friends. I am grateful to have a supportive partner and family who don’t limit me from my potential. I’ve had elders come up to me after a performance and tell me that they are proud of me because they know that being a Hmong woman is difficult. Some say that even after I marry, I should continue what I do and never give up.
Additionally, although the Twin Cities is a place for Hmong artists to thrive, I observed that Hmong male artists receive more opportunities for performances and recognition. I used to always wish that the promoters (who are mostly men of course) would invite me to perform for their concerts. It’s always the same lineup of male artists and the same genre of music. Eventually, I learned to stop wishing and to find my opportunities instead; even if it means not performing within the Hmong community. The genre I perform is different, and I want to perform at events that will allow me to achieve healing, connection, and cultural preservation/appreciation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s a long story, but my performing arts journey began at a young age. My inspiration for music and the performing arts came from my dad. When my dad lived in the Thai refugee camps, he was a drummer/keyboardist/guitarist for a band. He performed for church events as well as Hmong New Year celebrations. In 5th grade, the band program was introduced to my elementary school.
My dad encouraged and supported me to join. He was willing to pay for instrument rental fees and books, even though our family was impoverished. I remember the first day when I chose an instrument, the flute spoke to me the most. I couldn’t get any instruments to work, but when I took a breath into the flute, I was able to make a sound. Since that day, I stuck with the flute and used it as a way to express my thoughts and emotions.
I’ve continued band from elementary until graduate school! The band was my favorite class and it was one of the only few classes where I felt I can truly be myself and be happy. All my band/music teachers were genuine and believed in me. Even though I couldn’t afford private lessons, they were willing to give their extra time to teach me or provide me with resources to improve my flute playing.
College was when I began performing in the community. It was a time in my life when I desired to explore deeper into my cultural roots as a Hmong/Asian American. My brother gifted me a Hulusi flute for Christmas, and immediately I played a melody with it. At the same time, I also noticed that there weren’t many people in the community performing flutes so I thought: If no one else does this, then I might as well. Someone has to pave the way even if the journey may be lonely. I felt a calling to do this, so I started with performing at college/university events for their Hmong New Year and Asian heritage celebrations. Eventually, community members noticed me and invited me to perform for their community-wide events.
I am grateful for the support of my family and friends, as well as community organizations like Springboard for the Arts who provided grants for me to continue doing what I am doing. I couldn’t have done this alone if it wasn’t for the community and others. I also praise God and my ancestors for this gift of music. I learned from my grandfather that my great-grandfather was a well-known Qeej player and musician in his village. He was self-taught and had no master to teach him. It’s interesting because I am also self-taught! This gift of music is something I want to continue and pass down to my children and the younger generation.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Whenever I perform at elementary or high schools, I always advise the students to follow their passions and dreams. If I could go back to 10 years ago, then I wished I pursued a major in performing arts or music. At the time, I didn’t believe in myself enough and I didn’t want to disappoint my parents if I chose a major that wasn’t “financially stable.”
I did learn eventually that I don’t need a performing arts or music major degree to do what I am doing now, but having the major would have been nice to open up more opportunities for me. For anyone – please believe in yourself! And, continue becoming the best version of you that you can be. That’s what success and leadership are to me – being your authentic self and sharing it with the world.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialHillaryLor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillarylor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialHillaryLor/about
