To let the folk melodies resonate far and wide.

In 2024, the Loc Ninh (formerly) Folk Song and Music Club was officially established after more than 34 years of development, marking a significant step forward in the restoration of the cultural values of this traditionally rich village. From a small commune, after the merger of three localities – Loc Ninh, Bac Ly, and Quang Phu – Dong Thuan ward, on its path of renewal today, seems to have gained strength and momentum for development from the simple yet pure and peaceful songs and melodies that capture the spirit of the countryside: “Greetings to beloved Loc Ninh with its flower-strewn roads. Greetings to heroic Quang Phu. Bac Ly, with its steadfast songs. Now we are united as one family, working together to build. Building Dong Thuan ward towards progress” (Opening lines of the Folk Song Suite on the Path of Renewal, composed and performed by the Loc Ninh Folk Song and Music Club).

The dedicated "captain"

If the Loc Ninh Folk Music and Singing Club is likened to a boat sailing far out to sea, then folk artist Hoang Thi Thanh (72 years old) is the skilled "captain" steering the boat through the waves of time to a safe harbor, marking its success.

Born and raised in Loc Ninh, the fourth of nine siblings, Hoang Thi Thanh's father was a talented vocalist. Her siblings and grandchildren also shared a passion for the arts, mastering musical instruments such as the trumpet, flute, drums, and zither, and excelling in dance, singing, and choreography. This nurtured her passion and dedication to folk arts, leading her to become the head of the Folk Music and Singing Club of the former Loc Ninh commune (now Dong Thuan ward).

The head of the Loc Ninh Folk Music and Singing Club (Dong Thuan ward) proudly talks about the club members - Photo: H. Tra

From a small group of about 10 people who loved singing the folk songs of their homeland (in 1990) to establishing the Folk Song and Music Club, it was a long journey filled with many ups and downs, difficulties in terms of facilities, equipment, props, and human resources. But thanks to the poignant folk melodies, such as the folk songs of Binh Tri Thien and the Le Thuy folk songs, they captivated and attracted the enthusiastic participation of those passionate about singing. After countless rehearsals and participation in competitions and performances, in 2024, the club officially received its name after 34 years of hard work: the Loc Ninh Commune Folk Song and Music Club, with over 30 members. The oldest member is 75 years old and the youngest is in their early 30s.

“No sound system, stage lights, funding, professional props, or background music, but the practice sessions dragged on and grew in number due to the unending enthusiasm and captivating nature of like-minded souls. There was only singing, laughter, and impromptu rhythms made from teacups and wooden sticks, yet the singing never faded…,” shared Hoang Thi Thanh, the club's leader.

“Although I still face many hardships in making a living, my life now cannot be without singing. Whenever I hear the resounding drums and musical instruments, or the invitations from the senior members, I try to arrange my time to join them. Immersing myself in the atmosphere of folk melodies, I forget all the worries of life,” shared Nguyen Trinh Anh Tu, a young member of the club.

Sowing the seeds of folk songs for today's generation.

The name Dong Thuan ward was just established when the folk songs were quickly perfected, practiced, arranged, and performed by the club's artisans at various exchange events and festivals, such as: "Dong Thuan, My Homeland on the Path of Renewal"; "Preserving Folk Songs"; "Folk Song Suite of the Homeland on the Path of Renewal"... Through these, they evoked in the hearts of all the people a greater love for the name of the land, the village, the homeland, and the country.

Folk artist Hoang Thi Thanh, head of the Loc Ninh Folk Music and Singing Club, said: “Since the two-level local government came into operation, bringing the three localities together, the club has become more active, larger in scale, and attracts more members to practice. The club meets once a week. Although operating funds are limited, mostly raised by the members themselves, when there is a performance program or when invited to perform by a unit or locality, the club members always try to arrange their schedules and dedicate time to practice. Each club member shares a common love for the traditional culture of their village, sings well, plays instruments skillfully, is proficient in folk melodies and tunes, and is passionate and enthusiastic.”

The Loc Ninh Folk Song and Music Club and students perform the song "Preserving Folk Songs" - Photo: H. Tra

Currently, the club has invested in a fairly complete set of instruments, such as large drums, lidded drums, double drums, cymbals, and two-stringed fiddles… Therefore, training and performances are becoming more professional and attractive.

“During performances, depending on the program, the club mobilizes additional primary and secondary school students in the area and receives positive responses from parents and students. This is also a promising sign, a foundation for training potential ‘seeds’ to inherit and develop the unique cultural heritage in the future,” Deputy Head of the Club Nguyen Song Gian expressed his confidence.

Thanks to their tireless contributions, the Club's Chairperson and the entire Loc Ninh Folk Music and Singing Club have received numerous certificates of merit and commendations from various levels and sectors. Among them, folk artist Hoang Thi Thanh was honored with a certificate for her participation in passing on her skills in playing and singing folk music.

“Because it possesses a full range of talents, including singing, dancing, and music, the Loc Ninh Folk Song and Music Club is growing and confidently participating in many large and small performances. The amateur performers also compose many new songs for occasions celebrating the Party and the Spring Festival, or other current events of the homeland and country, deeply moving people. This is a place that preserves traditional cultural values and is an effective force for disseminating information through song and music. In the near future, to encourage the expansion of the club's activities, the ward will complete the procedures to launch the club with a new name: Dong Thuan Ward Folk Song and Music Club. From there, new members from Bac Ly Ward and the former Quang Phu Commune will join, continuing to sing folk songs and contributing to preserving the traditional cultural identity of Dong Thuan,” added Hoang The Viet, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thuan Ward People's Committee.

Huong Tra

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202601/de-ngan-xa-lan-dieu-dan-ca-2fd1d8e/