Let the gong's rhythm continue to resonate.

With love and dedication, the artisans of the Bu Sop gong team (Quang Truc commune) are striving to preserve and pass on the value of gong music to the younger generation, contributing to the preservation of cultural identity in this border region.

Members of the gong ensemble during an event where they introduce and teach the instrument to students at a school.

The gong-beater is driven by passion.

In the border region of Quang Truc commune, the sound of gongs still resonates like the rhythm of the village, because there are always people there who are passionate about the sound of gongs and their ethnic culture. For example, for Mr. Dieu Dinh (born in 1978), the sound of gongs has been with him since childhood, seeping into his memories and becoming an indispensable part of his life.

He never thought he would be able to play the gong. But every time he heard the gong's sound during festivals and community gatherings, he felt a surge of excitement and a strong urge to do so. From simply listening, he began following the artisans, quietly observing, and then trying to practice. Gradually, his sense of pitch and appreciation for the gong developed, allowing him to learn more quickly when taught by the artisans. "I never thought I would become so attached to gongs. But the more I listen and practice, the more I feel I belong to the sound of the gong. Every time I play the gong, I feel like I'm reliving myself, clearly hearing the rhythm of the village," shared Dieu Dinh.

From a mere listener, he has now mastered playing all six gongs in the set, becoming one of the core members of the Bu Sop village gong team. Not only does he perform at local festivals and events, but he also actively teaches the younger generation in the village alongside other artisans.

According to Mr. Dieu Dinh, there are currently about 50 people in the village who know how to play the instrument, of which about 20 are proficient and regularly participate in performances. The oldest member is 73 years old, and the youngest is over 30. Many artisans have been recognized and acknowledged for their contributions to preserving traditional culture.

However, what worries them is that today's young generation is less interested in gong music. New interests are widening the gap between the younger generation and traditional culture. Therefore, maintaining the gong ensemble's activities is not just about performing, but also about preserving and passing on the tradition.

Passing on the tradition so that the sound of the gong will resonate forever.

Driven by these concerns, the artisans of Bu Sop village have proactively participated in and organized many activities to teach gong playing to the younger generation. On weekends, gong playing classes are regularly held, attracting young people in the village to participate.

In these classes, teaching is primarily based on the experience of the artisans. First, they help students understand the meaning and characteristics of each gong in the six-gong set, how to distinguish sounds and rhythms, as well as things to keep in mind when performing. Starting with simple exercises, students are guided through practice, and then, depending on their ability, they receive additional coaching to improve their skills.

Talented and passionate students will be directly mentored by artisans, given opportunities to perform with the team in local festivals and major events. This "learning by doing" process has helped many young people gradually develop a love for gongs and become more confident when immersing themselves in traditional cultural spaces.

Mr. Dieu Brai, an elderly man in the village, shared: "We only hope that the younger generation will understand, love, and preserve the gong music of our ancestors. If we don't pass it on, it will be lost in the future. The sound of the gong is not just music, but the soul of our village."

Not only within the community, the gong ensemble also collaborates with schools in the area to introduce gong music into the school environment. Through this, students have more opportunities to access, understand, and appreciate the cultural values ​​of their ethnic group. From small classes, from simple practice sessions in the courtyard of the cultural center, the sound of gongs continues to resonate regularly, extending the cultural heritage. Despite many difficulties, the artisans persevere in preserving this tradition, hoping to receive more attention and support from the government and organizations to expand the teaching classes.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/de-nhip-chieng-mai-ngan-vang-433355.html