Let the rhythm of the gongs and drums continue to resonate.

(GLO) - In recent years, many communes and wards in the mountainous areas of Gia Lai have seen the establishment of more gong clubs and teams for young people and women, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the cultural values ​​of the Central Highlands gong culture.

The "junior" gong ensemble of Blang 3 village (Ia Hrung commune) was established in 2021 with over 40 members. Many members are now young adults but still maintain regular practice, increasingly demonstrating their role as the next generation in preserving and promoting the value of this heritage.

The team not only performs at local festivals but also participates in performances at many large-scale events. In particular, they performed gong music at the Exhibition of National Achievements held in Hanoi to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day.

Artisan Puih Đup (left) teaches gong-playing skills to the gong team of Blang 3 village (Ia Hrung commune). Photo: R'Ô Hok

Recently, artisan Puih Đup has been in charge of the "junior" gong ensemble in Blang 3 village. He shared: "Currently, the team has 24 male and 18 female members who perform the traditional gong music. Some older members participate in mentoring and guiding the team during practice. The good news is that the children are all passionate about gong music, so they learn very quickly. I'm very happy and believe that the younger generation will preserve the sound of gong music in the future."

Ksor Thơ (born in 2008) has been a member of the "junior" gong ensemble of Blang 3 village for over 3 years. The early days of practicing gongs were not easy for her, as she had to patiently learn each movement and each gong rhythm.

“As the gong music gradually became ingrained in me, the more I practiced, the more enthusiastic I became, my hands played better and better, and my mind remembered more and more pieces. I am truly happy to participate with the team in performing my favorite pieces such as: 'Celebrating the New Rice Harvest,' 'Celebrating Victory,' and 'The Brave Young Man'… which hold great meaning for the Jrai people,” Ksor Thơ confided.

Training session of the Blang 3 village gong team . Photo: R'Ô Hok

The number of young people participating in gong and drum teams and clubs is increasing. Most recently, the Ia Púch Commune Youth Union established the Commune's Youth Gong and Drum Club in October 2025, with 24 members. Every evening from Monday to Saturday, club members gather at the community center in Goòng village (Ia Púch commune) to practice under the guidance of experienced artisans.

Rơ Mah Hải (born in 2008, Goòng village) shared: “I am very happy to join the gong club. Besides the guidance from adults, many friends who know how to play the gong have taught and mentored each other, so now most members are quite proficient. We are very excited to perform gong music in some of the commune's festivals.”

Ms. Siu Thao, Secretary of the Youth Union of Ia Púch commune, said: “The establishment of the Youth Gong Club in the commune not only demonstrates the pioneering role of the Youth Union in preserving cultural heritage, but also educates about traditions, awakens pride and awareness of preserving identity in the local youth. In the future, the Youth Union will continue to maintain and develop the model, organize more exchange activities and gong performances, contributing to enriching the spiritual life and preserving the gong music of the Central Highlands.”

Not only are there male gong ensembles, but many localities have also established female gong ensembles. This is not just a formal innovation in community cultural activities, but has truly proven effective. Mothers and sisters not only take care of farming and keeping the hearths of their stilt houses warm, but also powerfully strike the gongs, their sounds echoing through the mountains and forests.

The gong and traditional instrument club of Chuet Ngol village's women performs gong and traditional musical instruments at a local event. Photo: Provided by the organizers.

Ms. H'Thi, Head of the Gong and Traditional Musical Instruments Club for Jrai women in Chuet Ngol village (An Phu ward), said: "Previously, Jrai women did not play gongs but only participated in traditional dances during festivals. In March 2024, stemming from the desire of the women to learn and participate in preserving the gong tradition, Chuet Ngol village and other units and localities collaborated to establish a Gong and Traditional Musical Instruments Club with 40 female members, aged 18-35. Despite being busy with family work, the members still arrange time to fully participate in practice sessions. Currently, the members are proficient in playing many traditional gong pieces. The club actively participates in festivals and community events in many places."

“Since I was little, I’ve been fascinated by the sound of gongs and drums during village festivals and have always dreamed of having an all-female gong and drum ensemble. When this became a reality, I was overjoyed and always dedicated myself to contributing to the club. Currently, in addition to playing gongs and drums, the members also play the t’rưng and klông pút instruments to create a lively and engaging performance,” H’Thi shared.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/de-nhip-cong-chieng-mai-ngan-vang-post573073.html