Light up passion in students
In Dong Mon village, the old Hoa Binh commune, now Hoa Binh ward, where there is Phu Tu - Ca Cong Temple to worship the founder of Ca Tru, the sound of clappers, the sound of the stone zither and the resounding singing voice have become a part of the soul of the countryside. Born and raised in that cultural space, teacher Trinh Hoai Nam (born in 1986) soon developed a love for the art of Ca Tru. In 2018, while participating in a dance accompanying a local Ca Tru performance, she was captivated by the elegance and luxury of the singers and the deep, humming sound of the zither. From that moment, her love for Ca Tru took root in her.
She proactively applied to study at the Ca Tru Club of Hoa Binh Commune (now Hoa Binh Ward), diligently practicing 1-2 sessions per week. Thanks to her musical talent and soulful voice, she progressed quickly and regularly performed at cultural festivals. But for her, the greatest joy is not on stage, but in the clear, passionate eyes of her students when exposed to their homeland's heritage.
Since 2023, Ms. Hoai Nam has proposed to the Board of Directors of Hoa Binh Primary School, where she works, to establish a Ca Tru Club for students. This is the first model in the locality to bring Ca Tru to primary schools. At each club meeting, students enjoy learning about the history of Ca Tru, musical instruments, the role of the female singers and practicing singing ancient melodies.
Initially, the club had only 10 members, now it has grown to 20. Many students perform skillfully in acts such as: "Hong Hong Tuyet Tuyet", "Ty Ba Hanh", "Hat Noi"... contributing to enriching the cultural life of the school. The sound of the drum and the clapper resounding in the school yard makes Ca Tru, which seems so far away, become so close and lively to the students.
Hoang Thi Phuong Anh, class 5A2, said: “Ms. Nam often changes the lyrics to make them more familiar, helping us learn more easily. Now, Ca Tru is no longer strange, but has become my joy every week.”
Pham Ngoc Anh, class 5A3 said: “At first, I found it difficult because of the ancient melody, but the teacher always encouraged me. Now I know 2 songs by heart and the teacher also taught me to dance to the ancient melody. I really like Ca Tru because each lyric has meaning.”
Not only teaching in school, every weekend, she and her students go to Phu Tu Dong Mon to practice with the artists. Under the ancient roof, the sound of the zither and clappers blends with the young voices of the students, creating an artistic space that is both profound and fresh. Looking at the Gen Z "child singers" passionately singing, Ms. Hoai Nam could not help but be moved and expressed: "When students learn, create and love Ca Tru, I know that the intangible cultural heritage will be preserved forever by them."
Supporting the fire keepers
Ca Tru, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage of humanity, was once at risk of disappearing due to a lack of successors. Bringing Ca Tru into schools is a new direction, contributing to "rejuvenating" and nurturing love for traditional culture in the Gen Z generation.
Teaching Ca Tru is quite difficult because it is picky about listeners and singers. However, if it is only kept in communal houses and temples, Ca Tru will forever be a memory. Only when it is sung in schools and in daily life, will the cultural heritage truly have a chance to revive. Thanks to Ms. Hoai Nam's love and creativity, students approach the heritage in a natural and intimate way.
Principal of Hoa Binh Primary School Vu Thi Xung said that from the model of the Ca Tru Club for students of the school, many schools in the city came to learn and study the experience. In the coming time, the school will continue to expand the heritage teaching model, at the same time support and encourage teacher Hoai Nam and students to exchange in the school's extracurricular and art programs, as well as exchange with artists in and outside the city. Through that, the students are nurtured with national pride.
In particular, the locality has taken specific steps to support those who "keep the fire". In August 2025, the Party Executive Committee of Hoa Binh Ward issued Resolution No. 05-NQ/DU on management, preservation and promotion of the value of tangible and intangible cultural heritages. On that basis, the locality created conditions to maintain the regular activities of the Dong Mon Village Ca Tru Club, and at the same time implemented the Project to restore the form of singing at the communal house in the grounds of Phu Tu - Ca Cong Temple, linking heritage conservation with the development of spiritual tourism and school cultural education .
To materialize this Resolution, in November 2025, Hoa Binh Ward organized a "Ca Tru Space Night", recreating the space for singing and singing of the old guilds. The program attracted a large number of people, tourists and students to attend, including the "child singers" of Hoa Binh Primary School.
Secretary of the Hoa Binh Ward Party Committee Bui Thi Ngoc affirmed: Restoring the ca tru space is a strong commitment of the locality in preserving heritage. The locality wishes to bring ca tru back to life with the youth and love of today's people. The locality also cares and encourages those who pass on the art of ca tru such as teacher Trinh Hoai Nam, nurturing young singers and young actors to continue the journey of preserving and promoting the value of the nation's cultural heritage.
From a small club in a school to a ca tru space in an ancient palace, the persistent journey of teacher Trinh Hoai Nam, the "sweet fruits" of her love for heritage will spread to the young generation of Dong Mon today.
BUI HUONGSource: https://baohaiphong.vn/giu-gin-di-san-van-hoa-tu-nhung-nhip-phach-hoc-duong-526614.html
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