Preserving traditional musical instruments

BPO - Traditional music is closely intertwined with community life, present in almost all festivals, weddings, and funerals. However, due to the allure of modern forms of entertainment, these traditional sounds are gradually being forgotten. As veteran artisans age and become fewer in number, and young people lack interest and respect for them, preserving traditional musical instruments faces many difficulties in the current context.

Faced with this situation, Venerable Thach Ngoc Han, abbot of Chang Hai Pagoda in Loc Quang commune, Loc Ninh district, has devoted much effort to transforming the pagoda into a common home for those who love Khmer traditional musical instruments. Every evening, the elderly people in the hamlet gather together to practice traditional songs such as romvong, saravan, and lam lieu… to perform during the Chol Chnam Thmay New Year and other Khmer festivals. This meaningful activity has been maintained for the past three years.

Currently, the traditional musical instrument group has 6 members and usually performs at temples during the Khmer New Year.

Venerable Thach Ngoc Han shared: "According to the tradition of the Khmer people, the pagoda is a place that preserves cultural treasures, from language and writing to music . Over time, I have encouraged the elderly in the hamlet to come to the pagoda to practice musical instruments. Gradually, they have become more proficient in playing music. In the future, if conditions permit, I will organize more musical groups such as the five-tone, ro bam, and chhay dam to perform, contributing to preserving and promoting the unique cultural values ​​of the ethnic group in accordance with the direction of the Party and the State."

Every evening, the sounds of music resonate in the tranquil space of the temple, creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and imbued with the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation. Mr. Lam Sing, the leader of the traditional musical instrument group in Chang Hai hamlet, is one of the first people to "revive" traditional music activities in the area. From simple lessons passed down by his ancestors, he has now become a teacher and instructor. "I learned to play music from my grandparents. Later, thanks to the abbot's efforts and support in purchasing musical instruments, we were able to gather at the temple to practice. Every night, little by little, we learn together, recalling old pieces. We try to maintain this tradition so that our descendants will know about and continue to develop these traditional musical instruments," Mr. Lam Sing confided.

Those who played traditional musical instruments from a young age are now old, their memories sometimes fading, their fingers no longer nimble. But that doesn't stop them from picking up their instruments, playing each drum beat and each stringed instrument with all their heart. Mr. Tran Ben, a member of the traditional musical instrument group, said: "Some have forgotten everything and are learning from scratch again. Each person remembers a little, and together it makes a lot. The group not only performs during Tet (Lunar New Year) but also teaches their children and grandchildren. That's how traditional musical instruments live on from generation to generation."

The band not only performs during Tet (Lunar New Year), but also teaches their members to pass on their skills to future generations, ensuring that traditional musical instruments live on through time.

It's not just those who have been involved with traditional music since childhood who contribute to preserving cultural identity; even those who have never played traditional instruments are willing to learn and participate when they see the significance of preserving Khmer ethnic culture. One such person is Mr. Thach Phol, who moved from Tra Vinh to Binh Phuoc in 2004 to start his career. Mr. Phol shared: “At first, I didn't know how to play music, but seeing the elders in the temple perform so well and the group lacking members, I decided to join. Although we lack instruments, the greatest joy is contributing to inspiring younger generations. Every time I perform and the children praise my performance and are willing to learn, I feel very happy and motivated.”

The examples at Chang Hai Pagoda not only demonstrate the efforts to preserve Khmer traditional musical instruments but also serve as vivid proof of a simple truth: When cultural values ​​are sown with sincerity, they will take deep root in the community. Despite difficulties and shortages, the collective efforts of each person have created a close-knit cultural community, where every melody played represents the preservation of cultural identity.

There, these "teachers without blackboards or lesson plans" are daily "passing on the torch" to the next generation, not through lofty theories, but through their passion, memories, and love for their homeland. Each musical evening at that small temple is a silent but powerful message: culture doesn't exist naturally; it survives thanks to people who know how to preserve and nurture it with all their hearts.

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/19/174476/giu-gin-nhac-cu-dan-toc