The trainees participating in the Hue folk singing training course.

Passing on the tradition of Hue folk singing to music teachers.

On weekends, dozens of music teachers from various junior high schools in Hue City gather at the Hue College of Culture and Arts to immerse themselves in Hue folk songs. Through the guidance of veteran artists and instructors in promoting Hue folk songs, the teachers participating in the training course are inspired by this art form, which is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. Beginning with a theoretical lesson led by poet Vo Que - Head of the Hue Chamber Music Club, the trainees are given a comprehensive and systematic introduction to Hue folk songs.

Perhaps the most anticipated part is the hands-on practice with Hue folk songs and melodies. Through experienced artisans, students take turns practicing Hue folk melodies, including Lý Tình tang, Hoài nam, Ngựa ô, Đoản xuân, Tiểu khúc, and Hò Mái xắp, Giã gạo, Hò khoan, as well as Hue songs like Lưu thủy, Lộng điệp, Liên hoàn, Hồ quảng, Xuân phong… In each lesson, besides the clearly written melodies on the board, students are guided by the artisans to sing along to the tunes played through the sound system. Each segment, accompanied by rhythmic clapping, creates a fun and engaging learning experience.

For the first time attending the training course, Mr. Hoang Van Duy (Vinh Thanh Secondary School) - a teacher with many years of experience teaching music - was still somewhat unfamiliar with Hue folk songs. Although he had heard a lot about Hue folk songs, he hesitated when he had the opportunity to learn them firsthand and receive instruction. However, with his existing expertise and the dedicated guidance, Mr. Duy quickly grasped the basic skills of Hue folk singing.

"The most difficult thing for me when singing Hue folk songs is the pronunciation and breathing technique. After a few weeks of practice, I've become proficient," Mr. Duy shared, adding that after a period of training, he has performed many songs and is most proud of the two songs "Luu Thuy" and "Ly Doan Xuan".

Contributing to the dissemination of excellence.

Like Mr. Duy, many other teachers participating in the training course practiced individually and in groups. In addition, they interacted with artisans and artists from the Hue Chamber Music Club at the cultural space at 23-25 ​​Le Loi Street (Thuan Hoa Ward), gaining experience and knowledge in their journey to spread Hue folk music.

“After completing the training course, upon returning, I hope to organize a Hue folk singing club right in the school to pass on what I have learned to the students. In addition, through lessons related to the local education program, I hope to introduce Hue folk melodies and songs to the students, thereby inspiring their passion and love for the traditional art of their homeland,” Mr. Duy hoped.

According to the Hue City Department of Culture and Sports, after Hue folk singing was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the city developed and issued a plan to protect and promote the value of Hue folk singing art. The highlight of this plan is the program to introduce Hue folk singing into schools, which has been implemented for many years.

To date, more than 110 music teachers from junior high schools across the city have participated and received certificates. These teachers have subsequently incorporated Hue folk singing into the music curriculum to introduce and teach it to their students.

Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hue City, said that Hue, once the capital of the country for many centuries, is a land of poetry, music, and art, a place where the finest aspects of national culture converge and spread. The traditional art forms here have nurtured and created a unique identity, among which Hue folk singing is a shining gem, a crystallization of both court and folk art traditions.

According to Mr. Hai, to continue the work of protecting and developing the heritage, the Department has developed a program to introduce Hue folk singing into schools through training for music teachers at the junior high school level and teaching Hue folk singing to students in the form of Hue Folk Singing Clubs at some junior high schools. “The program not only focuses on teaching singing skills, but also aims to open up students' ability to appreciate the music, so that they recognize the humanistic depth in each song, and learn to cherish and love the heritage of their ancestors. Through this, it nurtures a passion for traditional music, helps them confidently practice performing, and simultaneously forms awareness and responsibility in protecting and promoting the value of Hue folk singing,” Mr. Hai shared.

Poet Vo Que, head of the Hue Chamber Music Club and one of those deeply committed to this art form, believes that to popularize and teach Hue singing in the future, the teaching and training programs need to be systematic and well-structured, with high-quality curricula encompassing both theory and practice. Alongside this, support should be sought from the artisans themselves, as they possess extensive experience and expertise. Simultaneously, extracurricular activities should be organized, and technology should be applied to teaching and learning.


Nhat Minh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/van-nghe-am-nhac/giu-lua-cho-ca-hue-157887.html