Send your love through every note.

The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, but in recent days, Mr. Tran Minh Hai (born in 1984), a teacher at Thanh Secondary School in Huong Hoa district, has been overjoyed. Recently, at the 2023 songwriting competition with the theme " Quang Tri - Faith and Aspiration," his composition won third prize.

Teacher Tran Minh Hai creates musical works from his passion and experiences - Photo: Provided

Returning from the awards ceremony, Mr. Hai said that he had received many congratulations from relatives, colleagues, friends, and students in the past few days. The Van Kieu children at the school were eagerly awaiting his return to share the joy. “Coming to this competition, I didn't focus too much on winning an award. My greatest wish was to share a work that speaks of my love for the land and people of Quang Tri. I didn't expect the song I composed to touch the hearts of so many people,” Mr. Hai shared.

To date, Mr. Hai has dedicated nearly 18 years to the noble profession of educating children in the highlands. Day after day, he brings sounds, melodies, and dreams to the hearts of young children. Every time he teaches, looking down at his students, Mr. Hai is reminded of his own childhood. Born and raised in the mountainous district of Huong Hoa, his early years were filled with hardship and struggle.

However, life's obstacles couldn't stop the highland boy's passion for music. Lacking the means to buy the musical instruments he occasionally saw on black-and-white television, he and his friends crafted guitars and drums from discarded materials. Yet, those raw, rustic sounds held a powerful allure, igniting in him a dream of pursuing a musical career. This was also the reason that motivated Hai to pass the entrance exam to the University of Arts, later the Hue Academy of Music.

Leaving the lecture halls and abandoning many opportunities, Mr. Hai decided to return to his hometown of Huong Hoa to sow the seeds of love in his music. Although life is still full of difficulties, every day standing on the podium is a joyful day for Mr. Hai.

The teacher is happy to see his students engrossed in each lesson; singing songs praising their love for their homeland and country, and confidently standing on stage... Outside of class hours, Mr. Hai also dedicates time to supporting high school students in their preparation to achieve their dream of attending university.

“After 10 years working in the town, I was transferred to Thanh commune. At first, I was a little worried because the road to school was longer and more difficult. Meanwhile, I also had to take care of my elderly mother and young children… But that worry quickly faded,” Mr. Hai recounted.

Raising children in disadvantaged, border regions has never been easy. Just getting students to attend school is a struggle. Often, homeroom teachers like Mr. Hai have to go to the students' homes, persuading grandparents, parents, and even the students themselves. After successfully persuading them, keeping them there is another major challenge. Mr. Hai and the teachers at Thanh Secondary School always pour their intellect and dedication into each lesson.

The teacher shared: “The greatest blessing is that most students in the highlands love music. Whenever it's time for class, they all sit neatly at their desks. Therefore, I always strive to innovate my teaching methods, using musical notes to keep the students engaged.”

Despite facing many hardships and worries, what is admirable is that Mr. Hai has always maintained his passion for his work alongside his love for music. Currently, he is the head of the music department at the District Education and Training Office. In addition, entrusted with professional duties, he has participated in many competitions and performances with members of the Huong Hoa District's performing arts team, winning numerous awards. Throughout his life pursuing his passion, the process of conceiving and composing songs has always been a joy for Mr. Hai. To date, he has approximately 20 of his musical creations.

Many of his musical works have left a deep impression. During the complex COVID-19 situation, the song "Vietnamese Faith," composed by Mr. Hai, was widely shared on social media, empowering millions of people to join hands in preventing and controlling the epidemic. Recently, upon hearing about the songwriting competition with the theme "Quang Tri - Faith and Aspiration" in 2023, beautiful memories and experiences of his homeland flooded back, inspiring Mr. Hai to compose the song "Quang Tri: A Bright Tomorrow." Written with emotion, the song touched the hearts of many, earning him third prize in the competition, which brought together many reputable musicians.

After the songwriting competition with the theme "Quang Tri - Faith and Aspiration," Mr. Hai returned to his daily life and work. However, familiar things seemed to have changed, for in the heart of this teacher from a remote village, there was now a burning passion, a determination to contribute, and dreams for the future. Mr. Hai promised himself that he would continue to pour his love into every note of music to beautify life.

Tay Long

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