Portraying the beauty of the homeland through "free folk song classes"

For generations, folk songs have been closely associated with the spiritual life of ethnic communities across Vietnam. However, this spiritual food seems to be "little noticed" by young people in the 4.0 era. In order to educate love for the homeland and respect the value of national art, the Can Tho City Student Support Center in collaboration with Thai Binh Duong High School launched a zero-cost folk song class model. The class will last during the summer of 2024, with no limit on the number and age of participants.

Two students excitedly performed the folk song "Ly Cay Bong"

Each eager look, the rhythmic clapping of hands in harmony with the melody of “Ly Cay Bong” made the space of the opening day of the class more exciting. To foster the spirit of patriotism in the children, the models of traditional arteducation play a very important role. The good, the beautiful, the unique features of the nation from generation to generation have influenced many generations through folk songs and are now present in the spiritual life of Can Tho students.

Mr. Truong Tai Linh, currently working at the Ninh Kieu District Culture and Broadcasting Center - who accompanies the "Free Folk Song Class" as a lecturer in charge of teaching the history of Vietnamese folk music , guiding the basic understanding of the melodies of "ly", "ho", "ve" and practicing on some traditional musical instruments such as the zither, bamboo flute, monochord, etc., shared: "I see that you guys responded very enthusiastically, right from the beginning you guys were very curious and eager to participate in this program. Many of you even came to ask what the names of this and that musical instrument were; when you listened to the ly songs, you also said you knew the melodies. In fact, in the 4.0 era, technology is becoming more and more popular and students are exposed to foreign music imported into Vietnam through the internet, and to do folk song classes like this is also very difficult for those who promote and propagate traditional music".

Lecturers of "Free Folk Song Class" perform folk songs with traditional instruments

It is true that in the era of integration, children are often more interested in vibrant youth music, to be able to bring folk songs into schools is a constant effort. However, it is difficult but not impossible, typically in the launching ceremony of the model "0 dong folk song class", there were performances by children. Although they have not used musical instruments proficiently, their singing is not professional, but they have contributed significantly to calling for many students to register to join the class. Thereby spreading folk songs associated with the cultural and spiritual life of ethnic communities throughout Vietnam.

Phan Thien Phuc, grade 5, Thai Binh Duong high school, Ninh Kieu district expressed his feelings when performing the folk song "Ly Cay Bong" at the launch event: "When I play the organ and folk songs, I feel very happy and proud of my Vietnamese people. I see that the teachers here play the instrument very well and I wish to study in the class right away. I think I will register to learn to play the erhu."

Students enjoy playing games with the folk song teacher.

Diep Van Phat shared: "I find folk music very good. I have practiced a lot at home to perform the song "Ly Cay Bong". I feel very happy because this folk song is full of emotions. I am in the process of practicing to become a good folk singer."

Wishing to inspire passion, spread good cultural values to students with the motto "Every student who knows and understands musical instruments is a Vietnamese cultural ambassador to promote and bring Vietnamese culture to international friends". In addition to launching the model "Free Folk Song Class", students also enjoyed the "Program to introduce and perform traditional musical instruments for teenagers". The skillful fingers of the artisans who are the lecturers in the class have invisibly created a connection, teaching special historical and cultural values to the next generation.

The "Free Folk Song Class" opens on June 10, 2024, and will certainly help students love and be proud of their country more.

Mr. Phuong Tan Dat, Director of the Can Tho Student Support Center, said that the "zero-dong folk song class" model will be implemented from June 10, every Friday from 9:00 to 10:30, at Thai Binh Duong High School. The model has received the cooperation and contributions of many organizations and individuals in the role of teachers, sponsors of musical instruments, locations, etc. Accordingly, all aim to inspire passion and spread good cultural values to students.

Mr. Dat said: "This is one of the series of activities of the Summer Campaign to create a playground for young people on weekends. Currently, the Center is connecting with the Khmer Southern Buddhist Academy to organize pentatonic music classes for Khmer people in particular and those who are passionate about pentatonic music in general. Obviously, we see that in the 4.0 technology era, you have gradually forgotten and this is also an opportunity for you to go back and look back at the national cultural identity. This is also one of the programs to orient the ideological education for youth union members, teenagers and children, hopefully the program will spread and create many highlights in the hearts of students".

Learning to sing Vietnamese folk songs will help students love and be proud of their country; at the same time, they will gradually "memorize" the melodies which are precious spiritual products left by their ancestors. Through that, they will appreciate, preserve, absorb and develop this traditional music form.

Source: https://vov.vn/van-hoa/am-nhac/can-tho-khac-hoa-net-dep-que-huong-qua-lop-hoc-dan-ca-0-dong-post1096739.vov