Female artist passes on gong to the younger generation

Ms. Drinh was exposed to the sound of gongs since she was a child when she saw her father, uncles, and men in the village gather to perform. However, she could only watch from afar, because in the past only boys were allowed to play the gong, so she kept her love for gongs in her heart.

In 1981, when she became an employee of the Kong Chro District Cultural Center. Thanks to her frequent visits to the facility and meetings with artisans, she had the opportunity to learn and improve her skills. “At that time, I was only 25 years old, still very young. Every time I heard artisans play gongs and sing xoang, I was fascinated. I could feel the music right away, as if it was in my blood,” Ms. Drinh shared. In addition, Ms. Drinh is also proficient in the guitar and gong.

Ms. Dinh Thi Nguy (right cover) is being carefully instructed by Ms. Drinh. **Photo: Chu Hang**

In 1994, after getting married and having children, she had to put aside her job at the Cultural Center to return to the fields, weaving, brocade weaving and taking care of her family like many other Bahnar women. But strangely, it was during that time of “hiding”, her love for gongs grew in her. In 2015, Ms. Drinh began teaching gongs to women in the village. At that time, there was no gong club, so it only gathered women from 18 to 60 years old, and anyone who was interested could come and learn. She taught by clapping her hands to the rhythm, singing with her mouth imitating the gong sounds, and then giving detailed instructions.

In 2022, she and some other women founded the Plei Nghe neighborhood women's gong club, gathering everyone and providing step-by-step instructions. The club currently has more than 100 women. She said: "Gongs cannot be taught theoretically. We have to let the children listen, feel, and then play the gong themselves. At first, they may be out of rhythm, but if they play a lot, they will have soul and feel the music."

Ms. Dinh Thi Di (born in 1991, Plei Nghe residential group, Kong Chro town) said: “I have been taught gongs by Ms. Drinh since I was 20 years old. Before, I only knew a little bit, thanks to Ms. Drinh's dedicated teaching, I have a deeper understanding and love for my ethnic culture. Ms. Drinh is a very enthusiastic teacher, loves gongs and always teaches with all her heart.”

Ms. Dinh Thi Drinh (right cover) is passionate about teaching gong to the women at the club. **Photo: Chu Hang**

The Plei Nghe Women's Gong Club operates regularly every night from 6-9pm. She focuses on teaching gong pieces to perform on occasions in the village when there are weddings, engagements, National Unity Day, New Year celebrations, traditional festivals of the nation and participates in Gong festivals organized by all levels with the hope that the next generation will not forget the traditional cultural identity of their nation.

Not only is she a talented performer, Ms. Drinh is also proficient in weaving and brocade weaving, traditional crafts of the Bahnar people. Each product she makes bears a strong cultural imprint, demonstrating meticulousness, ingenuity and dedication to preserving national identity. She also regularly participates in cultural exchange activities at the district and provincial levels, presenting unique xoang dance and gong performances.

Besides knowing how to play gongs, she also knows how to weave brocade. **Photo: Chu Hang**

Her persistent contributions have been recognized with many titles: In 2022, she was awarded the title of Meritorious Artisan. In the same year, she was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Chairman of the People's Committee of Kong Chro district for her outstanding achievements in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. In early 2024, she was awarded the title of "Outstanding Woman of 2024" by the Women's Union of Gia Lai province.

Ms. Drinh said: “I hope that the young generation will not only know how to play gongs but also love and respect their culture. I hope that each gong sound is a beat of the Bahnar people’s heart with a spirit of pride and responsibility to preserve tradition. Without the younger generation to inherit, the gong sound will only be an echo of the past. I always tell my children that preserving culture is not only a joy but also a mission, the survival of our community.”

Talking to reporters, Ms. Dinh Thi Och - Vice President of the Women's Union of Kong Chro district - said: "Ms. Dinh Thi Drinh is a typical example in preserving and promoting the gong culture of the Bahnar people. Not only does she inspire passion for the younger generation, she is also a pioneer in initiating gong teaching activities, actively supporting the community when needed. Ms. Drinh has the ability to stage and organize a methodical and creative performance team and always comes up with practical and unique ideas. Thanks to her dedication and responsibility, many younger generations have access to, understand and appreciate the traditional cultural values of their people."

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/nu-nghe-nhan-truyen-lua-cong-chieng-cho-the-he-tre-post324635.html