Preserving Xoan Singing Heritage in Schools

Students of Tan Dan Primary School actively participate in Xoan singing performance.

Located next to the ancient communal house, teachers and students of Hung Lo Primary School always remind themselves that they need to raise awareness and responsibility in preserving and promoting the value of Xoan singing heritage. Therefore, along with constantly innovating and improving the quality of teaching and learning, the school also actively organizes activities related to Xoan singing. In 2020, the Xoan singing and folk song club was established with more than 200 members who are students and teachers in the school.

Nguyen Tung Duong, a student of class 4D, shared: “Since entering grade 1, our teachers have taught us Xoan singing, at first with short, easy-to-remember songs, then with longer, more difficult songs. In the beginning, I didn’t know how to hold a drumstick to beat the rhythm of the song, but now I can confidently perform with my friends in the club tunes such as: Mo ca, Danh trong giao Phao, Xin hue do hue...”.

It has become a tradition that every Tuesday and Thursday, all students in the school learn Xoan singing during recess. Thus, Xoan singing has become an indispensable part of the education program about love for heritage here.

Teacher Le Thi Lan Anh - Principal of the school said: "100% of the classes have studied and learned Xoan singing, in which most students from grade 2 and above know 2-3 ancient Xoan songs. The selection of songs to be taught is discussed by the school in coordination with the Xoan singing and folk song club of Hung Lo commune to choose melodies that are close, familiar, easy to learn, and easy to remember. The school's club also regularly participates in performances whenever there are groups of guests visiting Hung Lo communal house".

Xoan Singing and Folk Song Club of Hung Lo Primary School participated in Xoan singing performance at the art exchange program serving Hung King's Commemoration Day and Cultural - Tourism Week of the Ancestral Land in 2025 organized by Viet Tri City.

Xoan singing with its smooth and graceful melodies is not only a unique cultural beauty of Phu Tho but also the pride of the Vietnamese people. With the dedication of teachers and the passion of students, the Xoan singing and folk song club of Phu Tho Department of Education and Training of Viet Tri city has become a useful "playground" where children can learn, study and practice ancient Xoan singing melodies. The club's activities not only help children practice their singing and performing skills but also foster their love for their homeland, country and sense of responsibility in preserving the national cultural heritage.

The Xoan and Phu Tho Folk Songs Club of the City Department of Education and Training currently has 95 small clubs in 95 kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools, attracting 7,128 members to participate in activities. The club's management board maintains regular activities, meetings and practices 4 times a month.

In addition, on each occasion of serving traditional festivals at local temples and pagodas and political events in the city, the Club increases practice to improve the quality of its performances. Over the past 5 years, the Club has organized 5 training classes at the grassroots level with more than 200 participants. Along with that, the Club has also won many awards when participating in competitions, performances, and festivals at all levels.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Minh Thinh - Principal of Tan Dan Primary School, Head of the Xoan and Phu Tho Folk Songs Club of the Viet Tri City Department of Education and Training shared: "In the coming time, the Club will continue to promote the teaching of Xoan and folk songs in schools, while expanding exchange and performance activities to spread the value of heritage to the public. We will also focus on innovating teaching methods, combining tradition and modernity, so that Xoan singing becomes closer and more attractive to the young generation".

Xoan singing in Phu Tho is a valuable cultural heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted sustainably. To do that, it requires the cooperation of the whole society, from state management agencies, cultural organizations, to artisans, clubs inside and outside schools to help this cultural heritage last forever, becoming the pride of the people of the Ancestral Land.

Hong Nhung

Source: https://baophutho.vn/bao-ton-di-san-hat-xoan-trong-truong-hoc-230684.htm