Teaching drum singing in Thuc Khang (Binh Giang) to students

On the morning of December 18, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Duong coordinated with the People's Committee of Binh Giang district to summarize the program to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of the art of singing drums in Thuc Khang commune.

According to folk documents, singing drums in Cao Khe, Ngoc Cuc and Chau Khe, Thuc Khang commune developed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries by Mrs. Nguyen Thi My, whose real name was Thien Tu Ton Linh, also known as Ba Chua Tao. She was famous for her good singing, was taken into the palace by Lord Trinh as a concubine and taught the palace maids to sing drums in Cao Khe. She is considered the founder of the profession of singing drums in Thuc Khang commune today.

Currently, Thuc Khang commune has 2 military drum singing clubs in Ngoc Cuc and Tao Khe villages with 58 members. The oldest person is 86 years old, the youngest is 10 years old, most of the members are between 50-60 years old, regularly participating in cultural and artistic activities in the village and commune.

A drum singing performance by Ngoc Cuc village club

During the 3 months of implementation, from September to November 2024, the 2 drum clubs Ngoc Cuc and Tao Khe organized classes for enthusiasts and students of Thuc Khang Secondary School.

The Department of Cultural Heritage Management (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism) coordinated with the Department of Culture and Information of Binh Giang district and Thuc Khang commune to collect folk knowledge being preserved by local artisans; took photos and filmed collected documents, practice activities, and taught the art of singing the drum.

A drum singing performance by students of Thuc Khang Secondary School

In 2016, the art of singing drums in Thuc Khang commune was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In the coming time, the locality will pay more attention to material and spiritual matters so that the two drum singing clubs of the commune have the necessary conditions and equipment to maintain regular activities, organize performances, stage and compose. Propaganda, training and encouragement for the younger generation, those who are passionate, love and have talent for drum singing to participate in activities. Continue to maintain the teaching of drum singing in local primary and secondary schools.

PHUNG BAN

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/truyen-day-hat-trong-quan-o-thuc-khang-binh-giang-cho-hoc-sinh-400911.html