An expert demonstration class of the Spring Bud Dream Chorus project was held by the China Children and Teenagers' Fund (CCTF) in the Chitu Minzu Central Primary School in Nankang District of Ganzhou, a city of East China's Jiangxi Province, from April 19 to 21.
The event featured an in-depth integration between professional choral training and the inheritance of She ethnic culture in a drive to further enhance musical literacy and skills of local children and teachers.
As a special session of the class, students of the primary school's chorus visited the Huayuan She Ethnic Village on April 19 to experience the unique charm of the Sanyuesan Festival, a traditional festival celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month by various ethnic groups in China.
The visit brought them to a folk cultural museum, a rice jelly workshop and a pottery-making workshop, where they appreciated intangible cultural heritage and distinctive ethnic traditions.
The students also presented wonderful performances, creating a stunning highlight at the folk activity with their innocent voices mingled with the She ethnic culture.
During the event, specially-invited experts held systematic and professional training for the primary school's chorus and music teachers from other nearby schools. The training contents covered scientific vocal techniques, practical skills of two-part singing, the analyses and rehearsals of choral works like Selling Water.
Experts presented detailed demonstrations and explanations to address such problems like inaccurate vocal placement and insufficient breath support. They also used engaging metaphors and interactive games to guide students over the practical training of breath control and resonance.
"I used to think that singing relied heavily on the throat. The teachers told us to control voice with the 'small balloon (the pubic region)' in our bellies. It was amazing," said a student.
The event adopted an integrated approach of "observation, practice and discussion" to build a professional platform for grassroots music teachers to engage in learning and exchanges. Under the guidance of the experts, attending teachers gained hands-on practices and enhanced their teaching capabilities.
"We hope that the class will make it clear to grassroots music teachers that aesthetics and music education matter much to children's spiritual growth and self-confidence," said an expert.
A music teacher from the Chitu Minzu Central Primary School said that professional instruction has not only expanded children's horizon but also empowered rural teachers with systematic choral training methods.
The event in Ganzhou further strengthened the capacity building of local music teachers in aesthetic and musical teaching, promoted the integration of ethnic culture and achieved target empowerment via self-sustaining approaches. It also helped children enlarge personal horizon, gain more confidence and growth through musical and artistic immersion, and find a channel to convey their aspiration for a better life, ushering in a new chapter for cultural and educational development in rural areas.
Photos from CCTF
(Source: CCTF/Women of China)
Editor: Wang Shasha
