At the schoolyard bench during recess, more than 10 students from the Pa Ko folk song club were enthusiastically playing and practicing the song Kanaum . Pa Ko's simple, rustic yet captivating singing echoed in a corner of the schoolyard. Outside, many other students were listening attentively.

Wild and rustic melodies

During many years of teaching in the mountainous region of western Quang Tri province, teacher Tran Thi Thanh Huyen heard many artists sing Pa Ko folk songs that touched people's hearts.

They have folk songs with interesting and attractive melodies but they are gradually disappearing because they only have spoken language and no written language.

"These folk songs are primitive and rustic, singing about daily life, labor and production... Folk songs are not written down but only passed down orally. Some folk songs and traditional musical instruments have been lost," Ms. Thanh Huyen worried.

At Dakrong Secondary and High School (Ta Rut commune, Dakrong district), 70% of the students are Pa Ko, but only 28% know about Pa Ko folk songs and musical instruments.

In September 2023, the school established the Pa Ko folk song club with 12 members, now increasing to nearly 30. Many members are Van Kieu and Kinh ethnic people, but they enjoy Pa Ko singing so they joined.

The club meets twice a week. However, students often practice during recess at the foot of the stairs or on a bench.

Vo Nguyen Nhu Y, class 8A, said that he has mastered the song " Tieng cicadas on the top of the mountain" and is practicing more songs like "Kanaum" and "Doan ket dan toan" . Some students practice playing musical instruments like drums, "ta lu" lute, etc. Every week, the club performs during flag salute or extracurricular activities about folk culture.

The club also invited Pa Ko artists to teach singing and playing, and film videos for students to practice and pass on.

Nurturing traditional sources

Ho Thi Thanh Truc, class 8A, expressed her joy at participating in protecting the intangible cultural heritage of her own people. Since grade 4, Truc has been aware of the folk songs of the Pa Ko people and practiced them on her own. However, due to the lack of companions, the results were not much.

"Joining the club, I was taught by artists and practiced singing with friends, so I improved a lot. I performed Pa Ko folk songs in the commune's cultural night on New Year's Eve," Thanh Truc proudly said.

Truc admits that it is somewhat difficult to practice singing because she only relies on memory, but if she tries hard and is diligent, she can overcome it.

Meanwhile, Nhu Y commented that Pa Ko melodies are very meaningful, unique and attractive. "There are exciting songs, some songs carry a bit of sadness of love, or carry melodies of longing for a friend. Pa Ko's voice and singing style are different, so it takes perseverance to sing them well," Nhu Y said.

Artisan Kray Suc commented: "The club spreads faster in schools, and young people learn faster than older people. Only when children love it can they absorb the spirit of folk songs."

Mr. Nguyen Khuong Chinh - vice principal of the school - said that at first listening to Pa Ko folk songs he found them strange but then felt the rhythm was very nice.

"The school creates every opportunity for students to maintain and promote national traditions," said Mr. Chinh.

Delicious and unique dishes of the Ta Oi, Pa Ko and Co Tu people

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