Song Composition: Young Thai Musicians Competition

Abstract

The Youth Music Talent Contest in 2024, organized by the Sukree Jaroensook Foundation, receiving funds from the National Research Office, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to stimulate the cultural music which is about to fade away. The project was proposed to find talented music groups comprising 2-5 members, providing opportunities for youth to showcase their skills with instruments they are proficient in. This also to preserve the musicianship, maintain the songs, preserve the instruments, and promote and modernize the national music in line with the changes of modern society. The contest requires musicians to play newly composed songs based on the original local roots, whether it be folk songs, traditional Thai songs, or national songs that maintain their uniqueness and local identity.  The heart of the Young Thai Musicians Competition is to take beautiful heritage songs from the past and develop them for the benefit of new society, laying the foundation for international standards.

            The research result was found from the composition of songs for the Young Thai Musicians Competition. During the online competition and the live performance round at Thai PBS Station, the researcher composed the new song named “Sao Noi Roi Dok”. This song is divided in three sections using traditional instruments such as Isan dulcimer, harp, Khaen,  the Pi Phu Tai, the Tung Jo drum and small cup-shaped cymbals. In the first round of the finals at Wat Kutidao, Ayutthaya province, the researcher composed a new song named “Sai Naen Lam Ploen”,  divided into three parts, using traditional instruments including harp, Khaen, Woat,  the Pi Phu Tai, long drum, Isan ramana drum, cup-shaped cymbals, large cymbals, small cymbals and gong. In the final round for the royal trophy at Pasan, Pak Nam Pho, Nakhon Sawan province, the researcher rearranged “Sai Naen Lam Ploen”,  splitting it into three sections and adjusting its musical structure. The traditional instruments include harp, Khaen, Woat, long drum and cup-shaped cymbals. The Young Thai Musicians Competition aims to showcase talented youth musicians on public performance stages, allowing audiences to appreciate the musicianship as a pinnacle of their talent. This opportunity not only allows youth to practice and compose new songs for the competition but also to perform alongside the Thai Symphony Orchestra in the final round competing for the royal trophy.