A Study of the Problems of Existence and Conservation Guidelines and Development of Wisdom in Ubon-style Morlam Mu Sangwat of Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research aimed to study the problems of the existence and the conservation and improvement guidelines of the wisdom of Ubon-style Morlam Mu Sangwat, including performance patterns, performance process, and Lam melody. Documentary research and field research were conducted through interviewing informants to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and obstacles, and to observe the operation of Morlam Mu bands to acknowledge the problems. The results found that the problems of the existence included four issues: 1) The popularity of Look Thung Morlam music is increasing, 2) Ubon-style Lam Sangwat is difficult, 3) The management of a Morlam Mu band is complicated, and 4) Khon Kaen-style Morlam Sangwat is more popular. There were two conservation and improvement guidelines: 1) In terms of policy, conservation activities and artist employment should be promoted and artists should improve their performance to current trends and 2) In terms of the guidelines for educational institutions, Morlam Mu should be taught in schools, activities related to the conservation of Morlam Mu should be promoted, and knowledge and wisdom of Morlam Mu should be recorded. In this regard, four sets of video recording knowledge of Ubon-style Morlam Mu Sangwat were created: Lam of male melody, Lam of female melody, Lam Soke of male melody, and Lam Soke of female melody. The purposes were to preserve the valuable performing arts and publicize the correct melody of Ubon-style Morlam Sangwat.

These videos will be useful for academic purposes and for people who want to practice correct singing to develop into a professional artist. However, this study could not record all knowledge of Ubon-style Morlam Mu Sangwat as a video. In the future, there should be a video recording all knowledge of Ubon-style Morlam Mu Sangwat.