Tai Yai’s Musical Performing Culture of Percussion and Wind Musical Instruments in Kyaukme, Shan State of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Abstract

The present study is a qualitative research involving the percussion and wind musical instrument performing culture of Tai Yai music in Shan state, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The study aims to investigate physical and sound characteristics, performance methods, performance and special techniques, as well as songs played with the percussion and wind musical instruments.

          Music of percussion and wind musical instruments plays a pivotal role in Chad Tai. According to the field data elicitation in Kyaukme, wind musical instruments were not found. There are two Chad Tai performance troupes in Kyaukme: (1) Tai troupe of Kru Sai Par Harn in Ban Tong Nao and (2) the troupe of Ong Hug Ke in Ban Mueang Tang.  Music performed in Chad Tai performances includes local and western instruments. It is played within band after a performance has completely been run on stage. The Tai group composes its Chad Tai band by including Mong Kaeng, the Toy Yor Horn, keyboard, Chao Long Pad and Gee. For the group of Ong Hug Ke, the band is identically formed without keyboard. It is discovered that the two troupes use the same Chad Tai song. The songs must begin with an overture called “Piew”. and the final song called “Ong Yah Ong Chong”.