Hop Thanh Commune organizes the 3rd annual ceremonial drum-beating competition in 2014.

(Baonghean.vn) - In the joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere of celebrating the Party and the Spring Festival, on February 13th, Hop Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district) successfully organized the 3rd annual ceremonial drumming competition in 2014.

This year's competition included not only 9 drum teams from clans within the commune but also 4 drum teams from Phu Thanh, Trung Thanh, Nhan Thanh, and Dien Thai communes in Dien Chau district.

According to the organizers' regulations, each participating team consists of 3 to 6 people, including 1 person in charge of the large drum, 1 to 2 people playing the small drums and the nao, and one person playing the gong. All must dress in traditional ethnic costumes and provide their own drums and necessary props.

In the competition, each team must play three drum beats, within a maximum of 12 minutes. These are the types of drums commonly played during ceremonial rituals in extended families or traditional village festivals, reflecting the unique cultural characteristics of the countryside. The person playing the large drum is considered the conductor and must understand the rules of ceremonial drumming, possess good health, and have nimble hands. When the large drum is played, it must create distinct beats, each with a rhythm and variations, requiring the person in charge of the smaller drums, the person holding the cymbals, and the gong player to follow along in time with the beat and rhythm.

The drum team of the Pham family's ceremonial drums, Hamlet 4, Hop Thanh Ward, Yen Thanh District.

Although they belong to the same commune, each clan has its own unique way of playing the drums. However, the commonality lies in the fact that all the sounds combine to create a lively melody, inspiring listeners and enriching the cultural identity of the homeland. A highlight of the competition, besides the core group of elders, is the active participation of many young men and women from various clans, who demonstrate creativity in rhythm and tempo, leaving a lasting impression on the people both within and outside the commune.

After a lively day of performances, the organizing committee awarded first prize to the drum team of the Nguyen Cong clan – Hamlet 10; second prize to the Vu Truong clan of Hamlet 4; and third prize to the Nguyen clan of Hamlet 1. In addition, the organizing committee also awarded individual prizes to the best female drummer and the most promising male drummer. This vibrant cultural activity at the beginning of the Spring season aims to educate the public about traditions, strengthen solidarity among clans, and contribute to local emulation movements in building new rural areas.

Sun