Khanh Hoa: Raglai students continue the sound of the Chapi instrument amidst the mountains and forests.

Bringing traditional music into schools.

In early October, the courtyard of Phuoc Ha Ethnic Boarding Junior High School buzzed with the clear, rustic sounds of the Chapi instrument. Amidst the tranquil mountain scenery, the rhythmic notes, sometimes slow and deliberate, resonated from the young hands of the Raglai students. For many, this was their first time holding the instrument and exploring a traditional musical instrument that had been intertwined with their ethnic group's cultural life for generations.

After school, Ta Nu Thu Cuc, a student in class 9.1, enthusiastically practices playing the piano with her friends. Each finger searches for the rhythm, their eyes intently following the instructions of the musician. Joy is evident on their faces each time they produce a perfectly formed note, as if they have just touched a part of the cultural heritage of their grandparents and parents.

"I'm very excited to learn to play my ethnic instrument. I will try my best to learn well so that I can teach it to younger students and family members in the future," Cúc shared.

Chapi lessons are not simply an experiential activity; they also help students better understand their roots, foster pride, and cultivate a sense of preserving their national identity. When the music resonates in the schoolyard or on stage, heritage is no longer a distant story but a vibrant presence in the children's lives.

Every week, the school organizes two Chapi lessons, and also invites local artisans to directly instruct on the techniques of using the instrument. Clubs and groups are also formed, creating opportunities for students to practice regularly and gradually master traditional rhythms.

According to Mr. Hoang Luong Dan, the school principal, introducing the Chapi instrument into the curriculum is a continuation of the traditional cultural education activities that have been maintained for many years. For over 10 years, the Ma La musical instrument club has become a valuable playground, helping Raglai students access the distinctive sounds of their ethnic group. Now, with the Chapi instrument, the cultural experience space is further expanded, contributing to fostering love and responsibility among the younger generation towards their heritage.

"Through this activity, students not only hone their talents and have a healthy playground after school, but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values ​​of the community. More importantly, direct practice helps them develop an awareness of appreciating and preserving traditional values ​​that are facing the risk of disappearing," Mr. Dan shared.

Amidst a group of attentive students practicing their instruments, 61-year-old artisan Ta Thia Banh from Gia village, Phuoc Ha commune, patiently guides them through each movement of holding the instrument, creating rhythm, and listening to the sound. For him, each teaching session is not simply a music class, but also a journey of passing on the cultural heritage accumulated and preserved through many generations.

Preserving the sound of the instrument is preserving the community's memory.

In the memory of artisan Ta Thia Banh, the Chapi instrument was once a familiar part of the Raglai people's lives. After a day of working in the fields, as night fell, around the flickering firelight, the elderly and young people would gather, humming songs to the rhythm of the instrument. That simple sound dispelled hardships, strengthened community bonds, and became an indispensable part of the community's spiritual life.

The sound of the Chapi instrument is also associated with love stories. Through heartfelt encounters, songs, and melodies, many young men and women find common ground, express their feelings, and nurture their relationships. Therefore, the instrument is not only an entertainment instrument but also preserves the customs, habits, and cultural memories of the Raglai people.

“In the old days, young Raglai people grew up with the sound of the Chapi instrument. They taught themselves how to split bamboo, make strings, tune, and play the instrument from a young age. But today, those once familiar sounds only resonate in the homes of a few elderly artisans,” Mr. Banh recalled with a touch of sadness.

Modern life is changing the cultural life in the villages. New forms of entertainment are becoming increasingly popular, while the pressure of making a living leaves many with little opportunity to engage with traditional musical instruments. Those who know how to craft and perform the Chapi are dwindling, mostly elderly people. In Phuoc Ha, only a few artisans still possess the techniques for making the instrument and the traditional melodies.

"To preserve the spirit of the Chapi instrument for the younger generation, we need a systematic teaching plan that ignites a love for the heritage. Otherwise, one day, the traditional musical instruments of the Raglai people, including the Chapi, may only be preserved in exhibition rooms," Mr. Banh lamented.

Introducing the Chapi instrument into schools goes beyond mere extracurricular activities. Schools create an environment where heritage is regularly present in students' lives; artisans directly teach skills, knowledge, and cultural stories that books cannot fully convey. This connection between education and local cultural stakeholders opens up a practical approach to preservation, bringing heritage from community memory back to the next generation.

Preserving traditional culture is not simply about retaining existing values; more importantly, it's about creating conditions for those values ​​to continue developing in contemporary life. When students get hands-on experience with musical instruments, understand the stories behind each melody, and have the opportunity to perform, heritage will gradually become a part of their awareness, emotions, and responsibilities.

Amidst the mountains and forests of Phuoc Ha, the sound of the Chapi instrument is being extended by the still-clumsy hands of the students. The melodies today may not be as perfect as the sounds in the memories of the artisans, but each lesson is a small step on the journey of preserving the Raglai identity. From this highland school, a love for heritage is being nurtured, so that the sound of the mountain instrument will not only resonate in the memories of those who came before but will also continue to be present in the lives of future generations.