Spreading ethnic histories

One of China's 55 ethnic minorities, the Dong people mainly live on the borders of Guizhou Province, Hunan Province, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Dong culture has three icons: drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges, and the Kam Grand Choir.

With a history of more than 2,500 years, the Kam Grand Choir currently prevails in Liping, Congjiang, and Rongjiang counties of Guizhou, and Sanjiang County in Guangxi. As a folk polyphonic chorus, there is no need for accompaniment or a conductor. Comprised of many low pitches and a solo high pitch, this singing mode requires at least three people to perform, but the more, the better.

The Dong language has no written form. Therefore, singers learn by oral teaching. It is thought that this method inspires innate understanding. A huge amount of cultural heritage, living customs, and social etiquette have been passed from generation to generation via the Dong's melodic songs.

The Kam Grand Choir is the essence of Dong culture, without which it would not thrive the way it does today. But due to the aggressive influence of modern life, this tradition has waned in some Dong communities. Owing to the remote location of Zaidang Village, however, residents there have been able to fully maintain the Kam Grand Choir techniques.

At night, Hu's house comes to life; dozens of children sit in her living room and learn how to sing. As well as teaching them simple children's songs, Hu and her daughters, Yang Xiuzhu and Yang Xiumei, teach some of the older students polyphonic singing in its original form, phrase by phrase.

The Kam Grand Choir consists of vigorous male and clear female vocals. Lyrics mainly depict love, heroic figures, daily life, historical stories, and nature. Since the singing style is different for male and female singers, Hu teaches girls only. "The first thing my students need to be able to do is to recite the lyrics from memory. Then, I teach them about the bass, how to take turns in pausing for a breath, and how to keep their voices smooth and steady. Finally, I teach them the treble," said Hu, who selects only the best to form a choir.

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