Mr Thitiwut Suksiriwat A Study of Pii Java Klong Khaek in the Coronation Ceremony: A Case Study of Associate Professor Sahawat Pluempreecha

Abstract

This research study was conducted to serve the following objectives: 1) to study significance of Pii Java Klong Khaek ensemble in the royal barge procession during the coronation ceremony, and 2) to study biography, roles, and significance of Associate Professor Sahawat Pluempreecha to the royal procession during the coronation ceremony. This qualitative research study was equipped with series of in-depth interviews with several experts including Associate Professor Sahawat himself, and oter academia, and musicians in the band of Klong Nok and Klong Nai ensembles.

           The following aspects of findings could be observed in the research results. 1) The preliminary stages of this royal ceremony were to conducted within royal premises inside the Royal Palace. After that upon the latter procedures, the royal processions of both land marching and royal barge were conducted with ensembles of music with Pii Java and Klong Khaek complementing the band. These Thai instruments were assigned to perform in the fleet of drum barges. The percussion tempi of Naa thab Sarama Thai included 3 main grooves: Mai Ton, Mai Proy, and Mai Daeg were performed to honour His Majesty along the Royal Barge Procession. 2) Associate Professor Sahawat Pluempreecha had taken part in ensemble of ceremonial music in this Royal Barge Procession during his service as a music instructor at College of Fine Arts, he had transferred musical knowledge on percussion to series of students, and some of his students continued to serve at Office of Performing Arts, Fine Arts Department following their graduation. Here at their service, they were enlisted to perform Pii Java, Klong Khaek on board the fleet of drum barges during the Royal Barge Procession to celebrate the Coronation Ceremony of His Majesty the King.