Mahoree-Puenban Band in Southern Isan: A Case Study of Mahoree Wiboonchai Band, Lahan Sai, Lahan Sai District, Buriram

Abstract

This research entitled “Mahoree-Puenban Band in Southern Isan: A Case Study of Mahoree Wiboonchai Band, Lahan Sai, Lahan Sai District, Buriram” was a qualitative research aimed 1) to study history and music of characteristics Mahoree Wiboonchai Band, Lahan Sai, Lahan Sai District, Buriram and 2) to study role of Mahoree Wiboonchai Band, Lahan Sai, Lahan Sai District, Buriram. The tools used for data collection consisted of survey form, interview form and focus group. The data were presented by descriptive analysis.

            The results found that: Mahoree Wiboonchai band was established in 2006 which has Mr.Wichai Chuchee as a band director. This band is very popular not only in Buriram but also in the nearby provinces. The musical instruments consisted of 1 Pee Sa-Lai, 1 Trua-Ei, 1 Trua-Kana, 1 Trua-Au, a pair of Sakual, Sakual-Eii, Ching , Chab, and Grab. The musicians used Pee Sa-Lai as a major instrument for tuning Trua-Eii 5^th interval and Trua-Au 4^th interval. The music was played in a short melody loop. The position of musical instruments were not specified which depends on the stages or performance area. Nowadays, most of the musicians is agriculturies, government officer and student, They are playing with the Mahoree Wiboonchai band as their second job. When people need to hire this band to perform, they need to contact the band manager directly and have to pay around 4,000 – 20,000 THB per performance depends on the date and the distance Formerly, they rehearsed one day before the performance, but they stop rehearsing lately as the members were inconvenient to travel for the rehearsal. Most of the musical instruments were made from natural materials, so they have to clean them and always keep in the case or wrap with cloth to prolong the instruments.

            The role of Mahoree Wiboonchai band was playing for the ceremony and special events. The music conveyed emotions, value, believe, and attitude which created the activities for villagers, Moreover, Mahoree Wiboonchai band was important to promote learning for those who were interested and could lead to conserve Mahoree-Puenban Band in Southern Isan.