Is It Really Simple to Play Ching?

Abstract

This article focuses on displaying the knowledge and insight of Ching. The question was raised from two contrast views of the people within the Thai music industry and those who are not regarding whether playing Ching is simple, aiming to make readers comprehend Ching in different aspects. The content of the article includes: (1) the history of Ching, (2) Ching as a symbol of the beginning, (3) the physical characteristics of Ching, (4) important considerations for Ching players, and (5) principles and styles of playing Ching in Thai music. 

The study showed that Ching is a percussion instrument made of cast brass, shaped like a pair of Thai coconut rice pancake (Kanom Krok) molds. Archaeological and literary evidence indicated that Ching is a rhythm-keeping instrument in Thai ensembles. Past masters embedded symbolic meanings into Ching to convey the concepts of beginning in three contexts: (1) the ritual honoring ceremony of Thai music teachers, (2) teaching and learning Thai music and dance, and (3) music rearrangement.

The important considerations for Ching players include: (1) sitting posture while playing Ching, (2) ways to produce quality Ching sound, (3) the position of the Ching player in a Thai ensemble, (4) playing Ching to enhance musical emotions in performances, and (5) playing Ching to enhance musical emotions in music.  Regarding principles and styles of playing Ching in Thai music, two patterns were found: standard rhythm and special rhythm.