Tai Yai’s Musical Performing Culture of Percussion and Wind Musical Instruments in Ken Tung Province, Shan State, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Abstract

This research examines the performance of percussion and wind instruments of the Tai Yai people in the Shan State, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Field data was collected in Meuang Keng Tung. The objectives of this research are the study of the physical characteristics, rhythms and techniques of percussion and wind performance and the collection of relevant tunes. In the study of Keng Tung’s percussion and wind instruments, two Jaad Tai troupes, Wat In and Jaad Sang Tai, are found. The percussion instruments they used include Pattaya, Mong Kaeng, G Hok Seng, Chow Long Pad, and Padma. Flutes have been found in Jaad Tai bands in Keng Tung, but not in Hsipaw, Kyauk Me, and Taunggy. The overture for Jaad Tai performances is the song Kuen Yai Mai Soong Meuang Tai, while the finale is the song Aung Ya Aung Jong. Techniques in playing Pattaya are: using both hands at the same time alternating with using one hand, while techniques in playing Mong Jok (Mong Kaeng) are using one hand and using the same hand repeatedly. It was found that more melodies are added to the endings of the songs, and also that repeated melodies are present at the ending of each section.