Ganesarangkura band: Thai classical music transmission based on integrated ternary systems

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to examine the history and background of Ganesarangkura Band. The methodology process began with specifying sources and key informants that were drawn using purposive sampling and snowball sampling. The instruments used in this study were document analysis forms, content analysis forms, and semi-structured interview questions. The data collection process included interviews and transcription. In the data analysis process, content analysis was employed, and triangulation was used for data validation. The findings were divided into four aspects: 1) biography of Mr. Chawalit Kantarat (the founder of the band): he had a love for and faith in Thai cultural arts. He did not establish a Thai classical music band for profit but happiness. The characteristics of Mr. Chawalit include preserving Thainess, being generous, helpful, grateful, maintaining Buddhism, carrying on Thai arts and culture, and uniting Thai classical musicians from different schools, 2) background of the Ganesarangkura Band: it was active from 1952-1985 and used Mr. Chawalit’s home as a place for rehearsal and knowledge transmission. There were four band directors: Kru Thee Peeprao, Kru Prasit Thavorn (national artist), Kru Pheuad Nakranard, and Kru Boonyong Ketkong (national artist). There were four types of ensemble performing in Ganesarangkura Band: ankalung, Thai Pi-pat, Mon Pi-pat, and Mahoree, 3) members of Ganesarangkura Band: the members consisted of professional and amateur musicians from various associations such as the Office of Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Department, and others, and 4) role of Ganesarangkura Band in social engagement: the band used a home system in uniting musicians for sharing and developing Thai classical music knowledge as well as serving society in both Thai culture and religious ceremonies. Though Mr. Chawalit was not a professional musician but he made Ganesarangkura Band’s role in the Thai classical music society explicit with a new management system and has never been seen in other bands.