The Chinese Culture Talks lecture on Chinese folk music in Washington DC

Students attend the lecture on Chinese folk music at Yu Ying Charter School on Dec 10. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Erhu player Li Chao performed a section of Chinese melody Horse Racing. Another performer, Bao Longfei, showed the variety of the sounds in the "sheng" (a reed pipe wind instrument) by playing Chinese and Western melodies. Zhongruan player Zhao Yue performed Reminiscences of Yunnan. Dong Xiaolin demonstrated the playing techniques of Pipa to the students. And the children learned how to play the Pipa under the guidance of speaker Zhou Yi who performed the melody Ambush on All Sides. The Orchestra collectively gave a performance of Boisterous Elation. At last, 40 students of the Yu Ying Charter School choir performed the Chinese song Hong Yan.

Guo Qianqian, a third grade student expressed her affection for the Pipa. She said, "I am really fond of the sounds of Pipa and want to learn how to play it, but it looks difficult."

Maquita Alexander, an officer from the school also noted that students are starting to have a strong interest in Chinese folk music, and this vivid lecture is a precious opportunity for them to learn about Chinese history and culture.