[Photo/gywb.com.cn]

The Kam Grand Choir is the essence of Dong culture, without which it would not thrive the way it does today. But due to the aggressive influence of modern life, this tradition has waned in some Dong communities. Owing to the remote location of Zaidang Village, however, residents there have been able to fully maintain the Kam Grand Choir techniques.

At night, Hu’s house comes to life; dozens of children sit in her living room and learn how to sing. As well as teaching them simple children’s songs, Hu and her daughters, Yang Xiuzhu and Yang Xiumei, teach some of the older students polyphonic singing in its original form, phrase by phrase.

The Kam Grand Choir consists of vigorous male and clear female vocals. Lyrics mainly depict love, heroic figures, daily life, historical stories, and nature. Since the singing style is different for male and female singers, Hu teaches girls only. “The first thing my students need to be able to do is to recite the lyrics from memory. Then, I teach them about the bass, how to take turns in pausing for a breath, and how to keep their voices smooth and steady. Finally, I teach them the treble,” said Hu, who selects only the best to form a choir. Family of Kam Grand Choir Singers

Hu is very proud of her two daughters, whom she considers to be her greatest achievements. As soon as they started to speak, the sisters began to sing. According to Yang Xiuzhu, whenever they helped their mother in the field, they would practice their singing, eventually mastering even the most emotive lyrics.

In 1995, when Yang Xiuzhu was a student at junior high, she had the chance to perform a Kam Grand Choir song. Her performance went wonderfully, and won admiration from her teachers and peers, also an award. Bolstered by Yang Xiuzhu’s success, the sisters were encouraged to learn more from their mother, and to spread the art to more places.

As her daughters grew up, Hu encouraged them to take part in singing contests. They gradually became known in the local area as “the sister singers,” and went on to lead teams to victory at the National Young Singers Contest in 2006 and 2008. The two have also performed overseas. They now devote themselves to the spreading of the Dong culture like their mother. “In addition to teaching children, I lead two choruses in my spare time,” said Yang Xiuzhu, “It’s my duty.”

Influenced by Hu Guanmei, her elder son-in-law, son, and daughter-in-law have all learned Kam Grand Choir singing. Together, they make up a family of Kam Grand Choir singers. But what makes Hu most proud is that, thanks to her family’s efforts, almost everyone in Zaidang Village knows how to perform Kam Grand Choir, which means that Zaidang Village will remain the hometown of this indigenous singing form for years to come.

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