Music of the Mien People in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Pet Province, Thailand

Abstract

This research “Music of the Mien people in Khlong-Lan District, Kamphaeng-Pet Province, Thailand” aimed to study the physical instrument characteristics, musical instrument characteristics and Role of music in Mien social by used the qualitative research method. The results of the study found that there were four types of music instruments, including Djat, Yoe, Tong-Lor and Chao-Joei. Djat was a kind of Oboe used to play melodies. The main component was the reed, pipe and speaker. Yoe was a cylindrical drum that stretched on both sides. Tong-Lor was a gong made of metal and Chao-Joei was made of metal too. Musical instrument characteristics were strophic form. The songs were played in pentatonic scale that was Do Re Mi Sol La. Melodic motion of song was simple with moving by step, skipping and sometimes repeating pitch. All of melodic motions moved with pedal tone and alternated with main melody that accompanied to singing. Music of Mien people is used as an important thing in the ceremonies. In addition, musician must have knowledge in the various stages of the ceremonies to be auspicious to Mien lifestyle.