Preserving Then rhythm

Ms. Ha Thi My, Head of the Then Singing Club of Xuan Van commune, practices Then singing and playing the Tinh lute.

Ms. Ha Thi My, 68 years old, village 5, Head of the Then singing club of Xuan Van commune, shared that since childhood she has been passionate about singing Then and playing Tinh, but had little time to practice. Later, she worked as Vice President of the Women's Union of Trung Truc commune (old). In addition to implementing emulation movements launched by the Union, she and the Union's Executive Committee encouraged and created conditions for the development of cultural and artistic movements in the villages. Especially in preserving the cultural identity of ethnic minorities.

In particular, village 5, which is mainly inhabited by Tay ethnic people, has maintained an art troupe with many people practicing Then singing and playing Tinh lute. Most people self-study on the internet and YouTube and then teach each other. By 2021, with the consent of the Commune People's Committee, the commune's Then singing club was established, attracting 26 members of many ages to participate.

Ms. Ban Thi Luong teaches her son to play the Tinh lute.

The club maintained regular monthly practice. Each member bought traditional Tay ethnic costumes and bought a Tinh instrument to practice playing; those who knew how to sing taught those who didn’t, everyone was enthusiastic about practicing, gradually all members could play the Tinh instrument and sing some basic songs.

Being a Dao ethnic person from Quy Quan commune (now Luc Hanh commune) and a daughter-in-law, Ms. Ban Thi Luong, Vice Head of the Then singing club of Xuan Van commune, is passionate about Then melodies. Ms. Luong expressed that, for her, the Pao Dung singing of the Dao people has its own beauty and the Then singing and Tinh playing of the Tay people are also very special. That is why she learned to sing Then and play Tinh on the internet. When the Then singing club of the commune was established, she actively participated and guided other members to practice.

To contribute to preserving the cultural identity of the Tay ethnic group, the Club also opens Then singing classes during the summer for students. Up to now, the Club has opened 3 classes for more than 30 students to participate. Ms. Ha Thi My, Club Director, said that she and the Club members have prepared their own lesson plans to teach the students, in a way that is easy for them to understand and learn. With their love, passion and active practice, many children have become active and core members of the school's art teams.

Ms. Ban Thi Luong, Vice Head of the Then Singing Club of Xuan Van commune, is enthusiastically practicing Then singing and Tinh lute.

Luc Huyen Luong, class 6A, Trung Truc Secondary School, excitedly said that he has been learning Tinh and singing Then for 2 years. During his time studying, he was enthusiastically guided by the ladies and teachers. Up to now, he has been able to sing and play many songs. Among them, his favorite is the Then song: Liberation of the South 30-4, Celebrating the Party, Celebrating Spring...

The Club also regularly exchanges with clubs in neighboring provinces such as Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan (old). At the same time, it actively practices to participate in cultural and artistic performances and exchanges in the area. In 2023, the Club won the A prize at the Yen Son District Ethnic Culture Festival (old) with the song and dance performance "Celebrating the Party, Celebrating Spring"; in 2025, it won the A prize with the performance "My hometown Tuyen Quang".

With their love and passion for Then singing and Tinh lute, members of the Then singing club of Xuan Van commune are making a practical contribution to spreading the national cultural identity in the community.

Huyền Linh

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/du-lich/202507/giu-gin-dieu-then-ae57543/