Since its inception, Pao School has upheld the mission of passing on traditions of Chinese culture. The school hopes that students can understand the essence of China's rich culture and develop a general knowledge of Chinese literature, history, philosophy and art. Studying Zhoushan gong and drum music is an excellent way for Pao School students to carry on one of China's great musical traditions.
In 2016, upon the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the founding of Pao School, Mrs. Anna Pao Sohmen shared a type of percussive music she had heard as a child in Sir YK Pao's hometown of Ningbo. The distinctive percussive sound of this music had left a profound impression on her. Ms. Liu from Pao School's Music Department confirmed that this type of music is called Zhoushan gongs and drums, and contacted Zhang Chenggui, China's leading expert on it. To promote traditional Chinese culture and commemorate the hometown of Pao School's namesake, the YK Pao School Zhoushan Gong and Drum Troupe was set up that year under the guidance of Mrs. Sohmen.
Currently, Zhoushan gongs and drums are taught as an co-curricular activity at the High School. The Zhoushan Gong and Drum Troupe is the only percussion ensemble on the Songjiang campus, and has had nearly 100 members since its establishment. These days, the Zhoushan Gong and Drum Troupe performs often at Pao School, including at graduation ceremonies, concerts, New Year events, or other large-scale events such as school anniversary celebrations. These talented young musicians can always captivate the audience with the music's powerful, unrestrained rhythm and their vigorous performances. The Zhoushan Gong and Drum Troupe prepared meticulously for their performance at the Teacher Appreciation Banquet held at the Songjiang campus this week. The vigorous sound of the gongs and drums beating added an air of excitement to the joyous atmosphere.
Performance at the Teacher Appreciation Banquet
Podcast:
An introduction to Zhoushan Gong and Drum Music
Zhoushan gong and drum music is the signature type of folk music from the city of Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province. It originated as a navigational tool to convey information when visibility was poor, such as during heavy fog. Sailors also used Zhoushan gong and drum music to lift their spirits while at sea, and to solicit customers when a ship docked.
Zhoushan gong and drum music was popularised during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Back then, it mostly appeared in folk celebrations, religious ceremonies and sacrificical rites for the sea. In the 1950s, following the founding of the People's Republic of China, some professional musicians began to play the music regularly onstage; at this time, it acquired the name "Zhoushan gong and drum music."
The music's global profile began to rise after it won a gold medal at the 1957 Moscow World Youth Association event. On 20th May 2006, Zhoushan gong and drum music was named as a type of national-level intangible cultural heritage.
For centuries, the Chinese people have delighted in the uniquely expressive percussive sound of Zhoushan gongs and drums. This type of music not only has artistic merit; it also has great historical and cultural value.
Class of 2018 High School Graduation Ceremony
Learning Zhoushan gongs and drums is something new for the students. Kevin, a Year 12 student and leader of the troupe, says, "Zhoushan gong and drum music is passionate and vigorous. We play it an innovative way, combining traditional and modern percussion styles and music theory."
He adds: "I am very happy to be able to share the music I create with others."
For Year 10 student Tiger, this is the first time he has experienced the Chinese cultural elements expressed by Zhoushan gong and drum music. He notes that it is performed in a different style than Western percussion, requiring closer teamwork. In Zhoushan gong and drum music, "to some extent, playing effectively as an ensemble is more important than one's individual performance," he says.
Performance at the Chinese New Year Celebration
Both Year 10 student Cyrus and Year 11 student Yvonne have played Western musical instruments for many years. Yet Zhoushan gongs and drums are completely different, and the toughest part is the performance. Performers must adjust their body movements and facial expressions in line with the music's shifting sentiments. Thus, performers not only have to think about rhythm and speed, they also have to literally create a whirlwind onstage with their body movements.
Class of 2019 High School Graduation Ceremony
