Folk Arts - The Muscians of New Year: The Qeej Players and a Contemporary Sound

Compiled by Joan Rabinowitz

 

Chia Moua

“My name is Chi Moua. I played qeej in my country for years. Then I came to the United States.” Chia Moua played qeej in Laos for many years. His father and grandfather didn't know how to play, so he learned from his cousin. In Laos, he played qeej anytime; for New Year's, when somebody died, for weddings, to welcome guests. Then, he came to the United States. Now, Chi only plays for New Year celebrations.

 

“When a person passes away, for three to four years, the person comes back, you have to send away again. Send the spirits to the ancestors. The spirit comes back, maybe just to say goodbye. And, then they use the mouth flute to do that ceremony, to send the spirit to go on to her next life.

 

“The mouth flute is also used for happiness. When you have someone from far away visiting you. You use the mouth flute to celebrate their welcome. The mouth flute is also used for weddings, but now we sort of lose the technique.”

 

“Lazy to learn. Laugh. Until it pass away, and then regret, ‘Oh, I should have learned this.’”

 

Doua Pao

“My name is Doua Pao. I learned to play mouth flute (qeej) when I was five years old from my father. He's a great mouth flute player. Mouth flute was my best hobby. I still play in Seattle. But, just for the ceremony for the New Year.”

 

Jor Chang

Jor Chang is fourteen years old. He began learning to play qeej three years ago from his father. He is especially good at dhiam qeej; acrobatic dancing while playing qeej.

 

“My special technique. Not very hard. Younger people are very flexible.” Jor's father is in Washington also. Although he still plays, his father doesn't perform anymore.

 

“Without all the tumbling, walking low, he can still play, but if he's going to go through that process, he can’ really do it.”

 

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