Teaching choral art to children in Hanoi
Thu Hoa -
(VOVWORLD) - In the previous Culture segment, VOV spotlighted Sol Art - a children’s ensemble that has won fame for Vietnamese’ choral art on the international arena. The development of chorus in Vietnam is attributed to Sol Art centre and Vinschool primary school, which are teaching choral music to children.
 Conductor Dang Chau Anh and Sol Art children assemble
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Sol Art centre in Ba Dinh district, Hanoi, now has 2 choral classes. Teacher Pham Giang Huong demonstrates the activities of a lesson: “A lesson begins with some warm-up music games, followed by sessions of vocal training, rhythm reading, and singing in parts. Or we may practice a particular song. Children from 5 years old are eligible to register for the classes which open twice a week. We provide the kids a place to learn music joyfully and grow in confidence”.
The activities remain varied during the lessons and so the children seem not to feel tired at all. Many parents are waiting outside for their kids to finish the class. Nguyen Thi Minh Khai says: "I had taken my daughter to choral classes at other centres but we switched immediately once we knew about Sol Art in its early days. She learns not only singing here but also dancing. She has changed a lot since joining Sol Art: becoming much better at her art and much more confident”.
 The Vinschool One Choir wins a gold medal in the folklore category at the competition. (Photo: VOV)
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Choral classes in Hanoi are available only at Sol Art art centre and Vinschool primary school. Do Thi Thu Huyen, the school’s vice principal, says: “Choral music is difficult for primary students. But Vinschool integrates it into the syllabus because we have a qualified facility and experienced, devoted teachers. The art can teach our pupils about discipline and coordination”.
Choral music has helped enrich the kids’ spiritual lives and understanding of the outside world, according to Ms. Huyen: “Our choral classes teach the kids how beautiful music is. They can meet with foreign friends and the world’s top choral artists to learn more about chorus in other countries. They also have the chance to travel to many places in Vietnam and the world for competitions”.
 Vinschool One Choir performs at the opening ceremony of the fifth International Choir Competition held in Hoi An in June, 2017. (Photo: VOV)
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Vinschool and Sol Art choral singers have performed at national and international events and competitions. Sol Art has won their third top prize at the 2017 International Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition in Germany. The Vinschool One Choir received a gold medal in the Folklore category at the 5th Viet Nam International Choir Competition held in the historic city of Hoi An early June.
Thu Hoa