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Origin: North Korea
Title: Childrens' Games
Performers: Childrens' choir and dancers
Instrumentation: voices, drum kit,orchestra of strings and aerophones
I hesitated a little bit about using this one for a couple of reasons. One is that, not knowing the language, I really have no idea of what they are singing. The second is due to the fact that this is originally from North Korea, who knows what type of propaganda is being conveyed?
However, with those caveats, it does appear to be an example of effective use of music and play to help children learn. The relating of the song to various letters turning at the 0:45 mark makes it clear that the song is being used as a mnemonic device and that the children have clearly learned that lesson well. At the 1:00 mark, the children are playing at being doctors and I am sure the lyrics of the song would relate to that. This type of play is often a way that children worldwide start sorting out what types of roles they would like to assume in adulthood. This is followed immediately by acting out a phone call (bureaucrat? businessman?) and some impressive group dancing. Most impressive is the young girl on the drum set later in the clip - her playing is quite steady and advanced for someone her age.
While this is obviously a very well rehearsed presentation, the children seem to be enjoying themselves and to have learned the lessons well that are being conveyed through the music. The element of play may not be as evident as it might be in some other, less rehearsed settings (jump rope songs, etc.) but if children can develop an enjoyment of performance at an early age, it does give them a skill set that can be used as they grow to support much greater exploration of musical play.
After watching this video, I explored several other videos like this one including one with 4 little girls playing violin and another one with a 1 hour kindergarten performance.
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/I8Y-L10Jpxg
The kindergarten performance is absolutely amazing. Yes, the percussionists in your video is really good especially for her age but you should see all of the the instruments they play in this other video. They are great musicians but at what costs? I wonder what they were acting our with the phone. Their stage presence is so professional. Do these kids ever get to actually be kids and play on their own?
Hi Steve. I really enjoyed this video that you posted on your blog. I agree that even though this performance appears rehearsed, it does seem like all of the children are having a fun time making music!
ReplyDeleteThe musicianship of the children is unbelievable. The stage presence of the children is also top notch. It is a display of the best side of North Korea but is only a mask to hide what is really going on north of the 38th parallel. This video gives me the chills knowing what children are capable of when practiced to the extreme. I see the roles clearly defined. I would like to know their rehearsal techniques and then again maybe not. Great video!
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to see a translation of this performance. Even though this is a rehearsed presentation and may or may not reflect actual children's play, it is certainly an expression of how the culture wishes to be viewed to the outside...
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