From summer camps to coaching classes and sporting activities, most students are seen participating in meaningful events during their summer break. In Thimphu, a group of students participated in a programme where they learned about traditional songs and music and mask dance. The Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division organised the Intangible Culture Development Learning Programme for the students.
10 trainers from the Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division taught traditional music and songs and mask dance to the students.
According to the programme coordinator Pema Samdrup, the programme aims to engage students in meaningful activities during vacation and preserve culture.
‘‘We planned the programme to let the youth learn about our culture. For example, they will be able to learn mask dances, traditional songs and music. It is to let them preserve our culture in the long run.’’
About 60 students from different schools in Thimphu participated in the programme.
They said they were able to learn more about traditional songs and music.
‘‘In Dramgyen, we have to learn the steps. So, when we learn that I will have to be a little hard with the hand movements. And when we play the music we have to listen to the sound, which sound will go well or not,” said Thinley Choden,
‘‘We got the opportunity to learn more without wasting our time during summer break. We are glad to have this opportunity to learn about the traditional songs,” said Tshering Choki, a student of Yangchenphug Higher Secondary School.
‘‘I am able to learn the flute. We not only got the opportunity to study but also to learn music. Therefore we are so happy,” said Lhazeen Wangmo, a student of Jigme Losel Primary School.
‘‘It’s the first time I learnt learned mask dance. I got the opportunity to learn mask dance and make a lot of friends. Learning mask dance will help us to preserve our culture and when we go to school we will be able to teach our friends,” said Tandin Phuntsho, a student of Zilukha Middle Secondary School.
The ten-day programme ended on Friday.
The Traditional Performing Arts and Music Division says they will continue such programmes during the school vacation.
The initiative will not only help in preserving and promoting culture among youth but is also expected to benefit the school while organising events in the school.
