Voice Collectors

In this vibrant collection of the many different musical traditions that come from the country of China, 32 Chinese men and women joyfully recall their musical experiences and share popular or significant songs from their home provinces. Each chapter includes a biographical sketch and photograph of its culture bearer, followed by a vocal or instrumental selection of their choosing. Beautiful field recordings featuring authentic musical performances by each culture bearer are included for all the songs, along with notation, background and translations, pinyin, and audio pronunciation guides. Each chapter also conveniently includes ideas for classroom use - pedagogical extensions, activities, and discussion questions. Especially noteworthy are the short, imaginative children's stories and vibrant full-color illustrations that conclude each chapter, offering yet another entry point for young learners. Equally suited for the elementary and middle school music classrooms, it is a perfect source for exploring the diversity of musical sounds, textures, instruments, and timbres of Chinese music in a meaningful and culturally connected way.