Music Lessons & Performance

Friday, May 31 was our second day of being in Cambodia. In the morning we were told that it was going to be a “musical day” and that we were going to join in on a long-necked guitar lesson after breakfast. Our expectations didn't seem very high but once we got there, we were all surprised at how amazing this strange instrument was. It looked somewhat like a guitar but had only 2 strings and 1 silent one. We didn't only take joy in listening to the traditional music, but also in understanding how much joy and passion the musicians had in playing them. We learned about the history of it and what it is made of.

Later that day, we went to the Russian Market. The market consisted of lots of small stands, where people were selling anything from smelly fish to screw drivers. The best part about being at the markets was being able to negotiate prices with merchants!

After having an American lunch, we took tuk-tuks to meet one of Cambodia's best musicians who taught us how to play the flute.

After about 10 minutes, it was easy to say that we were really bad at playing the flute! But it was no challenge for Mrs Yim Chanthy; she could turn someone who was tone deaf into a rock star! Ms. Zych was really rocking it!

Later on in the evening we went to a traditional play. "The History of Yike and Mak Therng," was a beautiful story about a Prince who steals a beautiful woman from her elderly husband. When the old man goes to the King and claims that the King’s son took his wife, he calls the Prince out and tells him to bring the woman with him. The prince gives the woman a different name and she denies that the old man is her husband in fear for her life. Before the king could have the man killed for trying to fool him, one of his honorable men begged for the case to be judged to find the truth!

After the old man and his wife were judged, it was found that the Prince had lied. Before the couple could leave, the Prince attempted to stab the old man but instead killed his wife while she tried to protect him!

In the end, the king sent off his son to be killed.

By the end of the day, we were all surprised at how amazing the day had been! We are all more than impressed with the talent that we have found in Cambodia and we look forward to more wonderful days!

~Ari Abrams