Yang Shiming - Inheritor of Miao Musical Instrument -playing Skill in Lufeng County, Chuxoing

Introduction

Yang Shiming is a distinguished Miao folk music artist from Nanchong Zhuqingkou Village (南冲竹箐口民族村), Yaotian Township (腰站乡), Lufeng County (禄丰县), Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Born in 1953, he is recognized as a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage (second batch). As the third-generation musician in the Yang family, Yang Shiming has made significant contributions to the preservation, performance, and teaching of Miao traditional music and theater.

Early Life and Musical Lineage

Family Background

Yang Shiming hails from a family deeply rooted in Miao music traditions:

• Grandfather: Yang Chunrong (杨春荣), key performer in local suona (“da tong” and “chang hao”) ensembles.

• Father: Yang Wengui (杨文贵), core member of the same ensemble.

• Yang Shiming: Third-generation musician, trained under his father from age 10.

Training and Development

• Early training: Began learning suona and other Miao instruments at age 10, often traveling to nearby villages to perform.

• Skill formation: By age 18, he was a leading performer, proficient in multiple instruments and musical styles.

• Artistic growth: Expanded his repertoire from 40 tunes inherited from his father to nearly 100, performing increasingly across townships, counties, and the prefecture.

Musical Achievements and Style

Instrument Mastery

Yang Shiming specializes in the da tong (大筒) and chang hao (长号), essential Miao traditional instruments:

• Chang Hao: Central to Miao celebrations, weddings, and funerals. Its deep, robust tone conveys powerful emotions.

• Playing technique: Unique tone production using lip pressure for natural overtones and adjustable instrument length.

Performance Style

• Integrates Miao daily life, emotions, and spiritual beliefs into music.

• Leads a 12-member ensemble, performing more than 50 shows annually.

• Recognized as both a performer and conductor, maintaining high standards for ensemble performance.

Representative Contributions

Lufeng Daqing Miao Opera and Yang Shiming

Historical Background

• 2005: Daqing Miao Opera listed as a prefectural-level intangible cultural heritage.

• 2009: Daqing Miao Traditional Cultural Protection Area recognized by the prefecture.

Artistic Features

• Adapted from Miao folk tales, reflecting:

  • Loyal love stories

  • Marriage freedom struggles

  • People’s resistance and social narratives

• Modern adaptations incorporate contemporary themes and plots.

Performance Style

• Combines music, dance, and theater.

• Notable performances include Zai “Guo” Zai Dance (苗族芦笙滚锅舞), blending traditional dance and modern acrobatics, inspired by ancestral migration stories.

Teaching and Cultural Transmission

Mentorship Philosophy

Yang Shiming emphasizes practical, hands-on learning:

• Students trained: Zeng Yuxue, Yang Cheng, Yang Wenxing, Luo Ziwen (Yang Cheng now a city-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor).

• Teaching method: Oral transmission, individualized guidance, and immersive practice.

• Content: Instrument techniques, Miao music knowledge, and stage performance skills.

Cultural Contribution

1. Preservation: Collects, organizes, and protects Miao traditional music.

2. Transmission: Ensures generational continuity through dedicated student training.

3. Promotion: Expands Miao music’s influence through ensemble performances and media exposure.

Miao Instruments and Lufeng Cultural Context

Key Instruments

• Da Tong (大筒): Low-pitched, rich sound, supports traditional music’s bass.

• Chang Hao (长号): Featured in festive and ceremonial occasions, often played by dozens simultaneously for spectacular effect.

• Other instruments: Gu Piao Qin, Erhu, Si Hu, Lusheng, Mang Tong, Di Tong, Ye Xiao, bamboo flutes, drums, gongs, and cymbals.

Lufeng Cultural Preservation

• Intangible heritage projects (2023): 61 local items, including 5 provincial-level, 13 prefectural-level, 43 city-level.

• Active practitioners: 93 inheritors, including 1 national, 5 provincial, 23 prefectural, 64 city-level.

• Cultural activities: Flower Mountain Festival, Lusheng dance performances.

• Education: Integration into schools, including dance in physical exercises and direct teaching by heritage artists.

• Tourism integration: “Heritage in schools, communities, and guesthouses” programs promote culture and tourism simultaneously.

Conclusion

Yang Shiming, through over half a century of dedication, has not only preserved and promoted Miao music and opera but also nurtured a new generation of artists, ensuring the continuity of a rich ethnic cultural heritage. His artistry and commitment exemplify the passion and responsibility of a folk artist dedicated to safeguarding and sharing cultural diversity.