Exploring and Listening to Chinese Classical Ensembles in General Music

Music diversity is valued in theory, but the extent to which it is efficiently presented in music class remains limited. Within this article, I aim to bridge this gap by introducing four genres of Chinese classical ensembles—Qin and Xiao duets, Jiang Nan bamboo and silk ensembles, Cantonese ensembles, and contemporary Chinese orchestras—into the general music classroom. The explanations of original cultural contexts, representative repertoire, and cultural elements embedded in each ensemble can be incorporated in a classroom as part of an exploration of classical music from China. No Chinese instruments are required in the class, since it would focus on listening and related music activities. Drawing on attentive and engaged listening, sample lessons demonstrate the use of these Chinese classic ensembles at all levels to relate the National Core Arts Standards to encourage students to perform, create, respond to, and connect with the music.