Seven FPT University students celebrated Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20 by releasing a music video (MV) featuring the song "Nguoi gieo mam xanh" (The Green Seed Sower). The students performed the piece using seven traditional Vietnamese instruments: the dan ty ba, dan bau, dan nhi, dan tranh, dan nguyet, sao truc, and trong. These instruments are integral to the university's core curriculum, highlighting a blend of traditional arts and modern education.

The lyrics of "Nguoi gieo mam xanh", composed by musician Hua Kim Tuyen, tell a story of growth. They depict a child's journey from innocent dreams to becoming an inspiring teacher, instilling faith and opening opportunities for future generations. Nguyen Phuoc Hoai An, a member of the student group, explained that the team chose the song as a heartfelt tribute to their educators. It also served as an experiment to integrate the distinct timbres of traditional instruments into a contemporary musical arrangement.

Despite none of the group members being music majors, their proficiency grew from the university's traditional instruments course. They developed a passion for these instruments and dedicated themselves to extra practice. "Our group aims to demonstrate that traditional instruments can perform modern music with emotion and a fresh perspective," shared Tran Duc Tai, who plays the dan nhi.

The MV, posted on a fanpage, has garnered over ten thousand likes and shares. Comments from viewers expressed surprise and appreciation for the students' efforts in preserving Vietnamese national music. The 3-minute video was entirely filmed across the FPT University campus. The students chose scenic locations, including green tree lines, lotus ponds, and water lily ponds, to enhance the visual appeal of the school and complement the traditional instruments.

Production for the MV began in late September, following musician Hua Kim Tuyen's approval for the use of his work. The process involved extensive practice, choreography, recording, and setting up filming locations. The group dedicated the most time to perfecting the ensemble, ensuring the highest level of coordination among the seven instruments.

Nguyen Thu Thuy, head of the Traditional Music Department at FPT University, expressed that the teachers were deeply moved. She noted their satisfaction in successfully instilling a love for traditional instruments in their students. According to her, the MV's most striking element is the youthful love and sincerity it conveys, reflecting the students' affection for their teachers and their deep passion for traditional music.

An stated that the group, along with the school's Traditional Instruments Club (FTIC), plans to actively learn from their teachers. Their goal is to create more products that celebrate traditional Vietnamese values in the future.

The group of students performs the song "Nguoi gieo mam xanh". *Photo: Provided by subject*

Huyen Trang