LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Students at Liberty Arts Magnet are experiencing Chinese culture without ever leaving their classroom.
Renowned musician and teacher Shengyuan Tong is sharing the art of Chinese percussion with second-, third- and fourth-grade students. Tong has traveled the world performing with the Chinese National Orchestra.
During the visit, students learned how traditional Chinese percussion instruments differ from those they are accustomed to playing, as well as the techniques used to create sounds closely associated with Chinese culture.
Renowned musician and teacher Shengyuan Tong is sharing the art of Chinese percussion with second-, third- and fourth-grade students.
“The Education of Young Children. I am also engaged in education of older children. That's why I like kids. I would like them to share my music. I think it is important to know about different cultures,” translation of Shengyuan Tong, Percussion Teacher.
Music teacher Sara Chongson says opportunities like this help broaden students’ perspectives.
“Having guests like Mr. Tong is amazing, because we really strive here at the arts magnet to expand the children's world view by giving them different cultural experiences, outside of what maybe they experience, you know, locally here in Lima. So we talk about African music, Caribbean music, Chinese music. We it's definitely a way to examine other parts of the world and culture, especially through music and dance,’ says Sara Chongson, K-4th grade music teacher, Liberty Arts Magnet.
Tong will remain in Ohio sharing his love of Chinese percussion through March 4.
