Ricky Soua Vang playing traditional Hmong music

Recorded at Out North, Anchorage Alaska on 12 January 2008, Ricky Soua Vang playing traditional Hmong music on the qeej.

Early evidence for the existence of the Qeej instrument is found in Chinese scriptures dating to 3000 B.C.

DESCRIPTION OF THE QEEJ INSTRUMENT

The Qeej instrument is made out of six bamboo reeds. Each bamboo reed is precisely measured to be a certain length. The body of the Qeej instrument is carved out of wood and hollowed out. The mouthpiece is made out of copper. The straps that hold the reeds and body together are usually made out of tree bark.

The sound of the Qeej instrument is produced by 8 copper blades located inside the instrument. When inhaling or exhaling, the copper blades vibrate to produce the desired sound. The musical notes produced are dependent upon variations in finger placement.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• laos
• qeej
• ricky
• soua
• vang
• laotian
• hmong
• music
• dance
• alaska
• anchorage
• out
• north

[cocuena]

Hey

he's my teacher right now at Begich Middle School

awesome, ur great Soua

[LindaVangy]

why would he take da coinz off?! i mean really! i already like it like this! he is awesome'!

[sxiongz91]

I think it time for you to have a retirement

[juneyang1]

great job

[sinlap]

It look very dangerous. If he trip we would be stabbed in the mouth.

[HmongGuitarPlayer]

next time play without all the coins clinging.

[vangcheng]

great job man keep it up