The notion of “tradition” is complex. Although rooted in the shared history of a community or group of people, tradition is constantly changing and adapting as people encounter different ideas, experiences, and social dynamics. Through case studies in pinpeat (court music from Cambodia), kulintang (gong-chime music from the Philippines), and kundiman (patriotic songs from the Philippines), students will learn about how traditions change, adapt, and sustain in relation to their surroundings. They will also have opportunities to consider "who" has the power to reinterpret traditions and cultural heritage, and the extent to which cultural heritage can/should be changed.

Lesson Paths & Learning Objectives

1. Preserving and Sustaining Cultural Heritage: Kulintang and Kundiman

   • Discuss the meaning of the term "tradition."
   • Describe how cultural heritage/tradition/practices have been sustained and transformed in Filipino American communities (kulintang and kundiman).
   • 15+ minutes

2. Preserving and Sustaining Cultural Heritage: Pinpeat

   • Identify and describe the sounds (instrumentation) associated with pinpeat music.
   • Identify how Cambodian American artists have sustained and transformed pinpeat music in the United States (citing specific musical and socio-cultural characteristics).
   • 30+ minutes

3. Who Can (Re)Interpret Cultural Heritage

   • Discuss/debate who has the right to interpret cultural practices, and how, when, and to what extent cultural practices should be adapted/changed.
   • 20+ minutes