February 8, 2008
by James Collins
Wow… It’s hard to describe what an incredible experience this was. I was honestly blown away. For some reason, I had pictured the National Workshop as a rather serious affair with lots of practicing and note-taking and all that sort of thing. Though there was certainly a lot of hard work and an incredible amount of dedication on the part of the participants, it was, more than anything, a week of fun, friendship and creativity for everyone involved. This was one of the most inspiring and invigorating things I’ve seen in a long time.
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February 6, 2008
by Phally Chroy
This entry is about Bosba Panh, a little girl with a not-so-little voice. It is her innocence, unique vocals, amazing talent, and strong sound that has been floating throughout Cambodia for quite some time. There is an interesting thing about this little girl, Bosba, that so many people find magical. Apparently she sings renditions of popular, iconic songs in both English and French, and then adapts them to Khmer.
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December 20, 2007
by Phally Chroy
Kong Nai is one of the few remaining Cambodian living masters in the world that has managed to survive and play one of Cambodia’s most important traditional instruments, the chapie dong vien. In part to an Australian TV show, the TV station set up a shot at a local Cambodian venue where Master Kong Nai played music for a period of 2 hours. Through my internship with Cambodian Living Arts, I was very fortunate to be around masters like Master Kong Nai because a big aspect of my research is to identifying practitioner of music who survived the genocide, and most importantly how they are able to able to reach to the people because these practitioners are using these classical Cambodian instruments in the music.
Click here to email Phally with your questions or comments
The views and information presented are the Fulbright grantee’s own and do not represent the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State.
December 12, 2007
by Phally Chroy
What an experience…walking shoulder to shoulder during the water festival in Cambodia’s capital. This is a time when most villagers make their pilgrimage to the city. Among the six million people who were in Phnom Penh, I was just one of the many attending the free concerts near the independent monument. It was very difficult getting around and getting a good view really meant being able to see–anything– from where you stood.
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November 27, 2007
by James Collins
I’ve been on the road now for almost three weeks and it has been a truly amazing experience. From the gnarled baobab trees of Musina on the Zimbabwean border, to the diamond mines of Kimberley in the heartland and the towering cliffs of Cape Town on the Atlantic coast, I’ve managed to cover quite a bit of ground. I’ve seen more than a few breathtaking sights and I’ve met some wonderful new friends along the way. Working with the field bands in their communities has been a very special experience and my appreciation and understanding of this country are constantly growing. But, by far the most important thing I’ve gained from this journey has been a love for teaching.
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November 27, 2007
by Phally Chroy
No matter how much I love Cambodia, I dislike some things about her. Take for example this video that I shot with my fellow interns. GIVING alms, it is very funny that all these business people in Cambodia dedicate one day out of their “busy” life to give charity. I thought it was pretty ironic that their activities on this “special” occasion are to make up for all the “occasions” they fail to give or help out. It was also kind of funny how the cops are out there walking around, beating people with a bamboo stick, so that the people do not take “more than needed.” Well I better stop being cynical. Today is actually Independence day, and I actually do understand why people make alms in Cambodia–so they can reincarnate into a better life (if you believe in Buddhism), but who wants to not reincarnated back into a rich family? I think maybe the poor…
Click here to email Phally with your questions or comments
The views and information presented are the Fulbright grantee’s own and do not represent the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State.
November 20, 2007
by Phally Chroy
So you may have been wondering what ever happened to the person who won the Fulbright to Cambodia?…
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November 2, 2007
by James Collins
I’ve finally managed to put together a video from the National Championships. It’s split into two parts to reflect each day of competition (and so that I could have files small enough to send over my wimpy and temperamental internet connection). Let me know what you think!
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October 26, 2007
by James Collins
It’s amazing how a game as rough as rugby can unite a nation. Saturday night was the Rugby World Cup Final between England and South Africa and I had the lucky opportunity to be at the prime viewing spot for South African fans. It was an amazing experience to see such passion and enthusiasm for a sport I know so little about. People were going berserk, flags waved everywhere and the level of excitement was spectacular. Nelson Mandela even showed up to voice his support for the Springboks, the South African team. Everyone chanted his name in harmony.
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