Voice Collectors: Stories and Songs of Chinese Culture Bearers

 Voice Collectors is a vibrant collection of the many different musical traditions of China. Thirty-two Chinese people joyfully recall their musical experiences and share popular or significant songs from their home provinces. Their stories represent a variety of ages, occupations, geographic regions, and ethnicities.

This resource includes beautiful field recordings featuring authentic musical performances by each Culture Bearer, notated songs (when applicable), background and translations, pinyin, and audio pronunciation guides. Each chapter includes a biographical sketch and photograph of its Culture Bearer, followed by a vocal or instrumental selection of their choosing. 

Each chapter includes ideas for classroom use—pedagogical extensions, activities, discussion questions—and ideas for at-home use with families. Especially noteworthy are the short, imaginative children's stories and vibrant full-color illustrations that conclude each chapter, offering yet another entry point for young learners.

Voice Collectors is the perfect source for exploring the diversity of musical sounds, textures, instruments, and timbres of Chinese music in a meaningful and culturally connected way. Appropriate for elementary and middle school classrooms, as well as at-home use.