Choir gives rural kids pluck to pursue dreams

Wang Xiaoxi, a music teacher in Midu, became one of the founding members and has been instrumental in the choir's development.

"The early days were incredibly tough," Wang said. "Local families had no idea what a choir was, so many were hesitant to let their kids join. Some children would come one week and disappear the next. We spent countless hours visiting homes, explaining our mission, and reassuring parents."

A significant hurdle was the children's lack of musical foundation. "None of them could read sheet music, not even simple notation. We started from scratch, teaching them basic music theory and staff notation," said Wang. Despite the painstaking process, her resolve never wavered.

Support from PKU played a crucial role, particularly from Jin Zixuan, a postdoctoral researcher at PKU's Department of Philosophy who is also a conductor.

Jin's connection to the choir began in October 2021 when he initiated a traditional aesthetic education program in Midu, leveraging the county's folk song resources. Inspired by his mentor, Yang Hongnian, a late professor at the Central Conservatory of Music and a respected figure in children's choir education, Jin aimed to provide quality music education to all children, regardless of background.