Tanut Vongsoontorn

Title :

Chaipruck Mekara,s Kheak Choen Joaw Fantasy (for wind ensemble (Based on Thai
traditional “Kheak Choen Joaw”) : A Conductor’s Guide

Background information :

Chaipruck Mekara is a Chiang Mai native. After graduating from Payap University, he
received his Masters of Music degree (double major in Music Composition and Clarinet
performance) from Roosevelt University, where he studied with Dr. Robert Lombardo. In 2003,
Mekara received his DMA in Music Composition from Northwestern University, where is studied
with Dr. Stephen Syverud, Dr. William Karlins, and Dr. Jay Allan Yim. Like many Asian composers
who went abroad to continue their education, he realized the value of his native culture while in a
foreign land. His music attempts to combine the aesthetic philosophy of the East with the
compositional techniques of the West. Mekara’s music was performed by the Thai Youth
Symphony Orchestra, the Chiangmai Symphony Orchestra and by various artists such as TIMF
Ensemble (Korea), TICF artists in resident (Thailand). His composition also was premiered at the
World Choir Games, 2012, Cincinnati, OH, International Trumpet Guild, 2011 Minneapolis, MN.
Thailand International Composition Festival, Thailand, and Asian Young Musicians’ Connection,
Chaipruck also gave series of lecture at several Schools of Music in the US. for example
Northwestern University, IL, Columbia College, IL, University of Iowa, California State University,
San Bernardino, CA and Illinois Wesleyan University, IL. In Thailand, Chaipruck founded the
Chiangmai Youth Philharmonic Band and Symphony Orchestra Foundation. As a conductor, in
2005-2006, he was a music director and conductor of the Musical “Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dream Coat” Produced by The Voice Studio. In 2005, Mr. Mekara composed and
conducted the “Farung Rum Thao” for Symphonic Band and Thai Classical Orchestra for the
Princess of Thailand. Mekara was invited as a conductor in resident of China-ASEAN Music Week,
2015 in Nanning, Quangxi, China. He is now the music director and conductor of the Chiangmai
Symphony Orchestra and the Chiangmai Philharmonic Band. Mr. Mekara also serves as the Music
Composition instructor at the College of Music at Payap University

Discussion of known literature:

Ancient Dance for Ancestors (for Tenor, Bb Clarinet and Percussion), Farung Rum Thao (for
Symphonic Band and Thai Classical Orchestra), View Point (for Solo Viola), Mong Zaaae (for
Woodwind Quintet), Dance of a Hill Tribe (for Two Violins and Invisible Drum), Poi Luang Parade
(for Choir), Glorious (for Symphony Orchestra) Prelude: The Light Festival (for Brass Ensemble,
Ranad-eak and Two Thai Percussions)

Gap of knowledge:

Lack of modern Thai composer, modern Thai contemporary music and Thai traditional
music when compare. And Unavailable of Chaipruck Mekara’s Music composition style and
analyses. This research concentrate on his composition Kheak Choen Joaw Fantasy (for wind
ensemble) and Thai traditional Music “Kheak Choen Joaw” to benefit for Conductor when
rehearsal and perform this piece.

Purpose of study:

This study focus to analysis this piece and compare the technique of western music and
Thai music when play on the western musical instrument sound like Thai Musical instrument and
Baton Technique for Conductor to performing this piece

Objective:

To analyze this piece for guiding conductor and musician to performance and rehearsal
easily ways. And have to know Thai musical Technique and styles

 Tanut Vongsoontorn
Scope of the study:

Inclusion criteria:

Analyze Thai musical styles in western music and Thai contemporary music
composer and Thai traditional musical styles and Thai traditional music composer

Sample and sample size:

2 pieces Kheak Choen Joaw Fantasy (for Wind Ensemble) and Thai traditional
music Kheak Choen Joaw

Research design:

Qualitative research, content analysis

Data collection method:

Observation, interview, analysis of music score and music recording

Research tools:

Sheet music score, Interview with Composer, Recording music of this pieces,
private lesson or master class of Composer

Procedure:

Analyze music in this piece and focusing on the Thai musical styles and technique
,Research and explore the conducting gesture moving.