Noi Sengsourigna came to the United States this time to network with Laotian-American communities across the country. As Noi explained to VOA, “I came this time around to visit and spread words about the program that I’ve created in the Sengsourigna Music Center in Vientiane, Laos. My goal of setting up the center is to create a stage for disadvantaged children to follow their dreams via music and performing arts. I took over the small music class that my father established eight years ago and named it the Sengsouringa Music Center. It has been officially opened and in operation for over a year now. This is one of the reasons why I am here in the States - to network and exchange information about my project. ”
The whole idea of transforming the
small music class into a center started after Noi was invited by the Japanese
Government to showcase her group in Japan. After receiving a small grant, she moved
her group forward to the next level. Noi explained, “I am so happy once I found
out that our group was selected by the Japanese government to perform in Japan.
I was so thrilled and very motivated that I decided to really concentrate all
my efforts and energy on the Center, providing a stage for these children to
act out and make they shine. I know it’s a very difficult task, but I don’t
give up. I have more and more students now.”
Noi played the “Khim,” her favorite
instrument, along with Xaysana Souphom of the Lao Heritage Foundation for the
Lao community in Rhode Island, in a cultural event hosted by the Lao Cultural
Center last weekend. “I bring “Khim” along with me wherever I go. I want to
show the younger generation of Laotian-Americans how to appreciate arts and
music, and to let them know that everyone is capable of playing music and make
their dream become reality,” Noi said.
The ultimate goal for the
Sengsouringa Music Center is to continue to preserve Laos’ traditional music
and performing arts and, in the process, create shining stars from her group of
little dancers children, to make their dreams, as in the title of he r second album “Dreams of Rainbow,” come true.
For additional info please go to noiscmcc.com
Listen to audio files for more details.
