We would like to wish a wonderful new year to all of our readers as we present another collection of engaging articles, each offering unique insights into the vibrant musical life of Southeast Asia.

We begin, appropriately, with a historical reflection spanning nearly a quarter of a century. In the early 2000s, the founders of Gitameit Music Institute in Yangon, Myanmar, set out to foster community and build confidence among young Burmese through a blend of creative music and art education. Societal isolation due to a repressive military dictatorship hindered connections with peers in other countries and advanced music studies. The founders faced critical questions about how to teach creatively, engage with outsiders, and build local audiences under constant surveillance, while also navigating the dominance of Western music over Myanmar’s indigenous traditions. Nay Win Htun, Ne Myo Aung, and Kit Young celebrate Gitameit’s 21st anniversary by reflecting on the unique development of this pioneering music school, highlighting key events and individuals, and exploring both the educational growth and emotional challenges faced during these formative years while considering how this growth may shape Myanmar’s uncertain future.

Pusit Suwanmanee et al., investigate how The Southern Thailand Wind Band Conference, held from the 17th to the 22nd of June 2024 at Songkhla Rajabhat University, fosters musical growth and knowledge exchange through lectures, workshops, and performances while enhancing skills and inspiring creativity among local musicians. This well-planned event, with targeted training and expert guidance, ensures effectiveness, with post-conference evaluations identifying opportunities for improvement.

Percussionist Nithi Rujikajorndej’s research focuses on producing high-quality concert snare drums from three types of Thai wood—Plum Mango, Jackfruit, and Padauk—demonstrating their potential to rival international snare drums. The study explores the origins and history of snare drums, collaborating with WASANA Drum Factory to create the drums and analysing expert feedback on their sound quality. The research found that each type of Thai wood produced distinct tonal qualities, making them suitable for different musical contexts. 

Andrew Filmer, Yeoh Pei Ann, Maslisa Zainuddin, and Mohd. Firdaus Mohd. Anuar from Malaysia reflect on a collaborative project blending music and painting. Evolving from Bach’s solo works to improvisational music and live videography, it expanded from pandemic restrictions to a three-day event with exhibitions and workshops. The project investigates how cross-disciplinary collaboration fosters creativity and audience interaction, creating a model for future interdisciplinary engagements.

Thatchatham Silsupan’s paper examines sound-based art practice in Chiang Mai from the 2010s to the present, focusing on its socio-political aspects and shift from centralized aesthetics. Central to this is “lateral practice,” which prioritizes experimentation, collaboration, and adaptability over technical proficiency. The paper analyzes works by local artists such as Anusorn Tunyapalit, Anurak Tunyapalit, and Arnont Nongyao, exploring how lateral practice challenges traditional norms and fosters cultural resistance. Developed from Silsupan’s panel at the PGVIM International Symposium 2024, the paper highlights Chiang Mai’s sound art as a framework for addressing power dynamics and promoting collective agency.

Alex Dea reflects on his long-term study of Javanese classical music and performing arts, noting the unique blend of European, Chinese, and Muslim influences that initially appeared as a “mishmash.” Despite not fully understanding how Javanese artists effortlessly combine such diverse elements, he appreciates their creativity and flexibility. Through his observations, Dea aims to offer insight into a distinct approach to music and art-making, one that challenges conventional methods while celebrating the underlying depth of Javanese cultural practices.

We hope you enjoy exploring the pages of our journal and, as always, we encourage you to share your work with us. If you have an ongoing project or research article that aligns with the scope of our journal, we would be delighted to consider it for publication!

The Pulse Editorial Team