Pilot Education Program
In November 2016, Ping Pong is excited to launch our U.S. education program with a pilot project in partnership with Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, DC's top charter school.
We bring New York City-based leading Chinese musician Min Xiaofen and her American jazz collaborators to Yu Ying's classrooms for demonstrations of Chinese instruments, cross cultural musical collaborations, and a concert for families. The workshops expose students to the connections between cultural heritage and today's multi-cultural and diverse society.
“Min Xiao-Fen is a pipa player like no other ... in her trio, Blue Pipa, with guitar and double bass, the lute-like pipa becomes a super-banjo.”
"Amazing! You could see the little ones in the front row tapping their toes and singing along with Xiao-fen!"
About the Artists
Min Xiao-fen and Blue Pipa Ensemble
Min Xiao-Fen: pipa, sanxian and voice. Dean Johnson: bass. Steve Salerno: guitar
For acclaimed pipa soloist, vocalist and composer Min Xiao-Fen, experimentation is the foundation of her artistic life. Rooted in Eastern traditions, including those of her native China, Min has long sought something beyond classical Chinese music.
In her signature composition "From Harlem to Shanghai and Back," Min ingeniously blends styles and brings to life the work of American jazz artist Buck Clayton, a leading member of Count Basie’s Old Testament orchestra, and Li Jinhui, the father of Chinese popular music.
Min has taught master classes and been artist-in-residence at schools and universities across the United States and Europe, including the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Boston Conservatory, The New School, Columbia University, Haystack Mountain School of Arts & Crafts, James Madison University, Wellesley College, University of California at San Diego, Brooklyn Friends School, Amsterdam Conservatory and University of Gothenburg.
Schedule of Events
- November 6, 2016: Family Concert at Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School
- November 7, 8, 2016: Musicians' workshops with fifth grade students