The Integrated Development Of The Chinese Bamboo Flute Against The Multicultural Landscape Of Singapore

Due to the complexity of immigration,Singapore is a multicultural country.In this contemporary era,Singapore presents a unique identity that reflects tradition and modernity,local diversity and a global perspective.As a third-generation Singaporean and a bamboo flute musician interested in the background of the local ethnic diversity and multiculturalism,this paper discusses the development of the Chinese bamboo flute,finding compatibility with other ethnic cultures(such as Chinese,Malay,and Indian)to meet the needs of modern Singaporean music culture and its identity in the future.With regards to this phenomenon,this study focuses on Chinese bamboo flute music as the research point,through case studies,interviews,and action research methods to discuss if Singapore has made its case to form integration of music cultures.This paper outlines several ways music practitioners have done so,their views towards this integration,and the various approaches this has been done.This paper also discusses the various impacts that this has caused.This research is divided into four chapters.The first chapter researches the macro multicultural environment of Singapore,discussing the influence of historical context and contemporary policies that affects the social landscapes of the country,at the same time examining the need to embark on a path towards a culturally harmonious society.The second chapter overviews the development of the Chinese bamboo flute in four regions-Chinese mainland,Chinese Taiwan,Chinese Hong Kong and Singapore,studying how the music has developed when out of the geographical region of China.The third chapter takes the Singapore Chinese Orchestra as a case study,by conducting interviews with the Music Director and Composer-in-Residence of the orchestra,discussing the orchestra’s experiment and experience practicing "Nanyang style”,which is their approach towards a confluence of Singapore’s cultures.The fourth chapter serves as the main body of this research,analysing the approach and techniques of Singaporean composers,as well as examining the activities that have been done to promote cultural diversity-what are the experiments that have been done;how has the bamboo flute been developed in the Singaporean context;how are Singaporeans accepting the changes in the music landscape?The uniqueness of this research lies in the perspective of a Singaporean context.Through the understanding of Singapore’s musicians,culture,as well as through the works and words of eminent practitioners,coupled with a study of how it contrasts with past developments of the Chinese bamboo flute,to finally forge a Singaporean identity.