Vang Cha Thao teaches students how to play the khen.

Vang Cha Thao's life has been about music.

Vang Cha Thao was born in 1965. He grew up with the Hmong people's music and traditions.

The music and sounds were important to him and his community.

At 13, Vang Cha Thao learned to play the khen and sing folk songs from local artisans.

After 7 years, he mastered many instruments and learned many songs and dances.

Vang Cha Thao performs at festivals and events, sharing Hmong music with more people.

He helps keep his community's culture alive.

Vang Cha Thao collects and preserves Hmong cultural items.

He keeps khen, drums, and horns in his home as symbols of his family's heritage.

Vang Cha Thao believes culture must be taught and practiced, not just remembered.

He teaches at schools and community classes about khen, dances, and Hmong rituals.

He reminds students that culture will disappear if not learned and practiced.

Vang Cha Thao helped start an association to preserve traditional culture.

He researches and documents Hmong traditions.

Vang Cha Thao joined a team to study and advise on folk culture.

He wrote about the origins of the Hmong khen and other traditions.

His work helps document and preserve Hmong cultural heritage.

Vang Cha Thao is a respected leader in his community.

He encourages people to change some old practices that are not helpful.

He believes change starts with respected community members.

Vang Cha Thao persuaded others to adopt new practices first.

He explains why some rituals should be simpler at weddings and funerals.

Many families now have simpler weddings and funerals.

Vang Cha Thao talked to every family and clan about changing some traditions.

Many clans and villages have made changes to funerals and weddings.

Vang Cha Thao's work shows that one person can make a difference in preserving culture.

Vu Mung