They are students of Ber Xiong, a master of the instrument that is an integral part of Hmong funerals. Four qeej are played at a funeral, he explained, and because services last two to three days, multiple musicians are needed. He said they are learning how to speak Hmong, how to communicate with their parents and family members, the importance of doing well in school and avoiding drugs.
Suelong Yang, 19, needs no convincing of the powerful effects of practicing native arts. He ticked off the benefits of playing the qeej. Respect from my parents and other people. Even at his young age, Yang has his own regrets about his involvement in the Hmong culture.
The disconnect between American Hmong youth and the older generation is problematic, said Houa Vang, executive director of the Merced Lao Family Community. When they learn things adults go to them and ask for help with funerals.
Kevin Lor, 16, is just learning to play the qeej. He got the idea to begin when he attended the funeral of a Merced High School freshman last year.
In the Hmong culture, only males play the instrument at services. Keeping our language is important, too. Merced High offers Hmong classes and Lor, a junior, is in his second year of study. The first year concentrates on language while the second focuses on Hmong history and culture. Xiong acknowledged that young men who are in gangs have come to the class. But when alarmed parents protested, he asked them to let him handle it in his own way.
