The Goong Cla is made from a bamboo tube 40-60 centimeters long. It has two parts: the body and six strings stretched along the tube. A bamboo plant about five years old provides the best material, as it’s neither too old nor too young, and it should grow on a hill, because bamboo growing on low ground retains too much water to produce a clear sound. Experienced artisans choose bamboo with a smooth, thin outer shell.

“We select the right bamboo and lightly dry it before stretching the nylon strings. If it’s overdried, the strings break easily. If it’s underdried, the bamboo becomes prone to termites,” Artisan Dieu Liet of Dong Nai province, said.

Despite its simple structure and playing technique, mastering the Goong Cla to the point of being able to produce a beautiful, expressive sound requires patient, dedicated practice. 

“The sound of the bamboo instrument is very expressive, sometimes resembling a flute. It’s deeply moving. I often feel overwhelmed with emotion, sometimes even to the point of tears,” said a Cho Ro woman named Thi Loan.

The Cho Ro people esteem the Goong Cla because it’s made from bamboo, a plant close to their daily lives. The instrument appears at virtually every community event, but it’s primary use is to accompany lullabies. 

“We use it to lull the baby to sleep. There are many lullaby melodies. We sing whatever fits the situation,” said Thi Thanh of Dong Nai province.

The rapid evolution of technology and expanding cultural exchange have impacted traditional art forms like bamboo instrument music. 

“The Goong Cla has been nearly forgotten in the Cho Ro community. In Long Khanh city, only two people are able to make and play the instrument, and they only know a couple of songs,” said Dang Thanh Hieu, Head of the Ethnic Affairs Office in Long Khanh city, Dong Nai province.

To preserve this music genre, Dong Nai province has organized Goong Cla performances and classes where Goong Cla making and playing techniques are taught.

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