Shinmyung Pae

The Poongmul Troupe

Shinmyung Pae performs the traditional music and dance of Korea. Playing on a variety of drums & gongs that are strapped on and carried, these mobile drummers dance, jump and march to the beat of the lead K'kwaenggari player, beating a succession of rhythms in a naturally flowing sequence, with overlapping yet complementary rhythms parading in and out. Solo sections briefly take center stage only to be engulfed once again into the collective drumming amidst shouts of joy and encouragement, all the while building in intensity to the exciting conclusion of the performance. This is the spirit of Poongmul - Korean folk drumming.

Poongmul is performed standing as well as sitting. The more traditional style known as PanKut is performed standing, allowing freedom of dance-like movements as the members move in circles, maneuver in spiralling formations and push & tug at each other in opposing lines. Shinmyung Pae's repertoire also includes pieces performed in the more contemporary sitting position often referred to as "samulnori"(or Anjunbahn) - a generic term derived from the group "SamulNori" who pioneered this style of performance. Also performed are Binari, a long narrative prayer/song that is used to call on good fortune; and Sol Changgo, a virtuoso piece in which the entire troupe performs on the Changgo (hourglass-shaped drum), progressing through 5 main rhythmic "movements" with numerous variations on the principal rhythms, producing a startling array of sounds and textures. The four main instruments used are the K'kwaenggari (small gong & lead instrument), Changgo (hourglass-shaped drum), Buk (barrel drum), and Jing (large gong).

Since its founding in 1990, Shinmyung Pae has received instruction from various teachers from Korea, including intensive master sessions with Kim DukSoo, founding member of the internationally renowned group SamulNori. Shinmyung Pae has performed at the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival at Prospect Park; the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, CT; the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival; Colleges & Universities; benefit performances including the multi-racial drumming benefit "The Rhythm is Ours," held at the Public Theater; as well as numerous local community events

As part of the community based organization, Center for Korean American Culture, Shinmyung Pae's mission is to promote a progressive awareness of Korean American culture, to engender pride in one's roots, and to build bridges between diverse communities through its music & dance. Like the farmers, villagers and other common people from whom this tradition originally developed, Shinmyung Pae uses this music to mark special occasions and to celebrate life through its program of performances & workshops.