Thai Music at Kent State (profile)

This profile describes the development of the Thai Music Ensemble at Kent State University, beginning with the arrival of Professor Kovit Kantasiri in 1978 and the acquisition of a full set of instruments the following year. The ensemble has performed both classical sepah-type compositions and folk music, while also facing challenges in tuning, instrument maintenance, and student turnover. Additions of Northeast Thai village instruments expanded their repertoire for festivals and workshops, making the group an important site of cultural exchange despite the absence of a permanent Thai director.