KHMER FOLK MUSIC IN EXTRACURRICULAR MUSIC PROGRAMS: SOME OBSERVATIONS FROM LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOC TRANG PROVINCE

Abstract

From the survey data in 2026, the article analyses the current situation of organising Khmer folk song extracurricular activities for junior high school students in Soc Trang. The survey results show that students understand and actively participate even though the activity is mostly about cultural performances. In order to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Khmer folk song heritage, junior high schools in Soc Trang need to develop a music extracurricular program as a heritage education activity, with clear goals, content, methods, and coordination among teachers, folk artists, local communities, and social organizations.