Creative Music Arrangement as a Model for Creative Economy : Arranging the Song "Nong Mai Muang Khiao" DOI:

Abstract

This research article, Creative Music Arrangement as a Model for Creative Economy: Arranging the Song "Nong Mai Muang Khiao. presents partial results from the research project "Creating Economic Value from Cultural Capital: Upgrading the Quality of Surin Folk Songs through Harmonization for Orchestras," funded by the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Fund, fiscal year 2024. The objective is to describe the harmonization process of the song "Nong Mai Muang Khiao" by integrating folk melodies with Western music. The research was conducted in four stages: design, arrangement, analysis, and conclusion. The research tools included computer programs and semi-structured interviews. The target group consisted of 20 people, selected using the Snowball technique to narrow it down to a sample of 5 people for focus group discussions and verification of the theoretical analysis.

              "Nong Mai Muang Khiao" (2024) Melody and lyrics by Assistant Professor Pannarai Khamsopha, aimed at behavior modification and fostering unity among students. With a two-part structure (A & B) in D minor, the main melody begins with a European-style cheer drum rhythm blended with Cha-cha-cha and Disco elements, connecting to the folk melody "Ram Tang Wai" in a solo section and group clapping to evoke emotional engagement. The arrangement employs techniques such as Close/Open voicing, Drop 2 secondary dominant, substitution, chromatic movement, and guide tone, seamlessly integrating an ensemble of Northeastern Thai instruments.

              In terms of creating a creative economy using cultural capital, the researcher proposes an approach to enhancing the quality of folk songs based on conservation-oriented development and utilization. This involves integrating traditional identity with modern contexts through cultural synthesis and localization concepts, while providing opportunities for artists to collaborate within appropriate frameworks. Blending folk melodies with Western music while maintaining the original sound helps preserve cultural essence and increases listener accessibility. This can lead to career opportunities and performances, generating income for participating artists and elevating cultural value towards a sustainable creative economy.