Hlub Koj Lub Neej, Hlub Koj Tus Kheej (Love Your Life, Love Yourself) - Pao Cheng, Mai Yee & Lydia

Hi everyone,
I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I had the incredible opportunity to work on a Hmong song project with two remarkable students, Pao Cheng (a middle school student) and Lydia (a high school student), from January to May of this year. The MacPhail Center for Music generously funded this project. Together, we crafted a beautiful song and had the privilege of performing it at Park Center High School's 6th Annual End of Year Hmong Program showcase. I feel immensely proud and blessed to have been able to mentor the younger generation and contribute to the preservation of the Hmong language and culture through the art of songwriting and singing.
I kindly request your support in listening to, liking, and sharing our heartfelt message of resilience, self-love, and healing.
The success of this Hmong Song Project would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity and support of others. Therefore, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and give a massive shout-out to:
Pang Yang (Hmong Language Teacher, Community Leader & Educator) for reaching out to me and considering me for this Hmong song project with your students. You have provided me with the opportunity to utilize my passion for music to serve others. It means the world to me.
Pao Cheng and Lydia for stepping out of their comfort zones, challenging themselves to learn the art of songwriting, singing, and performing on stage.
MacPhail Center for Music for your incredible generosity in funding this project. Your support has eliminated numerous barriers, making it effortless for me to work with the students and create a profoundly meaningful song. Additionally, your accountability and creative influence have empowered my students to build confidence, courage, and sustain the Hmong language through music.
I would like to express my gratitude to Vin Lu for his patience and unwavering commitment to mentoring me in vocal studio recording. Due to my lack of consistency in releasing music and occasional forgetfulness in studio recording, his guidance has been invaluable.
Special thanks to Kristine Sorenson and "In Progress." My artistic journey of bringing my original music to life started with recording at In Progress! During this project, your non-profit organization provided accessible tools and space for me and my students to record our songs. It was truly a space of healing through collaboration and artistic creation.
‪@Keeneng‬ thank you for your kindness and willingness to make dreams come true for many artists, including myself, through your expertise in mixing and mastering our songs. Your support has been instrumental in helping both my students and me.
Caitlin and ‪@KevinPhoojywgXiong‬ I am immensely grateful for taking time out of your busy schedules to assist me with the harmonies. I couldn't have achieved it without your invaluable help!
A special mention to Lue Vang for providing my students and me with the opportunity to have professional photographs taken as artists.
Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my wonderful cousin, Doua Chee, who always makes time to help with my makeup for photoshoots and performances.
Once again, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support, encouragement, and contributions to this remarkable journey. Let's continue to cherish and uplift the Hmong language and culture through the power of music.

[@littleofeverythingpaul4566]

Great job Pao Cheng!! Song sounds amazing!!!!

[@NattyLy]

Love it!!!

[@NpaujPuvs]

❤❤❤❤

[@Jeksta28]

So Good ❤ zoo kaws li os

[@DiverZityVang]

They may be just kids but I see the creativity and beauty in this. Is that a mix black kid singing in Hmong cause he did a good job.

[@maiyeechang]

They are both brilliant students I mentored on learning and maintaining the Hmong language through songwriting and singing!

[@cheexiong1634]

❤👍👍