There is at least one wonderful advantage to life in a large family like ours.

After years of practice and study, our children have started their own Thai orchestra.

And for the past two years in particular their skills have become quite impressive. Professors from Mahidol College of Music have been providing professional instruction on a wide range of traditional instruments - from the Ranat (something like a zither) to the Khong Wong Yai (a large semi-circular Gong-chime played like a vibraphone). The results have been outstanding.

The Mercy Orchestra performed last week at the “Rhythm of Earth” World Music Festival in Bangkok to a very enthusiastic audience. (Photo gallery here.)