Study of Chinese Music and Food Enhances Understanding

Students in the Chinese Intermediate 2 class at University School of Milwaukee were treated to a special guest on Monday, Oct. 14. Bing Yao visited the class, taught by Yongyan Liu, to play the erhu, which is a traditional Chinese musical instrument. She has been playing the instrument since she was 4 years old, and teaches it at the Milwaukee Community Center. She is often invited to perform at companies like Eaton, Rockwell, and Johnson Controls. “We had a great time with Bing,” said Liu. “She introduced the instrument to the students, played a few pieces, and they sang along with her.”

Liu also hosted a recent food demonstration for her students, where she taught them how to make a traditional Chinese food called fried dough. It’s a deep-fried, leavened dough with a slightly salty flavor and an airy, fluffy texture. It’s a common breakfast item for many Chinese families.  

Studying Chinese culture, food, and language reinforces one of USM’s guiding principles of inclusion. USM believes recognition of and respect for the diversity of backgrounds and experiences is fundamental to building a learning community where students learn to think broadly, critically, and independently.